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Within Environmental Science & Policy and Urban Studies, there are many specializations, certifications, and graduate programs to explore. Check out more: 
Here is a site containing all of the Master’s programs in Urban Planning Degrees GIS Degree Master’s in Urban Planning Program List.

Tests

Most accredited Master's programs in Urban Planning (MURP) and Public Policy (MPP) have dropped the GRE requirement. However, it is often still required for PhD programs and some quantitative-heavy policy schools. A good testing strategy is to only take the GRE if required or strategically helpful, such as to offset a low GPA (check the programs you want first!)

Finding the right program

  • Clarify your path early! Decide if you are looking for a professional degree or an academic degree
    • Professional (Terminal):
      • MURP/MUP (Urban Planning), MPP (Public Policy), MEM (Environmental Management). These types of degrees are best for students who want to work in government, consulting, or non-profits (more information in the next section)
    • Academic:
      • PhD or a thesis-based MS. These are for students aiming for research, academia, or think-tank roles
  • Check Accreditation
    • For Urban Planning:
      • Look for the PAB (Planning Accreditation Board) accreditation. This will help you get AICP licensure later
    • For Public Policy:
      • Look for NASPAA accreditation to ensure curriculum quality in management and analysis
  • Assess "Studio" vs. "Thesis"
    • Studio-based programs: You work in teams to solve real-world client problems (common in Planning)
    • Thesis-based programs: You produce independent academic research (common in Environmental Science/Policy)

Common degrees and tracks

  • Master of Urban & Regional Planning (MURP/MUP):
    • Best for students who want to design cities, work in local government, or transportation agencies
    • Leads to American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) licensure
  • Master of Public Policy (MPP):
    • Best for students who want to analyze data, write legislation, or work for think tanks/non-profits
  • Master of Environmental Management/Science (MEM/MESM):
    • Best for ENSP students who want to be scientists or resource managers (e.g., coastal management, forestry, corporate sustainability)
  • Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy):
    • Best for careers in academia (professors) or high-level research

Build your experience

Technical tools and field application are greatly valued when applying to graduate school. Try to show proficiency in:

  • Spatial Analysis
    • ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, Carto
  • Design/Visualization (Very important if you are going into Planning)
    • Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), SketchUP, AutoCAD
  • Quantitative Policy Analysis
    • Stata, R, Python, Excel (Advanced)
  • Legal/Regulatory
    • Familiarity with CEQA/NEPA processes or Environmental Impact Reports (EIR)

If you are looking to work on these, check out the Geospatial Workshops offered through UCI Libraries or browse Udemy for relevant certifications!

Application Materials

  • Tailor your Statement of Purpose (SOP):
    • Professional SOPs should focus on problem-solving. Identify a specific urban or environmental issue (e.g, "gentrification in Santa Ana") and explain how the program's specific clinics or studios will teach you how to solve it
    • Mention specific capstone projects or client-based studies that the program offers that will help you with your goals
  • The Portfolio (For Planning/Design programs)
    • Many Urban Design or Planning programs require or recommend a digital portfolio
    • Include GIS, maps, site plans, photography, or visual data storytelling
    • If you don't have any visual work, you can submit a "Policy Memo" or a professional writing sample that demonstrates concise, actionable analysis that would be similar to the types of writing you will do in your graduate program
  • Personal History/Diversity Statement
    • This is often optional, but you can use it to connect lived experience to policy impacts. You can mention how your background influenced your view on equity in housing, transportation access, environmental justice, etc.
  • Letters of recommendation
    • Mix academic and professional letter writers
      • Academic degrees typically prefer three professors as letter writers. However, professional programs value a letter from an internship supervisor. Ideally, for these programs, shoot for two professors who could vouch for your writing/stats ability and one professional supervisor who could vouch for your work ethic and teamwork
    • Request 6-8 letters weeks in advance. Provide your resume, SOP draft, and a bulleted list of what you contributed to their class/lab/organization

Make your application stand out

  • Reach out to "Practitioners-in-Residence"
    • Many programs have faculty who are working professionals (not tenure-track professionals). Emailing them to ask about the transition from grad school to the workforce can give you good insight and demonstrate your goals
  • Visit open houses
    • Planning/Policy schools often track interest. Attending a webinar or visiting the campus can sometimes waive application fees and signal a strong interest
  • Highlight civic engagement
    • Admissions committees love to see that you haven't just studied the environment/city but participated in it. Highlight any volunteer work, especially with local planning commissions, beach cleanups, or advocacy groups

Funding and Offers

  • Professional degrees are rarely fully funded, so be realistic about cost expectations
  • Look for "GSR" and "TA" roles
    • You can often get tuition remission by working as a Teaching Assistant or Graduate Student Researcher, even if it's not guaranteed in your offer letter. Ask current students how easy it is to find these jobs
  • Don't be discouraged! There are plenty of external funding sources, such as fellowships that UPPP/ENSP students are specifically eligible for. Do your research, and apply for funding wherever possible