personal statement for urban studies

Urban Planning Personal Statement Examples

• 1 Personal Statement Example Links
• 2 Career Opportunities
• 3 UK Earnings Potential For Urban Planners
• 4 Similar Courses in UK
• 5 UK Curriculum
• 6 Notable Alumni in Urban Planning

Personal Statement Example Links

• Personal Statement Example 1
• Personal Statement Example 2
• Personal Statement Example 3
• Personal Statement Example 4

Ever been fascinated by the intricacies of designing and managing urban spaces? Inspired by the idea of shaping the future of cities, creating sustainable and liveable environments?

If so, a degree in Urban Planning could be your ideal journey. This multidisciplinary field equips you with the knowledge and skills to understand urban growth, plan for its impacts, and design urban spaces that enhance community and environmental wellbeing.

This exciting profession offers the unique opportunity to shape the future of cities and communities across the UK.

Urban planners work collaboratively with architects, engineers, and local authorities to create sustainable and vibrant urban spaces that cater to the diverse needs of their residents.

By pursuing a degree in urban planning or a related field, you’ll develop essential skills in spatial analysis, policy development, and problem-solving. As an urban planner, you’ll have a direct impact on the lives of millions, from designing public spaces and transport networks to ensuring access to essential services and green spaces.

If you’re passionate about making a difference and have a keen interest in creating liveable, inclusive, and environmentally conscious cities, a career in urban planning could be the perfect fit for you.

👍 When writing a personal statement : Highlight your passion for the course, demonstrating your understanding of it. Use relevant personal experiences, coursework, or work history to showcase how these have fostered your interest and readiness for the course.

Career Opportunities

A degree in urban planning can lead to a variety of different career opportunities. Those with a degree in urban planning can pursue careers in government, private industry, and nonprofit organizations.

In government, urban planners can work for local, state, and federal agencies. These jobs may involve developing and implementing plans for urban development, zoning and land use, transportation, and housing. They may also be involved in urban renewal, historic preservation, and environmental protection.

In the private sector, urban planners can work for architecture and engineering firms, real estate development companies, and consulting firms. They may be involved in developing plans for new developments, analyzing the economic impact of proposed projects, and preparing reports and presentations for clients.

Urban planners can also pursue careers in nonprofit organisations. They may work for organisations that focus on affordable housing, community development, and environmental protection. They may also be involved in research, policy analysis, and advocacy.

Urban planners can also find employment in the academic sector. They may work as professors or researchers at universities, colleges, and research institutes. They may also be involved in teaching, research, and public outreach.

Finally, urban planners can pursue careers in the media and communications industries. They may be involved in writing and editing publications, producing documentaries, and creating websites and other digital media. They may also be involved in public relations, marketing, and advertising.

UK Earnings Potential For Urban Planners

The average earnings for someone with a degree in urban planning vary depending on the country, region, and type of job. In the United Kingdom, the average salary for a qualified urban planner is around £45,000 per year. However, salaries can range from £25,000 to £70,000 depending on the experience and qualifications of the individual.

In terms of trends in the job market, there has been an increase in demand for urban planners over the past few years. This is due to the growing need for planning services in the UK, as well as the increased focus on sustainability and green infrastructure. Additionally, the development of smart cities has created a need for urban planners to help create and manage these projects. As a result, job opportunities for urban planners are expected to continue to grow in the near future.

Similar Courses in UK

Applicants interested in urban planning might also consider the following UK courses or careers, which share similarities in terms of subject matter or skillsets:

• Architecture: Architecture focuses on the design of individual buildings and structures, often working in collaboration with urban planners. A degree in architecture can lead to a career as a licensed architect or other roles within the construction and design industries.
• Landscape Architecture: Landscape architecture is concerned with the design and planning of outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and urban green spaces. Graduates may work as landscape architects or in related fields, such as environmental planning or public space management.
• Geography: Geography degrees can cover both human and physical aspects of the discipline, including urban development, environmental management, and spatial analysis. Careers in geography include roles in environmental consulting, cartography, GIS, and policy development.
• Civil Engineering: Civil engineers design and manage the construction of infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and public utilities. A degree in civil engineering can lead to a career as a civil engineer, project manager, or consultant.
• Transportation Planning: Transportation planning focuses on the design and management of transportation systems within urban and regional areas. Graduates may work as transportation planners, traffic engineers, or consultants in public and private sectors.
• Urban Design: Urban design is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the physical layout, appearance, and functionality of urban spaces. A degree in urban design can lead to careers in urban design consulting, development planning, and regeneration projects.
• Real Estate and Property Management: These degrees focus on property valuation, development, and management within the urban context. Graduates may pursue careers in real estate development, property management, or real estate consultancy.
• Environmental Planning: Environmental planning degrees explore the intersection of urban development and environmental sustainability. Graduates may work in environmental consulting, policy development, or land use planning roles.
• Regional and Town Planning: This field covers broader aspects of planning and development, such as land use, transportation, and housing policy. Graduates may work as town or regional planners, policy analysts, or development consultants.
• Sustainable Development: Sustainable development degrees emphasize the integration of social, economic, and environmental aspects of urban planning. Graduates may pursue careers in sustainability consulting, environmental policy, or community development.

UK Curriculum

The key topics and modules covered in an urban planning course typically include:

• Planning Theory and Practise: This module covers the principles and theories of urban planning, including topics such as urban form, land use, infrastructure, and sustainability. It also includes an introduction to the legal and administrative aspects of urban planning.
• Urban Design: This module focuses on the physical design of cities, including topics such as urban morphology, public space, and transportation systems. It also covers the principles of urban design, including the use of technology, materials, and public engagement.
• Planning History and Politics: This module covers the history of urban planning, including the development of urban planning theory and practise. It also looks at the political context of urban planning, including the role of public policy and the influence of stakeholders.
• Research Methods: This module covers the methods used to collect and analyze data for urban planning. It includes topics such as survey design, data analysis, and geographic information systems.
• Professional Practise: This module focuses on the practical aspects of urban planning, including topics such as project management, public engagement, and communication. It also covers the ethical and legal considerations of urban planning.

In addition to the key topics and modules, urban planning courses may also include hands-on experience or practical work. This could include field trips to observe urban planning in action, group projects to develop plans for a particular site, or intern.

