Accelerated Program

The School of Planning (SOP), College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) of the University of Cincinnati has instituted an accelerated course of study in its MCP degree program. The purpose of the program is to upgrade the skills and methods employed by mid-career community, urban and regional planners through the rigor of a demanding academic program catering to both their current needs and the emerging problems that will face their municipalities in the next century. Many urban planners, especially in small and medium-sized cities of North America and in the developing world, have had professional training in planning at the Bachelor's level and have been professionally active for several years. Many have started families or become rooted in a region or career path. Nevertheless, they would like to return to school for an MCP degree, some because they find their careers blocked without one, but others because they would like to upgrade their skills to perform as well as they would like in the positions they now hold. This degree option ameliorates that situation through a one year, four-quarter program of study.

Admissions

While all normal admissions requirements for the MCP degree at the University of Cincinnati must be satisfied for acceptance into the accelerated MCP course of study, additional requirements must also be met. This program is intended for experienced professionals. Consequently, admission is limited to graduates of Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) certified BUP programs with five years of professional experience after graduation. In exceptional circumstances, applications from individuals with degrees related to planning (e.g., architecture, geography, civil and environmental engineering, public administration, etc.) and eight years of experience in planning positions after graduation will be considered. Students applying from non-PAB accredited programs will be admitted only if the curriculum of the university where the degree was earned and the work experience of the particular applicant meets all SOP admissions standards.

Part-time Option

For those students residing in the Tristate area surrounding Cincinnati, who meet the accelerated MCP admissions criteria, but who are unable to participate as full-time students, the degree is offered on a part-time basis. Several of the courses in the program are offered in the evening each quarter, and with some degree of flexibility in working hours, a student can combine study with full-time employment and finish the program in two years.