Transform cities and shape communities with UCF’s Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning, a Planning Accreditation Board-accredited program based at UCF Downtown. With flexible evening classes, the program is designed for working professionals and early-career students, with classes available in-person, online, or mixed-mode.

Go beyond the classroom with hands-on learning experiences like a capstone project for partners such as the City of Orlando or Orange County. Connect with leading professionals through our exclusive mentorship program, with mentors from agencies like MetroPlan Orlando and firms like GAI Consultants. Graduate students also gain access to the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association’s annual conference—an incredible opportunity to network and explore emerging trends.

From transportation planning to AI-driven urban analytics, you’ll build the skills to lead in high-demand roles like City Planner, Transportation Analyst, or Urban Designer. With a 90%+ job placement rate, you’ll graduate career-ready to drive impact where it matters most.

Possible Careers

  • City Planner
  • Urban Designer
  • Transportation Planner
  • Economic Development Director
  • Sustainability Consultant

PAB Accredited and AICP Exam Eligible

90%+

Job Placement Within One Year of Graduation

100%

of In-Person Classes at UCF Downtown

15+

Partner Organizations Provide Student Mentors

Location

Enjoy evening classes at UCF Downtown, the heart of Orlando’s government and nonprofit corridor. Our downtown campus places you steps away from the agencies, firms and organizations shaping Central Florida’s future. This prime location unlocks hands-on opportunities like site visits, guest speakers, internships and community-driven capstone projects. Whether you’re collaborating with city planners or attending professional events just blocks away, UCF Downtown connects your education directly to the pulse of the region’s planning industry.

Internships

Boost your planning experience with an optional internship through UCF’s Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning. This 300-hour elective course gives you the chance to work directly with top planning agencies and firms across Central Florida, turning classroom knowledge into hands-on impact.

From transportation and housing to environmental policy, you’ll get to work on real-world projects that build your skills and expand your network. With guidance from your advisor and resources like the Handshake platform, you can find an internship that aligns with your career goals.

Certifications

As a graduate of UCF’s Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning, you’ll be eligible to sit for the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) exam immediately after graduation. This nationally recognized credential demonstrates your professional expertise and opens doors to advanced career opportunities in the planning field.

Learn more about the AICP exam and eligibility requirements on the APA website.

Accreditation 

UCF’s Urban and Regional Planning program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board, which promotes excellence among planning programs and ensures high-quality education for future urban planners. This gold-standard accreditation reflects a commitment to quality, accountability and relevance. For you, that means confidence in your credential.

To maintain transparency and meet Planning Accreditation Board requirements, we’ve included key metrics about the Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning program below.

Planning Accreditation Board logo

Student Achievement
The urban and regional planning program assesses student achievement based on five indicators from the 2023-2024 Graduating Graduate Student Survey. The goals are for 80 percent of students completing the survey to indicate “strongly agree” or “agree.”