Notable Alumni in Urban Planning

Here are three notable alumni who obtained a degree in Urban Planning:

• Janette Sadik-Khan – She is a former commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation (2007-2013) and a principal with Bloomberg Associates. Known for her work in promoting pedestrian and cyclist safety, Sadik-Khan earned her Bachelor’s degree from Occidental College and a J.D. from Columbia Law School, but she also holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Columbia University.
• Mitchell Silver – Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, Silver is an award-winning planner known for his work in creating equitable and sustainable cities. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Pratt Institute and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Hunter College.
• Brent Toderian – He served as Chief Planner for Vancouver, Canada, from 2006 to 2012. Toderian is globally recognized for his innovative work in urban planning and urban design, including his influential role in the creation of the EcoDensity initiative. He studied Environmental Science and Urban Planning at the University of Waterloo in Canada.

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Master of Urban Planning Personal Statement

The Personal Statement requirements for the Master of Urban Planning are different to those of our other programs. Applicants for the Master of Urban Planning should refer to the course-specific personal statement guide when writing their response. Your personal statement should be no more than 500 words and should address the following three points:

• The study and/or work experience that motivates your decision to apply for the Master of Urban Planning.
• What is the biggest challenge facing cities and why?
• What does ‘good’ planning mean to you?
• What is the role of planning in shaping future cities?
• Tell us about a book you have read

Applicants applying for a double masters degree that includes the Master of Urban Planning should NOT use the criteria above and should instead write a personal statement addressing both programs in the double major they are applying for. Please refer to the general personal statement guide for more information.

Urban Studies

The Urban Studies Program offers a bachelor of arts in urban studies with formal options in Global Urbanism and Community Development & Planning. The degree starts with an introduction into the discipline of urban studies with course topics on exploring cities, world development, and urban studies "in practice". The formal options deliver focused theory and skill-based courses that teach how to understand and impact the local and global dynamics of urban society. Graduates are prepared for public or private-sector jobs in areas such as housing and community development, planning, transportation, government agencies, and social services. The program is also excellent preparation for those interested in graduate study in such fields as community development, public administration, law or urban planning/design.

 Undergraduate Programs

 program of study: major: sustainable urban development.

The Urban Studies Program at UW Tacoma offers a BA in Sustainable Urban Development (SUD). As one of the first such degrees in the nation, students will be prepared to address recent initiatives that have called for a significant “greening” of urban development, both locally and internationally. Graduates will be prepared for careers in planning agencies, corporations adhering to sustainability practices, consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, and environmental/resource related agencies at the local, state, and federal levels of government. The degree is also excellent training for further graduate study in fields such as urban planning, public administration and law.

• Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sustainable Urban Development

Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and at least 40 college-level credits will be considered for admission.

• A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all college course work. Applicants with a completed application and a minimum GPA of 2.50 will be given priority consideration for admission.
• Fulfillment of General University Requirements.
• Completion of a minimum of 40 transferable college-level credits.

How to Apply

A completed application consists of the following materials:

• Transfer students must submit a UW Tacoma application for transfer admission and application fee. Current UW Tacoma students must complete the “Declare/Change Major” form.
• An official transcript must be submitted from each college and university attended, even if no credit was earned. Failure to submit a complete set of transcripts may result in denial of admission or dismissal from the university. If you took a world language or intermediate algebra in high school and are using that to fulfill the world language or mathematics requirement, you must submit an official high school transcript as well.
• Submit a personal statement to describe how your personal, professional or educational experiences have shaped your academic, career and/or personal goals. How will a BA in Sustainable Urban Development from UW Tacoma help you attain these goals? This is also where the student should address any weaknesses in their transcripts or explain adversity experienced that affected previous academic performance.

 Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sustainable Urban Development

UW Tacoma Urban Studies Program offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Urban Development. As one of the first such degrees in the nation, students will be prepared to address recent initiatives that have called for a significant “greening” of urban development, both locally and internationally. Graduates will be prepared for careers in planning agencies, corporations adhering to sustainability practices, consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, and environmental/resource related agencies at the local, state, and federal levels of government. The degree is also excellent training for further graduate study in fields such as urban planning, public administration and law.

To qualify for graduation with a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Urban Development from the University of Washington Tacoma, each student must complete the following requirements:

• General Education: No fewer than 40 credits of general education courses, to include a minimum of 10 credits in each of three areas of study: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities.
• Writing/Composition: A minimum of 15 credits of writing to include 5 credits of English composition (with a minimum 2.0 grade) and 10 credits of writing-intensive courses.
• Quantitative/Symbolic: A minimum of 5 credits of Reasoning course work.
• World Languages: College-level study in a single world language either through two sequential years in high school or through the second-quarter level (102) of college coursework prior to applying for graduation.
• Diversity: A minimum of 3 credits in Diversity coursework; designated courses study diversity in the United States with a focus on the sociocultural, political and economic diversity of human experience and help students develop an understanding of the complexities of living in increasingly diverse and interconnected societies.  (For students admitted as of autumn 2014.)
• Be a matriculated Sustainable Urban Development major in good academic standing with the University of Washington Tacoma.
• Complete at least 45 of last 60 credits in residence at the University of Washington Tacoma.
• Complete a minimum of 180 credits.
• Earn a minimum grade of 2.0 in each required Sustainable Urban Development course
• Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 for all coursework.
• Apply for graduation with a program advisor by the deadline posted by the University for the expected quarter of graduation
• T URB 101 (5 credits)
• T URB 102 (5 credits)
• T URB 103 (1 credit)
• T SUD 222 (5 credits)
• T SUD 240 (5 credits)
• T SUD 444 (5 credits)
• T SUD 445 (5 credits)
• T SUD 475 (5 credits)
• T URB 403 (2 credits)
• T GIS 311(6 credits)
• T URB 225 or TMATH 110 (or equivalent)
• T URB 200 (5 credits)
• Any T SUD or T URB course that is not among the required Introductory or Core Courses may be counted as an elective course toward the SUD major, except that a maximum of 10 credits total of T SUD 494, T SUD 498, T URB 496 and T URB 498 may be counted toward these 20 credits of Major Electives.
• The balance of credits needed to meet University credit requirements are general electives. Students may focus on an in-depth area of study (i.e., a minor or certificate) or explore the liberal arts, business, social work or health-related fields, or may take further TSUD or TURB courses.  Transfer credits from other institutions may apply toward general electives. Contact academic advisor for details. 

