The Community, Urban Studies and Planning Bachelor’s + Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) B+M is a joint degree program that allows undergraduate students in the Community Urban Studies & Planning (CUSP) program to take credits that count towards both their BA/BS degree and the Masters in Urban & Regional Planning (MURP). This program creates an accelerated pathway to complete a Bachelor's degree while starting coursework for the professional Master's degree/MURP program. Students currently enrolled in the CUSP degree may be admitted directly into the MURP program and share up to 20 credits of graduate-level coursework.
Note that this is not a 4+1 program. The B+M is not designed to allow for completion of the MURP in one year.
Advantages of the B + M
- Save Money: The total cost is lower because you pay tuition at the undergraduate rate and can count up to 20 credits for both programs.
- Save Time: This is a head start into the MURP, meaning fewer total classes and faster completion of your degree.
- Remove Grad School Uncertainty: You know if you have been admitted while still working on your BA/BS.
- Explore Career Path: It's a great way to get to know the program and check if this is the right career path for you.
How it Works
- While completing your CUSP degree, you apply and are admitted to the MURP program.
- You take 500-level classes that count as coursework for both the CUSP & MURP programs.
- Up to 20 credit hours of classes will count towards both your CUSP & MURP degrees.
- You meet the requirements of both degree programs, graduate in CUSP, and then continue on to complete MURP.
Timeline
You can apply for the B+M in your junior year. Applications are suggested in Winter term, but are accepted on a rolling basis until Winter of your senior year. In order to take 500-level courses, you should have applied to the B+M.
If you are unsure, please contact your undergraduate advisor.
Admissions
Who is Eligible?
- Declared CUSP majors with junior or senior standing.
- Completion of UNST 220 or USP 385U, USP 300U, & USP 311U.
- 3.5 GPA for USP courses, 3.3 overall GPA.
- The graduate school at PSU has set these benchmarks. USP does consider students with lower GPAs on a case by case basis. Please address why you should be considered if you do not meet this requirement.
- Note: students are expected to maintain an institutional undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher and earn a B grade or higher in graduate courses for sharded credit.
- Strongly recommended: Some experience in planning-related or community/volunteer work related to planning, urban issues, and/or community development.
- All undergraduate requirements must be met by August 31st of the year you intend to being your MURP degree. MURP admissions on admit for fall start.
How to Apply?
- Complete the Graduate School Application, including:
- Personal Statement
- Unofficial PSU transcript
- Letters of Recommendation