Urban and Regional Planning

Capstone Projects

In your capstone course, you’ll tackle real urban planning issues through partnerships with leading Central Florida agencies and community organizations. These projects place you at the heart of city and regional development, providing direct experience with stakeholders shaping the region’s future. Our collaborators include major players like the City of Orlando, Orange County government, and Orange County Public Schools, as well as municipalities such as Apopka, Casselberry, Cocoa, Haines City, and Lake Helen.

You’ll also engage with neighborhood-focused groups like the Parramore Community Engagement Council, addressing grassroots concerns and helping to revitalize local communities. These partnerships give you a unique opportunity to apply classroom theories to practical challenges—whether that’s designing safer sidewalks, enhancing public spaces or supporting neighborhood growth.

Beyond hands-on learning, this immersive experience is a powerful springboard for your planning career. By working directly with local agencies and community leaders, you build a professional network and a portfolio of real projects that impress employers and open doors to rewarding urban planning roles.

View Past Capstone Projects

APA Florida Conference Access

As a master’s student in Urban and Regional Planning, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to the American Planning Association Florida Chapter Annual Conference in Jacksonville. Sponsored opportunities allow you to network with top planners, attend cutting-edge sessions, and showcase your skills alongside professionals and peers. This valuable experience enhances your education and connects you to Florida’s planning community — giving you a strong advantage as you pursue careers like city planner.

Mentoring an Urban Knight

Exclusively for master’s students in the Urban and Regional Planning program, the Mentoring an Urban Knight program connects you one-on-one with experienced planning professionals from a diverse range of Central Florida organizations. Past and current mentors include leaders from Orange County government, the City of Orlando, MetroPlan Orlando, and firms like VHB and WGI.

These seasoned professionals share valuable insights from their careers, offering tailored advice to help you navigate your academic journey and prepare for the urban planning workforce. This personalized mentorship strengthens your network, deepens your understanding of planning challenges and enhances your readiness for roles like city planner or economic development specialist.

By participating in Mentoring an Urban Knight, you’ll build meaningful relationships that open job opportunities and lasting connections in Florida’s active planning community.

Want to help shape the next generation of planners? Join us as a mentor and make an impact!

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Advisory Board

One of the biggest advantages of our PAB-accredited Urban and Regional Planning program is a powerhouse Advisory Board comprised of 15 Central Florida pros who live and breathe city building. Led by voices like former City of Orlando Planning Director Dean Grandin, the board keeps our courses on point, from digital visualization to transportation design, so you’re tackling the same housing and traffic challenges planners face every day.

Our active board rolls up their sleeves, partnering on capstone projects, hosting mentorship sessions and guiding program strategy. Thanks to their support, more than 90 percent of our master’s graduates land planning jobs within one year of graduation, stepping straight into roles like City Planner and Transportation Analyst.