 Program of Study: Major: Urban Design

Urban design will prepare students to become design professionals who understand challenges of working in and with changing cities. In order to produce livable cities and neighborhoods, learning to design must be an inclusive and pragmatic process. Students will gain skills in inclusive urban design and incorporate a passion for social change, equality, and justice into meaningful urban design solutions. It will train students to be socially conscious designers who understand the importance of community voices, the dynamics of poser, and the challenges of creating a resilient urban environment with a focus on spatial equality. Students will acquire skills in visual communication, design thinking, and community engaged design processes, computer graphics and the use of digital technologies for visualization, analysis, and methods of data gathering and dissemination.

• Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Urban Design

The School of Urban Studies admits students into the Urban Design major for autumn quarter only, due to the highly sequenced nature of the courses. However, in special circumstances there is an option to be admitted during winter or spring quarter. Contact the Urban Studies advisor for more information. Complete applications received by the priority application date will be assured of a review; complete applications received after the priority application date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all college course work. Applicants with a completed application and a minimum GPA of 2.7 will be given priority consideration for admission.

Three years of high school math through intermediate (second year) algebra or a course in intermediate algebra at the college level

5 credits of English composition

Describe how personal, professional or educational experiences have shaped your academic, career and/or personal goals. How will a BS in Urban Design from UW Tacoma help you attain these goals?

Note: Freshman must have at least 40 college-level credits to declare Urban Design as a major. Students interested in this major are encouraged meet with an Urban Design advisor anytime.

Step 2: Meet with the Urban Studies advisor to discuss degree requirements and time to completion. (Optional, highly recommended)

If you are not a current UW Tacoma student:

Step 1: Submit an application for admission to UW Tacoma. In your application to UW Tacoma, you will be asked to submit a personal goal statement. Follow the essay prompt in the application, being sure to address how a BS in Urban Design from UW Tacoma will help you attain your goals.

If you are transferring from a community college or another university, complete the Application for Transfer Admission and select Urban Studies in section 2 under "Program Selector".

If you are a freshman or Running Start student, complete the Freshman Application.

If you were previously enrolled at UW Tacoma, complete the Returning Student Application in lieu of the Application for Transfer Admission.

If you are an international student, complete the Application for International Transfer Admission . Review the additional requirements for international students.

Step 2: Submit the Urban Design Online Application . Include a personal statement addressing the following topic:

Step 3: Meet with the Urban Studies advisor to discuss degree requirements and time to completion. (Optional, highly recommended)

 Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Urban Design

To qualify for graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Urban Design from the University of Washington Tacoma, each student must complete the following requirements:

• General Education: No fewer than 40 credits of general education courses, to include a minimum of 10 credits in each of three areas of study: Natural World, Individuals and Society and Visual, Literary and Performing Arts.
• Quantitative/Symbolic: A minimum of 5 credits of Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning course work.
• Diversity: A minimum of 3 credits in Diversity coursework; designated courses study diversity in the United States with a focus on the sociocultural, political and economic diversity of human experience and help students develop an understanding of the complexities of living in increasingly diverse and interconnected societies. (For students admitted as of autumn 2014.)
• Be a matriculated Urban Studies major in good academic standing with the University of Washington Tacoma.
• Earn a minimum grade of 2.7 in each required Urban Design (T UDE) studio course (T UDE 260, 340, 350, 360, 440, 450, 460) and a 2.0 or higher in all other required major courses.
• Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 for all major coursework.
• Apply for graduation with a program advisor by the deadline posted by the University for the expected quarter of graduation.
• T UDE 101* (5)
• T URB 101 (5)
• T URB 102 (5)
• T URB 103 (1)
• T UDE 210* (5)
• T UDE 260* (5)
• T URB 220 (5)
• T UDE 340 (5)
• T UDE 350 (5)
• T UDE 360 (5)
• T UDE 310 (5)
• T URB 403 (2)
• T UDE 440 (5)
• T UDE 450 (5)
• T UDE 460 (5)
• T URB 480 (5)
• One Urban Design, Planning, or Architectural History Course,
• One Introduction to Computer Graphics or Computer-Aided Design (knowledge of SketchUp(TM) is required), and
• One introductory course in design, using computer graphics
• Choose at least 2 courses in Sustainable Urban Development (T SUD)
• The additional credits needed to meet University credit requirements are general electives. Students may focus on an in-depth area of study (e.g., a minor or a certificate) or explore the liberal arts, social sciences, business, social work or health-related fields.

Academic Standards/Policies

• Students must satisfactorily complete all required Urban Design (T UDE) studio course work by achieving a minimum 2.7 grade point average in each course. If a grade below 2.7 is received, the student must repeat the course. Course credit will only be awarded once and both grades will be computed into the grade point average.
• Students must satisfactorily complete all other required major course work by achieving a minimum 2.0 grade point average in each required course. If a grade below 2.0 is received, the student must repeat the course. Course credit will only be awarded once and both grades will be computed into the grade point average.
• Upper-division courses completed at other accredited four-year institutions may be applied toward the general elective requirement. Academic advisor can request a transcript evaluation for you.

 Program of Study: Major: Urban Studies

The Urban Studies Program offers a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies with formal options in Global Urbanism and Community Development & Planning. The degree starts with an introduction into the discipline of urban studies with course topics on exploring cities, world development, and urban studies "in practice". The formal options deliver focused theory and skill-based courses that teach how to understand and impact the local and global dynamics of urban society. Graduates are prepared for public or private-sector jobs in areas such as housing and community development, planning, transportation, government agencies, and social services. The program is also excellent preparation for those interested in graduate study in such fields as community development, public administration, law or urban planning/design.

• Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Urban Studies: Community Development and Planning
• Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Urban Studies: Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Planning

The School of Urban Studies admits students every quarter except summer.

• Applicants with a completed application and a minimum GPA of 2.50 will be given priority consideration for admission.
• Transfer students must submit a UW Tacoma application for transfer admission and application fee. Current UW Tacoma students should meet with the School of Urban Studies Advisor to declare/update their major.

 Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Urban Studies: Community Development and Planning

BA Urban Studies – Community Development and Planning. Examines the production and development of cities from different community perspectives and teaches how cities are planned and built, and the power dynamics that influence inclusion and exclusion from urban spaces and political processes. Explores new strategies for producing better cities and improving urban conditions.

To qualify for graduation with a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from the University of Washington Tacoma, each student must complete the following requirements

• Transfer students can bring up to 105 lower-division credits into the program.
• Earn a minimum grade of 2.0 in each required Urban Studies course.

