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Ph.D. Degree Program

The doctoral program in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning educates scholars to teach and conduct research concerned with urban and regional systems, planned change, and the enhancement of the ability of society to deal effectively with the future. Applicants are expected to possess aptitude for contributing to knowledge in such areas and to seek subsequent employment as researchers and/or teachers in universities, research organizations and public service.

Why is Florida State a Strong Choice for Urban Planning Doctoral Study?

Energetic, professionally-engaged faculty, recognized internationally for outstanding research and professional accomplishments, ranks fourth in publications and fifth in citations among urban planning faculties in the thirteen southern states. (See Bruce Stiftel, Deden Rukmana, and Bhuiyan Alam’s JPER article on planning faculty publication levels at Sage Publications Online)
Low student faculty ratio of 1.3:1 enables close collaboration in research and teaching between students and faculty.
77% of graduates placed in universities (1995-2004). (View information on PhD Student Placement)
Among the program’s 43 graduates are 4 deans, 1 school head, 3 department chairs, 1 program director, 1 distinguished professor, and 1 member of the AICP College of Fellows. (View information on PhD Alumni page)
Location in high-growth state with long record of innovative planning programs.

To Learn More

Doctoral study is post-master’s and requires three years of coursework and research. See the Program Description.
Financial aid opportunities are many and varied. See the list of Departmental Financial Aid.
To apply you need to submit your application by 15 January (for Fall) or by 15 September (for Spring). See information on the Admissions Process.
To view a list of program alumni, visit the PhD Alumni page.