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Urban Planning Frequently Asked Questions
What is the size of the Urban Planning Faculty?
The faculty is comprised of eight full-time members and approximately twenty adjunct members. The full-time faculty members teach required courses and serve as student advisors. All have offices on campus and are very accessible to students. The adjunct faculty members are professionals in various fields of urban planning, and teach one or two courses per year. The composition of faculty is an asset to GSAPP students since they learn from both real world professionals and academics.
How many students are in the Urban Planning Program?
We currently have 103 students enrolled in the Urban Planning Program. For the past five years, 100% of our students have finished their degree within 4 years.
Throughout the past five years we have granted 226 M.S.U.P Degrees.
2012: 52
2011: 33
2010: 52
2009: 47
2008: 42
Throughout the past five years we have granted 226 M.S.U.P Degrees.
2012: 52
2011: 33
2010: 52
2009: 47
2008: 42
How many hours of class do students have per week?
Most students in the Urban Planning Program take 4-5 courses per semester. Most seminar courses meet two hours weekly. Other courses, such as those with lab sections (eg: Planning Techniques, Economics for Planners) involve 3-4 hours of class time weekly. Studios meet for 4 hours each week.
How much time each week is needed to complete schoolwork?
The amount of time needed to complete schoolwork depends on the courses the student is taking, and the speed at which they can read and write in English. The amount of outside the classroom time spent on schoolwork is difficult to quantify, but students should imagine that for each hour of class, they will be putting in at least the equivalent amount of time outside the classroom. A course that meets for 2 hours weekly will demand at least 2 hours of studying and homework per week.
Do students hold internships or other jobs during the academic year, and still have enough time to devote to schoolwork?
Yes; Our second year students do have part-time internships and jobs, which balance out their academic and real life experience in the field, however the first year students tend to not work or do not commit to working too many hours. All students must be enrolled full-time so the student’s ability and availability to successfully complete their academic and job or internship responsibilities depends on several factors, including time management skills.
How many students find a planning-related job after graduation?
For the past five years, 80% of graduates of GSAPP’s Urban Planning program found work in planning within a year of graduation. The program offers assistance in preparing for jobs and internships, including career development workshops, resume reviews, and other networking opportunities.
Are teaching assistantships available?
GSAPP students may apply for assistantships once they have completed 2 semesters of study. Recipients are granted a tuition remission and stipend, the amount varies depending on the position.
The assignment of assistantships is made on the basis of qualifications for each position. In cases where two or more applicants are determined to be equally qualified, preference may be given to the most financially needy applicant. Assistantships are merit-based positions; consequently preference is given to those who have experience in the course or subject-matter. Students are only eligible for one position each semester.
The assignment of assistantships is made on the basis of qualifications for each position. In cases where two or more applicants are determined to be equally qualified, preference may be given to the most financially needy applicant. Assistantships are merit-based positions; consequently preference is given to those who have experience in the course or subject-matter. Students are only eligible for one position each semester.
What is the typical background of Urban Planning students?
Each incoming class of Urban Planning students is different; however we generally see an even mix of students entering directly from undergraduate studies, and students with professional experience. Undergraduate backgrounds also vary, but commonly include social sciences, economics, architecture, and international studies. Additionally our students come from diverse geographic backgrounds, not only across the United States, but worldwide.
Where do students live when they come to Columbia?
GSAPP students live across the five boroughs. Full-time GSAPP students are eligible to live in University Housing, as long as the requirements outlined by University Housing are met. You will learn more about UH options after being admitted. The University does not guarantee housing to all graduate students. For more information, you can visit UAH website at: http://facilities.columbia.edu/housing/overview.
What type of activities and events outside of class are made available to UP students?
There are a number of events each week open to all students within GSAPP, and all are encouraged to attend. The GSAPP events office hosts a calendar with these opportunities, events.gsapp.org. The Urban Planning program also offers a weekly lecture series which brings planning professionals to campus. In addition, there are a number of student-led organizations with which one can get involved, ranging from publications to more socially oriented groups. Limited funding is provided to all student-led organizations to facilitate the carrying out of activities. To learn more, visit the Resources and Opportunities page of the website.