Introductory Courses (11 credits)

• T URB 220 (5 credits)
• T URB 316 (5 credits)
• T URB 345 (5 credits)
• T URB 432 (5 credits)
• T URB 225 (5 credits) or T GIS 311 (6 credits)
• Students need to declare one of the following three formal options and complete four courses within chosen option.
• Additional requirements specified below.

General Electives

The balance of credits needed to meet University credit requirements are general electives. Students may focus on an in-depth area of study (i.e., a minor or certificate) or explore the liberal arts, business, social work or health-related fields, or may take further T URB or T SUD courses. Transfer credits from other institutions may apply toward general electives. Contact academic advisor for details

Option specific requirements

• T URB 235 (5)
• T URB 312 (5)
• T SUD 475 (5)

 Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Urban Studies: Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Planning

Prepares students to solve complex social, economic, and environmental problems by combining GIS (geographic information systems) based approaches to mapping and spatial analysis with a classical and theoretically critical foundation in urban planning.

• T GIS 312 (6)
• T GIS 313 (3)
• T GIS 414 (5)
• T GIS 415 (5)
• T GIS 350 (5)
• T GIS 450 (5)
• T GIS 460 (5)
• T GIS 470 (5)
• Students must satisfactorily complete all Urban Studies required course work by achieving a minimum 2.0 grade point average in each course. If a grade below 2.0 is received, the student must repeat the course. Course credit will only be awarded once and both grades will be computed into the grade point average.
• Upper-division courses completed at other accredited four-year institutions may be applied toward the general elective requirement. Academic advisor can conduct a transcript evaluation upon request.

 Program of Study: Minor: Sustainable Urban Development

The Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) minor provides an opportunity for students pursuing other majors to complement their learning with concepts and principles valuable in the largely urban world in which they live and vote. These principles include the necessity to consider social justice, environmental, and end economic outcomes as part of the sustainability matrix; the tensions, complementarities, and tradeoffs among these dimensions; and the role that urban/suburban growth and form play in furthering this multi-dimensional concept of sustainability. This background should be attractive and useful for students from many majors, including social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and the professional fields.

• Minor in Sustainable Urban Development

 Minor in Sustainable Urban Development

Requirements

• The Sustainable Urban Development minor requires the completion of 31 credits (listed below).
• All of the courses in the minor must be completed in residence at UW Tacoma.
• No more than 50% (15 credits) can overlap with another major.
• Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) majors cannot earn this minor.
• Courses in the minor may also count, as appropriate, toward foreign language, RSN, writing, and Areas of Inquiry requirements, without restriction.
• Students must satisfactorily complete all coursework in the SUD minor by achieving a minimum 2.0 grade point average in each required course. If a grade below 2.0 is received, the student may repeat the course. Course credit will only be awarded once, and both grades will be computed into the grade point average.
• T URB 103 (1-2, max. 3); 1 credit required for the minor.
• T SUD 222 (5)
• T SUD 240 (5)
• T SUD 444 (5)
• T SUD 445 (5)
• 5 credits of any other T URB or T SUD course

 Program of Study: Minor: Urban Studies

Urban Studies is multi-disciplinary by nature and can serve to complement a variety of degree programs in the social science, business, healthcare, and social work. The Urban Studies minor offers courses on contemporary urban issues with a global and community perspective. Courses include Exploring Cities, City in World Development, and Urban Studies in Practice - a course that exposes students to the field of urban studies through a variety of faculty research presentations, guest lectures, public forums, debates, workshops, and other events. The Urban Studies minor will be noted on the official UW transcript.

• Minor in Urban Studies

 Minor in Urban Studies

Urban Studies is multi-disciplinary by nature and can serve to complement a variety of degree programs at the UW. This minor is intended to provide students from other programs (across all UW campuses) with an understanding of and appreciation for urban issues and problems.

• No more than 50% (15 credits) can overlap with another major. 
• Urban Studies majors cannot earn this minor. 
• Students must satisfactorily complete all core & core elective coursework in the Urban Studies minor by achieving a minimum 2.0 grade point average in each required course. If a grade below 2.0 is received, the student may repeat the course. Course credit will only be awarded once, and both grades will be computed into the grade point average.
• T URB 305 (3)
• T URB 430 (5)
• T URB 340 (5)
• 10 credits of any other T URB or T SUD course

 Graduate Programs

 program of study: master of arts in community planning.

The Master of Arts in Community Planning (MACP) degree program builds on an undergraduate education in urban studies or a related field. MACP graduates will build a portfolio of skills that prepare them to be competent collaborative professionals who work with and empower community constituents, influencing processes of policy formation, resource generation, community change and urban development. Graduates will gain theoretical and hands-on skills to transform passions for social change, equity and justice into professionally- driven actions that build community and create long-term positive change. The program’s emphasis on urban social studies, community development, and urban problem solving is a direct expression of the UW Tacoma’s mission as a higher education institution to build and enhance authentic connections with its communities. The MACP is a two-year, 60 credit program designed to support a cohort of up to 20 students per year. Admission is for autumn quarter only. Courses can be taken on a full-time basis (10 credits/quarter) and a part-time option is available.

• Master Of Arts In Community Planning

Please see this program's Graduate Admissions page for current requirements.

Each student is required to maintain satisfactory progress meeting the Graduate School and School of Urban Studies standards relative to scholarship and performance in pursuit of the master’s degree, including each of the following:

• Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA
• Earn a quarterly GPA of 3.00 or higher
• Earn a grade of 2.7 or higher in each required course
• Make adequate progress with practicum project as determined by the faculty advisor or committee chair.

 Master Of Arts In Community Planning

• Required Courses (60 credits): TCMP 521, TCMP 525, TCMP 546, TCMP 554, TCMP 557, TCMP 566, TCMP 573, TCMP 571, TCMP 572, TCMP 582, TCMP 590, TCMP 591 
• Along with UW Graduate School requirements, all courses taken to complete the 60 credits must receive a passing grade (2.7 or higher).
• A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA is required.
• All courses are graded on a 4.0 scale. No courses can be graded on a S/NS or C/NC basis.

