University of Maryland, College Park

PhD in Urban and Regional Planning and Design (URPD)

College Park, United States Taught in English Open to international students

Why students choose this program

  • Taught in English
  • Applications currently open

About PhD in Urban and Regional Planning and Design (URPD)

Applications for the Aug 2027 intake are open until Mar 15, 2027, and tuition comes to 36,100 USD per year.

The PhD in Urban and Regional Planning and Design is for students who want a doctoral degree in planning and design. It's a PhD program that takes several years to complete and is taught in English. The main advantage is that students get to study at the University of Maryland, College Park.

The curriculum includes subjects like urban planning, regional development, and design principles. Students develop skills in data analysis, policy making, and community engagement. They also get to work on hands-on projects like urban planning projects and design studios.

Graduates can become urban planners, transportation managers, or community development managers. They can work in industries like government, consulting, and non-profit. Some possible job titles are city planner, urban designer, or policy analyst.

About University of Maryland, College Park

The University of Maryland, College Park is a large, research-intensive public university that combines rigorous academics with abundant opportunities for internships and industry collaboration. Located near Washington, D.C., UMD offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs across fields such as engineering, business, public policy, arts and sciences. The campus fosters innovation through interdisciplinary research centers and strong ties to government and private-sector partners.

UMD supports international students with comprehensive services that include orientation, academic advising, career counseling and language assistance. Students can engage in cutting-edge research alongside faculty, participate in student organizations and access a wide range of experiential learning options. The university’s emphasis on entrepreneurship, sustainability and technology provides practical pathways to professional development and real-world impact.

Proximity to the nation’s capital expands internship and networking possibilities, while active student life and numerous clubs help build community. UMD’s combination of academic excellence, research opportunities and strategic location makes it an attractive choice for students seeking a rigorous education with strong career prospects and global connections.

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 5.5-6.0. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

Duolingo

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85–95

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TOEFL iBT
46–59
PTE Academic
42–49
CEFR level
B1/B2
Convert your own score

Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

PhD in Urban and Regional Planning and Design (URPD): Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees for PhD in Urban and Regional Planning and Design (URPD)?
Tuition: USD 36,100 per year. Application fee: USD 80. Service fee: USD 100.
What are the entry requirements for PhD in Urban and Regional Planning and Design (URPD)?
Entry requirements include: Education: Bachelor's Degree; Academic performance: Grade B-A (60-70%, GPA 2.5-3); English: IELTS 5.5-6.0; Age: 18-40.
How long is the PhD in Urban and Regional Planning and Design (URPD) program?
The program duration is 5 year.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 2027-03-15.
Is PhD in Urban and Regional Planning and Design (URPD) available online?
This is an on-campus program at University of Maryland, College Park in College Park.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

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