Coursework
The Program curriculum gives students both a broad understanding of the urban and regional environment and a foundation of skills needed to plan for this environment. The Program strives for a careful balance between the theoretical, historical, and conceptual knowledge about urban and regional development on the one hand, and the acquisition of practical skills and methods of analysis on the other.
Students move through core courses, specializations, internships, and a thesis or applied research paper. Elective courses allow students to further specialize in an area of interest. The core is designed to impart basic knowledge applicable to wide sectors of planning. Through applied studio courses, the Program provides students with the opportunity to exercise both their knowledge and skill in situations ranging from large city neighborhoods to moderately sized cities and small towns.
In the specialization coursework and the internship, the student develops skills focused on a particular aspect of city and regional planning. Finally, a thesis or applied research paper provides an opportunity for focused study in the student's major area of specialization.
Matriculation towards an MCRP degree requires 55 semester hours of successfully completed course and research work. This work is usually completed in two academic years.
In addition to the core and specialization areas, the curriculum includes 15 semester hours of electives. These electives can be used to deepen the student's knowledge in a specialization or to broaden exposure to additional areas of planning.
Students may take electives within the Program, within the College of Architecture, in other schools and departments at Georgia Tech (e.g. Civil Engineering, Public Policy, Information Systems, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences) or at other area universities such as Georgia State or Emory University. Through the cross-registration system, students are allowed to enroll in a liberal number of courses that are not offered at Georgia Tech.
Core courses
A total of seven courses, amounting to 24 semester hours of credit, constitute the core curriculum. These courses, which are taken by all students, are of four types:
Planning Process and Theory (7 semester hours)
Theory and History of Planning (CP 6012). Historical and contemporary analysis of modes of planning thought. Application of planning theory to planning practice, especially around issues of comprehensiveness, citizen participation, differing conceptions of the public interest, and professionalism.
Growth Management Law and Implementation (CP 6016). Provides a solid foundation in the principles of land use planning and plan implementation, offering the theoretical underpinnings and evaluation techniques of growth management. Also provides an appreciation for the legal system and governance in the United States.
Planning Analysis (8 semester hours)
Computer and Quantitative Methods (CP 6019). This course introduces the theories and concepts of urban and regional development and the importance of spatial phenomena in urban and regional planning. Emphasis is placed on basic techniques for analyzing economic and demographic bases of regional growth and change.
Advanced Planning Methods (CP 6023). This course emphasizes the development of practical analytical skills essential to understand quantitative arguments found in the literature. Specific emphasis is placed on the ability to understand the logic (or lack thereof) of statistical tests, research design, sampling techniques, application to planning problems, and the valid interpretation of results.
Urban and Regional Theory and Methods (3 semester hours)
Economic Analysis for Planning (CP 6031). This course takes a public sector look at economic analysis of planning concerns such as the environment, public systems, housing, economic development, and urban and regional form.
Professional Practice and Field Work (6 semester hours)
Introduction to Fields of Study in Planning (CP 6002). A brief overview of planning practice, with specific emphasis on helping students make intelligent choices about fields of study and specializations. The course is an integral part of the student advisory system.
Applied Planning Studio (CP 6052). Analysis and preparation of alternatives for an existing neighborhood, community, or region. The course involves students interacting directly with a client and citizens through site visits and discussion of issues and plans with planners, residents, and politicians.
Specialization and elective courses
CP 6112 - Introduction to Land Use Planning
CP 6122 - Land Use Planning Methods
CP 6214 - Environmental Planning and Impact Assessment
CP 6223 - Policy Tools for Environmental Management
CP 6233 - Sustainable Urban Development
CP 6241 - Water Resources Planning
CP 6250 - Hazardous Waste Planning and Management
CP 6261 - Environmental Law
CP 6311 - Introduction to Transportation Planning
CP 6321 - Transportation Planning Methods and Investment Decisions
CP 6331 - Land Use-Transportation Interaction
CP 6341 - Urban Design and Non-Motorized Accessibility
CP 6351 - Transportation and Economic Development
CP 6361 - Regional Transportation Planning and Administration
CP 6412 - Foundations of Local Economic Development Planning and Policy
CP 6422 - Economic Development Analysis and Practice
CP 6432 - Industrial Restructuring and Its Planning Implications
CP 6442 - Equity, Social Justice, and Economic Development
CP 6452 - Urban Development Policy
CP 6514 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
CP 6521 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems
CP 6531 - Introduction to Remote Sensing
CP 6541 - Environmental Analysis Using GIS
CP 6551 - Spatial Analysis of Socioeconomic Data
CP 6561 - Geodemographics: Data Sources and Methods
CP 6611 - Principles of Real Estate Finance and Development
CP 6621 - Real Estate Market Research
CP 6630 - Government and Housing Markets
CP 6640 - Applied Real Estate Methods
CP 6760 - Negotiation, Facilitation, and Conflict Management
CP 6832 - Introduction to Urban Design
CP 6834 - Urban Design Policy: Analysis and Implementation
CP 6811 - Negotiation, Facilitation, and Conflict Management
CP 6815 - Cinema City
CP 6821 - Basic Methods of Policy Analysis and Planning
CP 6825 - Public Sector Finance and Budgeting
CP 6831 - Urban Growth and Infrastructure Systems
CP 8823 - Urban Environmental Planning and Design