Skills Developed

• Qualitative and quantitative analytical skills
• Asset mapping
• Persuasive argument and critique
• Development finance and budgeting
• Collaboration with NGOs
• Communications planning and design
• Conflict management
• Cost-benefit analysis
• Design and facilitation of public meetings
• Graphic communication
• Project management
• Professional writing skills
• Strategic planning and prioritization
• Succinct and effective public messaging

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the structural forms of socio-spatial power that produce inequitable patterns in metropolitan development; understand the history of social movements (including current community organizing models) that challenge the status quo
• Be capable of interpreting and organizing a theoretically informed policy position, including efficient and accurate practices of reading, summarizing, sourcing and citing examples from other locations including, failed solutions and/or peer-reviewed research
• Develop and experience practices of policy analysis, project management and community engagement, using interpretive, relational and positivist methods
• Be comfortable accessing, collecting, organizing, and analyzing primary and secondary data sources to create findings relevant for quantitative and qualitative evaluation, narrative development, and the creation of "findings" and contextual landscape analyses
• Become proficient at succinct, research-based, effective, professional forms of planning communication in a variety of genres appropriate for broad audiences and targeted communities
• Be able to carry out stages of analysis and action in a community-based process of policy advocacy, inclusive planning and/or institutional change through a variety of methods and tool development including advocacy documentation and community organizing

 Program of Study: Master Of Science (Geospatial Technologies)

The School of Urban Studies offers a Master of Science (MS) in Geospatial Technologies. Admission to this program is for autumn quarter only. The degree will provide advanced training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including mobile and web-based GIS. Students will be trained in the use and application of geospatial hardware, software, and data in urban and environmental planning scenarios. It will also prepare students to become leaders in the management and utilization of geospatial technologies within the job market — public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Graduates of this program will be able to engage in the development and deployment of location-based mobile applications and management of web-based geospatial data. While technical in design, this program will maintain a theoretical/critical focus on the application of these technologies to urban and environmental issues.

• Master Of Science (Geospatial Technologies)

Each student is required to maintain satisfactory progress meeting the Graduate School and the School of Urban Studies standards relative to scholarship and performance in pursuit of the master’s degree, including each of the following:

 Master Of Science (Geospatial Technologies)

• Required courses (40 credits):  T GIS 501, T GIS 502, T GIS 503, T GIS 504, T GIS 505, T GIS 506, T GIS 507, T GIS 508
• Along with UW Graduate School requirements, all courses taken to complete the 40 credits must receive a passing grade (2.7 or higher).
• All courses are graded on a 4.0 scale. No courses can be graded on an S/NS or C/NC basis.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Understand the increasingly central role that geospatial technologies play in the governance of contemporary lived and environmental spaces.
• Be proficient in the automation and customization of geospatial technologies such as GIS, web-based data services, locative mobile devices, and mobile and handheld geospatial sensors.
• Recognize appropriate uses and limitation of geospatial technologies in urban and environmental planning scenarios.
• Be equipped to carry out an independent geospatial project through all stages of conceptualization, planning, design, and implementation.
• Be familiar with geo-visualization and representation of modeling results

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Personal Statement

By Michelle Zhang and Ignacio Martin Arzuaga Garcia

When applying to graduate school programs, you will need to provide a Statement of Purpose and a Resume/CV highlighting your interests in applying to a specific graduate program. Some graduate schools will also require a Personal Statement as part of your application package. This CommKit article will go over what a Personal Statement is and some strategies to approach writing one. Your Personal Statement can also be revised for future fellowships and scholarships beyond graduate school application.

Main takeaways

• Have an initial hook . The first paragraph of your statement is key to grabbing the attention of the reviewers.
• Tell a story about yourself . The Personal Statement is thought to be more informal and less structured than the Statement of Purpose. Although some formality in the writing should be preserved, in this statement you have the freedom to express yourself and show the reviewing committee who you really are.
• Be specific and avoid clichés . Reviewers will read a vast amount of Statements from different candidates. Thus, they are looking for concrete evidence of your personality, the culture of work, and the achievements that make you stand out from the pool of candidates. For this purpose, avoid vague sentences that don’t give any additional information to what you already explain in your other documents of the application package.

 “Statement of Purpose” vs. “Personal Statement”

As touched upon in our Statement of Purpose (SOP) CommKit article, many schools distinguish between the Statement of Purpose/Objective and the Personal Statement, providing different writing prompts for each. The main difference between these two types of essays is that the Statement of Purpose focuses on your professional background, goals and research interests, while the Personal Statement is more about your personal history and where your motivation for graduate school comes from. The table below summarizes key differences between the two documents.

While the Statement of Purpose primarily focuses on your academic and professional goals, the Personal Statement complements it by providing a more holistic understanding of you as a graduate school candidate. It allows you to go beyond your achievements and qualifications listed in your Resume, offering a narrative that reveals your character, values, and any transformative moments that have driven you to pursue higher education.

In the Personal Statement, you can share specific life experiences (e.g. being a first-generation college student, overcoming poverty, facing discrimination, or other challenges/opportunities) and explain how these have shaped your worldview and passion for your chosen field of study. By sharing these personal stories, you have the opportunity to highlight what is unique about yourself and how you will advance diversity within the institution.

It is worth noting that the Personal Statement may be referred to by different names depending on the institution or program. Some schools may use terms such as “Personal History Statement,” “Diversity Statement,” or other variations. Some schools may also provide specific prompts to write the Personal Statement on, or a list of questions to answer. Regardless of the name, the purpose remains the same—to provide you as an applicant with an opportunity to share your personal narrative and demonstrate your readiness for graduate-level studies.

Strategies and Common mistakes

Here we summarize a list of strategies and common mistakes to take into consideration when addressing your Personal Statement:

• Your statement should tell a story (a real one) about yourself, that shows the reader your personal journey upon this moment in your life and what are the next steps you are aiming to take.
• If you can’t find a personal story to tell, you can also share how a piece of news or a specific person (for example) impacts and/or inspires you.
• Make sure to align your story with the values and goals of the university or institution you are applying to.
• For grad school applications, your Personal Statement doesn’t need to list your skills or academic accomplishments, but to present a story that demonstrates those skills you possess. For example, your statement is a good place to prove your leadership skills through a real example.
• While in a Statement of Purpose the Admissions Committee will look for what you have done, in a Personal Statement they will prioritize how you addressed them. They will put attention on how you overcame the challenges you faced, what strategies you used to do it, and how you took advantage of the opportunities you were given.
• The Personal Statement can also be a good opportunity to “address the elephant in the room” if you haven’t done it in your Statement of Purpose. For example, if your grades at college are not as good as desired, or you don’t have experience in the field you are applying to, this document is a good place to explain the reasons for that. We all go through difficult times, make bad decisions, and want to make a change in our path. That’s not a problem. What we don’t have to do is to expect the reader will ignore that part. They won’t, and it is better to address those weak points in our application package rather than leave them without any explanation.
• Use concrete examples that speak for you. Be specific. Avoid vague statements that don’t give any piece of information about yourself, or to make statements about yourself without proving them.

