Doctoral Degree Requirements

Students take a total of 60 credits. Of these, 12 will be waived for those with a master’s degree from a planning-related discipline or an MRP from a non-PAB accredited institution. 17 credits will be waived for those with a PAB accredited master’s degree. Students are also allowed to register for up to 18 credits of dissertation coursework, which is for independent work on their research. Thus, most students will take 25 to 30 active course credits.

Students are required to take Planning History and Theory (RP 651 or equilvalent), Seminar in Advanced Planning Theory (RP 891), Research Issues (RP 635 or equivalent), and the Ph.D. workshop (RP 892D).  In addition, students must take three elective courses with an RP designation, and three courses in advanced analytical methods (one quantitative, one qualitative, and one choice).  Although not required, we encourage students to use elective coursework to build their pedagogical and other professional research skills. The final choice of classes is made in consultation with the committee chair and the graduate program director to assure the student is fully prepared for a long-term career in research and scholarship. 

A comprehensive examination is required after completing the course requirements. It consists of written and oral examinations on planning history and theory, the student’s substantive area, and research methods. A defense of the student’s dissertation proposal is also required.

The dissertation must be a major contribution to new knowledge and relevant to the field of planning research.