Master of City and Regional Planning
WHAT YOU’LL STUDY
The MCRP program taps the diverse resources of other planningrelated departments in the University such as architecture, landscape architecture, economics, political science, civil engineering, industrial management, sociology, environmental and transportation engineering and construction science and management. Several studios and courses focus specifically on an interdisciplinary approach to planning and land development with students from several departments and colleges.
The program emphasizes sustainable land development applying appropriate technology and recognizing the balance of physical, economic, financial, social and policy dimensions of planning. While the curriculum covers theory and policy issues, the principal focus emphasizes the applied skills that students will need to enter the job market as professional planners and to evolve as leaders in the field. Classes use real-world situations for analysis and for the application of planning skills.
The primary mission of the Master of City and Regional Planning Program is to serve the local, state, regional, national and global environment by integrating theory and practice in dealing with challenges of community growth and change in an increasingly diverse society by engaging in research and service activities that address critical planning issues.
POINTS OF PRIDE
• As the only graduate planning program in South Carolina, the program plays a pivotal role in the development of the planning profession in the state and region.
• MCRP is an accredited planning degree program, accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB), that has been teaching graduate planning classes for over 50 years.
• In 2023, 100% of the 2nd-year class worked in a paid internship (PSAs) that covered tuition and provided a modest monthly stipend.
• The MCRP program typically has annual classes of approximately 15-20 students providing the opportunity for extensive faculty involvement in teaching, research and public service.
• The MCRP program is home to Planning Students of Clemson (PSOC), a student American Planning Association chapter that provides planning students with the opportunity to learn from one another and network with alumni.
“The first time I met the MCRP staff and professors, I knew I would continue my academic journey here at Clemson. The MCRP program is a small family and as an international student myself, this is very important to me to know I have the support both from my program and my classmates. Our professors, who specialized in different aspects of planning, encourage a variety of mentorship and professional opportunities.”
Guadalupe Franchi MCRP ‘23
Clemson University
“The MCRP program has paved the road of opportunity for me in the important field of city and regional planning. The professors are all so supportive and truly make me feel valued as a student. I am grateful to learn from seasoned professionals, and I appreciate the knowledge they have shared..”
Haley Howell MCRP ‘25
Clemson University
CURRICULUM
A total of 48 credit hours are required for the masters’ degree in City and Regional Planning.
The two-year program contains a 27-credit core curriculum. The core curriculum includes planning and substantive theory, analytical methods, implementation techniques and applications.
The program also calls for 18 credits of elective courses in addition to 3-credits for a terminal project or thesis. Electives allow the student to develop further expertise.
Upon the completion of coursework, an oral examination is required to present and defend the results of their terminal project or thesis.
CRP IN THE COMMUNITY
Clemson University and the MCRP Program played a big part in contributing to the Reedy River Project in Greenville, SC.
Each year, MCRP students take a Professional Studio course, in which they participate in realworld planning projects in the local communities including Clemson, Anderson and Spartanburg. Below are some of the recent projects the students experienced:
• City of Greenville
• Newry Historic Mill Village (2020)
• Nichols Community Planning, Next Steps (2019)
• Lamar Community Planning, Next Steps (2018)
• City of Clemson: Cadillac Heights Neighborhood (2018)
• Greater Sullivan Neighborhood Visioning Plan Inventory (2015)
• Pleasant Valley Visioning Plan (2015)
• Upstate Comprehensive Plan Analysis (2014)
In addition, some of our students conduct research locally for their final terminal project or thesis. Recent titles of those projects include, but are not limited to:
• “Mitigating Sprawl and Creating a Compact, Pedestrian Friendly Environment Along Woodruff Road.”
• “The Runway Trail—A Multi-Use Trail Encircling the Greenville Downtown Airport in Greenville, South Carolina.”
Contact Us
We hope you’ll consider the excellent opportunites available to you with a degree from Clemson University’s School of Architecture. If you’d like additional information, please contact the program director for the degree you are interested in:
Master of City and Regional Planning Email: mcrp@clemson.edu