Ultimately, the key is to offer an interesting piece of writing that the reader enjoys, and make them remember your profile when evaluating the pool of candidates.

Structure Diagram

The Personal Statement is more flexible than the Statement of Purpose and, initially, it doesn’t have a fixed structure you have to fit your content within. Everyone’s path and personal history are different, and that will frame your write-up. You are welcome to be creative and address this document as you feel more comfortable with it. However, here we suggest a tentative structure that you can use to help you organize your statement. We recommend 2 pages maximum, unless specified otherwise by the university.

Alternatives to the Personal Statement

Some universities are also exploring innovative approaches to evaluate applicants beyond traditional methods. These alternatives provide aspiring graduate students with unique opportunities to distinguish themselves and showcase a holistic view of their skills, experiences, and potential. Some examples of alternative documents to the Personal Statement include:

DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Statement:

• Graduate school applications are increasingly incorporating DEI essays as a means to evaluate applicants’ commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment and dedication to cultivating a diverse and inclusive community within their chosen field of study. These essays provide candidates with an opportunity to showcase their understanding, experiences, and actions related to promoting diversity and equity.
• Your personal statement can be adapted to help write your DEI statement by focusing on key elements such as contributions to Diversity, values/beliefs as related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and self-reflection/growth from experiences where you have actively engaged with diverse communities, challenged biases, or learned from different perspectives.

Video Essays:

• Some universities are incorporating video essays into their application process, allowing applicants to verbally express their motivations, goals, and academic passions.
• This alternative provides a platform for candidates to showcase their communication skills, confidence, and presentation abilities.
• When adapting this Personal Statement CommKit for video essays, you should focus on developing a concise script that conveys your key points effectively, following the flow suggested above.
• You should also aim to strike a balance between authenticity and professionalism while engaging the audience with a compelling narrative.

Portfolio Submissions:

• To evaluate practical skills and creative abilities, some graduate programs request applicants to submit portfolios showcasing their work. Whether this is in fields such as engineering, design, fine arts, or computer science, this alternative allows candidates to present tangible evidence of their talent and expertise.
• When adapting your personal statement for portfolio-based applications, you should provide context for your work, explaining the motivation behind your projects and highlighting the skills you have developed throughout your academic journey.

When is it time to submit?

The Personal Statement may appear more approachable at the beginning, given its flexibility and relaxed tone. However, finding a good story to tell, and a compelling narrative that effectively showcases your abilities and accomplishments can be hard. Seeking feedback from friends, family, and peers can be invaluable throughout the brainstorming and revision process. If you’re affiliated with MIT you can also make an appointment with a Comm Fellow. In addition to carefully proofreading your statement, don’t forget to check the program requirements to ensure your submission meets the audience’s expectations.

Helpful articles

Gotian, R. & Neill, U. S. (2023). How to Write a Strong Personal Statement . Harvard Business Review. Purdue Online Writing Lab. Writing the Personal Statement .

Resources and Annotated Examples

Personal statement for an mit application.

This annotated Personal Statement shows how the candidate attempts to address the specific prompts in a series of concise essays. 567 KB

Content Generation Worksheet

This worksheet contains a series of questions along with examples intended to help you start drafting your Personal Statement. 54 KB

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• Please discuss (with clarity and focus) why you want to study urban planning, why you want to study at UC Berkeley, and how our program can help you achieve your academic and professional goals.
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• To view additional tips please visit Writing the Personal Statement .
• The most helpful and strongest letters are from individuals who have supervised your work in either an academic, employment (professional work experience and/or internships) or community service capacity.
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All students are expected to complete a three-month internship in a planning-related position, usually between their first and second years of study unless exempted by previous work experience. Frequently, the work completed during a summer internship forms the basis for the the Professional Report, Client Report or Thesis. International students who hold an F-1 or J-1 visa must complete an internship during their two years of study.

DCRP and UC Berkeley offer multiple types of financial support to its graduate students. Details are available here .

The ASJC is a NEW fellowship program at the College of Environmental Design that offers significant debt-relief to select graduate students (current and new) who intend to do social justice work after graduation. Details are available here .

The M.C.P. degree is an approved field of study within the U.S. government’s official STEM fields list. Practical work experience in your field of study, typically after completion of a degree for a maximum of 36 months (12 months of “regular” OPT with a 24-month extension possible). For further details regarding STEM extensions , contact the Berkeley International Office (BIO) .

Concentrations

Charisma Acey, Stephen Collier, Jason Corburn, John Radke

The concentration in Environmental Planning and Healthy Cities (EPHC) is designed to give M.C.P. students the broad knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and plan for pressing urban environmental and health challenges, such as climate change, natural resource depletion, access to basic services and infrastructure, as well as ecologic and human health risks and mitigation, especially as they impact socially vulnerable people and communities. The concentration emphasizes the theory and practice behind the related ideas of urban sustainability, resilience, environmental justice and risk, political ecology and human health. Students will study urban and regional environmental and human health issues in a comparative perspective, with a focus on both US and international settings. The concentration introduces students to the relationships between natural, built and social environments in cities, as well as the local, regional and global impacts of urban ecosystems and the political institutions that aim to manage these environments. The emphasis on healthy cities engages in the practices of urban public health and inclusive community engagement recognizing that planners are increasingly required to work together with communities to analyze and act upon how the urban environment influences human well-being.

Concurrent degree programs with the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning  (M.C.P. & M.L.A.) and the  School of Public Health  (M.C.P. and Masters in Public Health, M.P.H.) are available for interested students.

Sai Balakrishnan,Teresa Caldeira, Daniel Chatman, Carol Galante, Zachary Lamb, Ben Metcalf, Carolina Reid

The Housing, Community and Economic Development (HCED) concentration focuses on the equitable development of neighborhoods, cities and regions.  From “housing as a human right” to addressing the systemic inequalities that produce segregated landscapes of poverty and wealth, this concentration is distinguished by its attention to issues of racial, social and economic justice.  It seeks to expose the linkages between land use, governance, capitalism, and inequality, and explore how communities chart varied development pathways. Berkeley’s program is distinguished by two strong strands of expertise among its faculty: a theoretically informed understanding of private property and land tenure, segregation, and the right to housing, and a practice-oriented approach to housing policy, affordable housing development, and inclusionary forms of land organization, both in the context of the United States and the Global South.

