Urban and Regional Planning PhD

The Urban and Regional Planning PhD program, designed to nurture distinguished scholars and researchers, offers research and learning opportunities encompassing the field of urban and regional planning. Examples of some research areas where the program offers special capability, international distinction and emphasis, include: declining cities and distressed urban communities; health, food systems, human abilities and environment; built environments and environmental change; disasters and extreme events; and advanced technology, information systems and methods in planning.

Curriculum

At all stages of the program, students will work closely with a faculty advisor to tailor their course of study to their research interests. Students will be advised and encouraged to prepare manuscripts for publication while in the program as well as present their work in the doctoral research seminar and at national and international conferences.

Other UB departments where doctoral students may take courses include but are not limited to Anthropology, Architecture, Biostatistics, Education, Economics, Geography, Public Health, and Sociology. A list of potential courses available for each stream within the department and university is available from the Doctoral Program Director. All courses must be approved by each student’s advisor and Doctoral Program Director.

Doctoral students must satisfy a teaching requirement which entails completion of a teaching internship such as a teaching assistantship for a course. Under certain circumstances, students may show equivalent pedagogical work such as prior teaching experience, or, completed prior training or a degree in education.

Basic Courses (24 credits)

Core and elective courses include those that would typically count toward a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning program (18 core and 6 electives). Students with a prior urban planning degree may be permitted to transfer basic credits from another program or another university toward the basic course credits in the doctoral program.

URP 501SEM - Evolution of Urban Structures Credits: 3
URP 508SEM - Race, Class, Gender and the City Credits: 3
URP 510LEC - Plng Concepts & Controver Credits: 3
URP 512LLB - Research Methods in Plng Credits: 3
URP 538SEM - Economic Concepts and Contexts for Planning Credits: 3
URP 573SEM - Environmental Land Use and Physical Planning Credits: 3
Two additional URP or other 5xx courses

Theory Stream (6 credits)

Students are required to take a minimum of two theory courses:

URP 616SEM - Advanced Planning Theories Credits: 3
One additional theory course (not including URPPD 510, URPPD 538, or any courses taken as part of the basic courses.)

Methods Stream (9 credits)

URP 617SEM - Urban Planng Resrch Design Credits: 3
URP 675SEM - Special Topics Credits: 3
URP 676SEM - Special Topics Credits: 3

Content Stream (15 Credits)

Students will take at least five courses in the student’s selected content area (not including course work completed as part of basic coursework).

Minor Stream (6 credits)

Students will take at least two courses in a related minor field of study outside of the planning discipline.

Doctoral Seminar (3 credits)

Students will participate in a doctoral seminar to present their own research as well as learn about latest research from faculty and scholars from within and outside of UB. In addition, students complete nine credits of directed research related to their dissertation. Prior to beginning work on their dissertation, students are expected to complete a qualifying paper and defend their dissertation proposal. Students must complete the qualifying exams by the end of the second year of enrollment in the program.

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1) General and Specialized Knowledge of Theory: Knowledgeable and conversant in urban planning theories and in the general field of planning and their relevant specialization.

2) Content and Minor Area: Knowledgeable and conversant in a content area and minor area specific to the students intended doctoral dissertation research.

3) Independent Research Skills: Ability to apply relevant quantitative and qualitative research methods, data sources and analytical techniques the students intended doctoral dissertation research.

4) Manuscript Preparation Skills: Ability to undertake and disseminate original and independent research that leads to the development of new knowledge in the field of urban and regional planning.

5) Preparation for academic teaching positions: Students will be prepared for tenure track teaching positions in accredited urban planning programs nationally.

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).