The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, in cooperation with
the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Environmental and Biological
Sciences at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, offers a joint program that enables students to earn the bachelor of
arts or science (B.A. or B.S.) and master of city and regional planning
(M.C.R.P.) degrees in five years of full-time enrollment rather than the normal
six. This (3-1-1) five-year program gives exemplary students the opportunity to
complete their liberal arts education while preparing for a career in urban planning
and policy development.
During
the first three years of their undergraduate education, students will complete
most of their major and general studies requirements. They may apply for
admission to the joint program in February of their junior year. Admitted
students will be allowed to take up to 18 graduate credits in the urban
planning and policy development program over the course of their senior year of
undergraduate study. The graduate credits will be applied toward both degrees.
Upon completion of the B.A. or B.S. degree, students will automatically
matriculate into the graduate program with advanced standing.
In
the summer after graduation, students must participate in an internship
experience for credit at a public agency, nonprofit organization, or private
firm working on planning issues. Students receive 3 graduate credits for
the internship. During their fifth year, students will complete their graduate
studies and, upon fulfilling all requirements, receive the M.C.R.P. degree.
Advantages
of the Five-Year Program
The program is structured so that students can complete both the undergraduate major and professional graduate degree courses to earn both a bachelor's degree and an M.C.R.P. in five years. During
their senior year, students receive the benefit of undergraduate tuition rates
while taking graduate courses, thus reducing the cost of the two degrees.
Graduates of the urban planning and policy development program work in important and varied positions in the
fields of planning, including for city and town planning departments, in federal and state executive agencies, for nonprofit and advocacy organizations, and in many private consultant, engineering, and architecture firms. All sectors of the workforce are represented by planners.
Admission
The joint program is competitive and highly selective. Successful applicants for admission will have a GPA of 3.5 or more, exceptional GRE scores, a dedication to public service, and outstanding recommendations. Interested students who fulfill the above qualifications should contact the Office of Student and Academic Services at 848-932-4008 or email recruit@policy.rutgers.edu.
Application to the program must be completed by February 1
of the student's junior year. An application needs to contain transcripts, three letters
of recommendation, a statement of purpose, GRE scores, résumé, and a letter from the student's academic adviser at the undergraduate college authorizing the application. The statement of purpose should indicate that the student is applying to the joint B.A. or B.S./M.C.R.P. program. Admission is subjective and requires review by
several faculty members. Until this review takes place, an admissions decision
should not be concluded nor assumed.
Each 3-1-1 student develops a customized study plan for their senior and fifth-year. This study plan must be approved by the UPPD program director and Student Services assistant dean.
Concentrations
Students
will select electives from the graduate course concentrations in the urban planning program. See concentrations page in this catalog.
The
most current program information may be found at the Bloustein School website.