Faculty in this concentration work on topics such as:

• Housing and real estate development, including access to credit, the financing and construction of affordable housing, and housing policy
• Spatial segregation and social discrimination in both the United States and the Global South
• The politics of land ownership, tenure, and property rights
• Gentrification and displacement
• Forms of political participation and resistance
• International development, including the provision of housing, water and sanitation in informal settlements
• Community development and community organizing, including programs and policies designed to address longstanding patterns of residential segregation
• Planning for sustainability, including issues related to regional governance, resilience, affordability, and the linkages between land use and climate change

Faculty within the HCED concentration draw on multidisciplinary perspectives including anthropology, economics, history, planning, and sociology, and incorporate both qualitative and quantitative methods in their research.

Graduates in the HCED concentration go on to work in a wide variety of positions, including nonprofit and public sector agencies Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmBH, Living Cities, Metropolitan Transportation Commission/MTC, PolicyLink, San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, the City of Richmond, the Association of Bay Area Governments/ABAG, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), affordable housing developers (e.g., BRIDGE Housing, Eden Housing, Mercy Housing, and Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation/TNDC, as well as community-based organizations (e.g., East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation/EBALDC, East Bay Housing Organizations/EBHO,  Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. Local Initiatives Support Corporation/LISC and Mission Economic Development Agency/MEDA).

Daniel Chatman, Marta González, Daniel Rodríguez, Karen Trapenberg-Frick

The transportation planning concentration focuses on planning for urban transportation and land use systems, and interactions of transportation and land use with the built, natural, and social environments. In presenting the social, economic, and environmental implications of transportation and land use plans and policies, and promoting economic efficiency, green transport, resource conservation, and environmental protection, the courses in the concentration are focused around themes of equity, environmental justice, and social welfare. We emphasize the planning and policy challenges encountered by attempting to increase the use of environmentally sustainable travel modes such as walking, cycling and public transit, and the creation of environmentally sustainable land use patterns such as compact growth and transit-oriented development. Topics covered in the core courses include the impacts of transit and highways on urban form and economic development; the impacts of urban form, transit-oriented development and new urbanism on travel behavior; governance, finance, and implementation challenges in making sustainable transport investments; the importance of highway and transit finance, municipal finance, and development finance; the promises and pitfalls of innovative sustainability solutions such as congestion pricing, parking pricing, and master development plans; streets and pedestrian- oriented designs; transportation and land use planning in the developing world; and comparative international transportation and land use policies.

As concerns heighten over regional mobility, air quality, global climate change, energy, and equality of access, it is increasingly important that transportation and land use planners apply a multi-disciplinary approach to the field. Accordingly, students in the concentration are encouraged to augment the department’s transportation course offerings by designing a study program, in consultation with their advisor that involves course work in other fields and departments.

Students in the transportation planning concentration may seek to pursue the concurrent degree program in transportation planning and engineering (M.C.P. & M.S.). This option confers both the M.C.P. and the M.S. ( with Civil and Environmental Engineering ) upon students who complete 60 units of course work, normally over five semesters.

Zachary Lamb, Elizabeth Macdonald

Urban designers are concerned with how places look, how they feel, how they relate to natural processes, and how they work for the people who use them. The Urban Design concentration is structured to give M.C.P. students the knowledge necessary to design urban built form in relation to social, environmental, and economic concerns. “Design” is a key, operative word: urban designers shape built and natural environments both directly through their proposals for specific interventions and indirectly through their contributions to policies and plans that shape the actions of other city making actors. Urban design work ranges in scale from small public spaces and streets to neighborhoods, citywide systems, and regional strategies. The emphasis of much urban design work is on the public realm of cities, with central concerns being livability, identity, place-making, equity, environmental performance, the interface between the public and private realms, and the quality of everyday life. The concentration is equally concerned with conceptions of the “urban” and it draws on approaches from the disciplines of city planning, architecture, landscape architecture, as well as theories and methods from the social sciences with the intent of analyzing the urban condition and designing the urban realm. The studio experience is central to the urban design concentration. Working in teams and individually, students explore planning and design possibilities for urban places and learn to articulate and present their ideas through visual and verbal communication. Learning from local and global contexts, and how cities have been designed and inhabited in the past, students envision possibilities for the future. Graduates in urban design work for public agencies across scales, advocacy organizations, and private architectural, landscape, city planning, and community development firms whose clients are both public and private.

Students concentrating in urban design often have some prior design training or experience, typically in architecture, landscape architecture, environmental design, or urban planning with a design emphasis, but a design background is NOT required.

A three- or four-year joint degree program in urban design is available with the  Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning , where students receive both the M.C.P. and the M.L.A. degree. A joint degree is also available with the  Department of Architecture , where students receive both M.C.P. and M.Arch degrees.

To earn the M.C.P. degree, a student must complete:

• 48 units of in-residence coursework or 36 units in concurrent/dual degree programs
• Successful completion of the core curriculum
• Courses in at least one concentration area
• A capstone project consisting of either a client report, a professional report, or a master’s thesis

Review possible MCP+ Concurrent Degree options here . To apply for a concurrent degree, select the desired concurrent degree from the drop-down options in the UC Berkeley Graduate Application .

DCRP 2 Year Course Calendar

Students plan their individual programs with the help of their faculty advisor. All new graduate students are paired with an advisor, whose role is to help students structure their first-semester program. First-year students set up an initial meeting with their assigned advisors during the first three weeks of the fall semester.

Students declare a concentration at the end of the first semester by completing a Concentration Declaration Form and submitting it to the Graduate Student Affairs Officer (GSAO) . Advisors are chosen within the area of concentration.

Public Information

Student achievement.

The Department of City and Regional Planning administered a survey for 2020- 2021 M.C.P. program graduates one year post graduation, which included the questions below.

2022-23 TUITION AND FEES

For a complete breakdown of student tuition, fees, and charges please visit the Office of the Registrar's website:  Graduate Professional - College of Environmental Design .

• These figures may not be final; actual tuition, fees, and charges are  subject to change  by the Regents of the University of California Office of the President (UCOP).
• Accordingly, final approved levels and charges may  differ  from the amounts shown.
• The PDST will INCREASE by 3.5% over the next year as approved by UCOP.
• PDST is not covered by Fee Remissions associated with academic student employment (ASE) as a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI), Reader, Tutor or Graduate Student Researcher (GSR).
• DCRP is not able to provide aid to cover the PDST for all students for each semester in the program.
• For an estimated Graduate Student Budget, which includes tuition/fees as well as personal expenses (housing/utilities, food, books/supplies, and transportation), please visit the Berkeley Financial Aid & Scholarships website:  Cost of Attendance: Graduate Student Budget .

