MURP Admissions

Thank you for your interest in the MURP program!
Applications for Fall 2027 open September 1, 2026.

Attend a MURP Program Information Session:

November 12, 2026, 5:30pm (in person): Register Here!
December 17, 2026, 5:30pm (online): Register Here!
View the slide deck from a past information session.

Contact the MURP Program

Email: murpadm@pdx.edu
Phone: 503-725-2872
Schedule an Admissions Appointment

You can also schedule a one-on-one chat with the MURP Director and we can help you arrange a campus visit and to sit in on a MURP class.

Take the next step

Fall 2027 Application Deadlines

The MURP program admits students for Fall term only.

We have several rounds of application review. You are welcome to apply for any of them, but only applications received by the priority deadline are considered for the Portland Planning Diversity Award and other Toulan School financial support. Deadlines for other scholarships and funding support vary.

Supplemental materials (i.e., transcripts, letters of recommendation) for all rounds are due one week after the deadlines below. Applications not complete at that time will be moved to the next round.

Round 1: Priority Admissions Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2027 (11:59 pm Pacific Time)
Round 2: Friday, March 26, 2027 (11:59 pm Pacific Time)
Round 3: Friday, May 28, 2027 (11:59 pm Pacific Time)

Applicants who apply by the priority deadline can expect a decision in mid-late March. Applicants who apply in subsequent rounds can expect a decision about a month after that round’s application deadline.

Note: Students interested in participating in PSU's Research and Education for Cascading Hazards And Resilient Group Engagement National Research Traineeship (RECHARGE NRT, separate application required) should apply to the MURP program as early as possible. RECHARGE NRT focuses on the causes, consequences of, and community responses to cascading natural hazards. Students accepted into the RECHARGE NRT program are eligible for one calendar year of funding.

Begin your application

Application Requirements

Conferred undergraduate degree from an accredited or government-recognized university, or expected conferral of an undergraduate degree before September 1, 2026.
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all undergraduate courses, or 3.0 in all graduate credits earned at accredited institutions.
Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. Unofficial transcripts are fine. If admitted, you will be required to submit official transcripts to the Graduate School for GPA and degree conferral verification.. Please visit the Graduate School for more information on submitting transcripts.
Statement of Purpose: In 1000 words or less, discuss your motivation for pursuing a graduate planning education, in general and at Portland State specifically. Why is the PSU MURP program a good fit for helping you achieve your future professional goals?
Statement of Contribution to School: In 500 words or less, explain how your personal, academic, and professional experiences and/or pursuits will contribute to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the MURP program and the planning profession.
3 Letters of Recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic or professional background, ideally from individuals who have supervised you in some capacity. Letter writers submit their recommendations through the online application system. Once you have entered their details, a request to complete the recommendation will be emailed to your letter writer automatically.
Resume or CV: A current resume or CV listing work and educational background.
Proof of English Language Proficiency: International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency in one of the ways outlined on the Graduate School’s English Language Proficiency page.

GRE scores are no longer required or considered in the review process

Application Fees

A non-refundable $65 application fee and $2 processing fee is required to successfully complete the Portland State University graduate application. Fee waivers are available for those who are eligible; see here for more information.