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• How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

• Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
• Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
• Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

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Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

• A personal experience that changed your perspective
• A story from your family’s history
• A memorable teacher or learning experience
• An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

• Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
• Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
• How does it fit into the rest of your life?
• What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

• Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
• Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

• What first sparked your interest in the field?
• Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
• Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

• Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
• Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

• Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
• Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
• Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

• If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
• If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
• If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

• Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
• Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

• Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
• Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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This is a vital component of your application. Your Statement of Purpose, helps us see that you can identify an important research question, are in conversation with the larger literature or planning trends, and can propose appropriate methods to collect evidence. Discuss the intellectual and planning challenges you hope to address in your doctoral studies – briefly noting any tentative dissertation research topics; outline methodological approaches you might pursue or skills you plan to build to answer those questions; and highlight any relevant research skills or experience you have that has begun to prepare you to pursue a PhD (but do not spend significant time on what is already in your resume/CV). Explain how you hope to use your doctoral education in planning and why the Urban and Regional Planning Program at Taubman College is the best fit for your career goals.

A good curriculum vitae or resume will give us another view of who you are and elaborate your strengths and skills outside of the classroom, showcasing your accomplishments. In addition to your educational experience, student resume should contain professional experiences, other jobs you have held, a list of groups or organizations that you are involved in, programming languages or other computer skills you have, community involvement or volunteer work that you do. Think of your resume as another opportunity to tell us about yourself.

/ Personal Statement

The personal statement should be a concise, well-written statement about how your personal background and life experiences, including social, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges, have motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. This is not an academic statement of purpose, but a brief (500 word limit) discussion of the personal journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree.

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Submissions of examples of work should support your statement of purpose and clearly demonstrate research and writing abilities. These may consist of published articles, writing samples, portfolios, or other writing samples. Writing samples are most valuable when you are the sole or lead author. Examples should be uploaded as PDF files with the online application.

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Submitting your transcripts:

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Step 2: AFTER an offer of admission, submit your official transcript. Admitted students must submit to the Rackham Graduate School an official transcript/academic record, front and back, issued by the Registrar or Records Office for each bachelor’s, master’s, professional, or doctoral degree earned. For more information please see  Transcripts .

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Taubman College does not admit students who have not met minimum score requirements. If you are close to the minimum scores outlined above we encourage you to retake the exam to meet the minimum requirement. Students who have submitted all required materials (including English proficiency exams) by the application deadline are given first consideration for admission. It may make you a less competitive applicant to not have your scores sent in by the deadline.

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• You are a native speaker of English.
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• If you completed a Master’s degree that was strictly research and no academic classes, that degree does not meet the exemption. This type of Master’s degree is generally awarded at a non-U.S. institution.
• You are a current U-M student.

Please refer to the related  Rackham webpage  for additional information.

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Applicants can verify application data and status online  approximately 10 – 15 days after their application is submitted. The admissions office will send an email to each applicant that includes the University of Michigan Identification Number (UMID). You will need to use a login ID and password to confirm some personal data before viewing your application status. Student Service staff will try to keep all materials received current. However, please allow sufficient time for processing before contacting the office.

For Applicants Who are Current Students or Employees:  Log into Wolverine Access using your existing University of Michigan Uniqname and password, and click New and Prospective Student Business.

For Applicants New to the University:  About five business days after you submit your application, you will receive an email confirming that Taubman has downloaded your application from ApplyWeb. This email will direct you to set up your friend account.

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Applicants will be notified of their admission status by late-February or early March. If you are admitted, you will be able to see that you have been recommended for admission by the Urban Planning Program via the online web application status. Notification letters will be sent via email. Any scholarship award decisions made by the Urban Planning Program will be noted in the letter of admission. The next step is for Rackham Graduate School to review, certify, and process the admission recommendation.

Admitted students are invited to Preview Weekend, in late March: Preview Weekend is an opportunity for admitted students to visit Taubman College, meet faculty and students, tour the facilities, campus, and Ann Arbor, and attend Taubman College events. Further details are given in the admission letter.

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Personal statement.

In the first session, students were asked to fill out the following questionnaire:

Your name:  Your email:  Year of graduation:  Have you completed 11.124 and 11.125?

The subject(s) you wish to be certified in:  The school(s) you are most interested in doing your student teaching:

Write a brief personal statement (this will become part of the folder submitted in your behalf for certification purposes).

Answer the following questions:

• Why do you want to be a teacher?
• Describe any experiences you have had working with children.
• What do you hope to learn this year?
• Are there any special circumstances/concerns I should be aware of in terms of your teacher application process?

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Architecture Personal Statement Examples

What is an architecture personal statement?

Your architecture personal statement should tell the university all about your strengths, skills, experience and ambitions.

It should also convey your enthusiasm for architecture and what aspects of the subject you enjoy and why.  

How do I write an architecture personal statement?

It’s a good idea to start your statement with why you want to study architecture at university. Try to choose a specific aspect that you like in particular and why it appeals to you.

Make sure you back up everything with examples (always show, don’t tell). You need to convince the admissions tutors that you they should offer you a place on their architecture course.

A successful architecture personal statement should be written clearly and concisely, with a good introduction, middle, and a memorable conclusion.

For inspiration on how to write your own unique statement, take a look at some of our architecture personal statement examples above, as well as some of our top rated personal statements .

What should I include in my architecture personal statement?

It’s important to include skills and experience from all areas of your life and try to relate them to hobbies or extracurricular activities if they helped you to build up your academic and practical strengths.

Think about how any work experience you have completed, and how it might be useful in your degree.

University admissions tutors want to know what you can bring to their department and why you would be an asset to them.

You need to be a well-rounded individual in terms of talent, knowledge and experience in order to have a chance of being successful with your UCAS application.

What can I do with an architecture degree?

There are many career options for those wanting to study architecture. These include:

• Building surveyor
• Town planner
• Production designer
• Historic buildings inspector
• Structural engineer

However, there are other areas and industries you could work in where your architecture degree would be useful, such as:

• Estates manager
• Landscape architect
• Commercial surveyor

For more information about careers in architecture, please see the National Careers Service and Top Universities .

Which UK universities are the best for architecture?

Currently, the best UK universities for undergaduate architecture are:

For more information about UK university rankings for architecture, please see The Complete University Guide and the Guardian .

Related resources

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