The Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Public Policy (UPPP) integrates the academic disciplines of urban planning and public policy by training Ph.D. students to conduct independent research that makes a substantive contribution to their chosen planning and policy subfields. The program prepares doctoral students for academic careers and for leadership in research positions in the public, private or nonprofit sectors. UPPP graduates have secured academic and research positions at research universities and institutes, think tanks, and public planning agencies nationally and internationally.
The UPPP Ph.D. stresses interdisciplinary in four field areas:
The program builds the theoretical and methodological foundations that prepare students to make an independent contribution to their planning and policy subfield and consists of:
Through faculty mentoring and the Ph.D. Student Consortium, the program fosters an intellectual community that encourages advanced doctoral research presentations at state, national and international conferences such as:
| Course Code | Course Name | Hours |
| PLAN 6303 | Planning History, Theory, and Ethics | 3 |
| PLAN 6310 | Planning, Urban Development, and Structure | 3 |
Total Hours: 6
| Course Code | Course Name | Hours |
| PLAN 6300 | Advanced Urban Theory | 3 |
| PLAN 6311 | Spatial Theory and Policy: Urban Form and Structure | 3 |
| PAPP 5306 | The Urban Economy | 3 |
Total Hours: 12
| Course Code | Course Name | Hours |
| PLAN 6317 | Intermediate Data Analysis | 3 |
| PLAN 5346 | Qualitative Methods | 3 |
| PLAN 6301 | Research Foundations and Ph.D Workshops |
3 |
| PLAN 6346 | Advanced Data Analysis | 3 |
Total Hours: 12
Handbook
2023-2024 Edition
A guide to doctoral studies at the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs (CAPPA), The University of Texas - Arlington. The UPPP Ph.D. handbook attempts to provide guidance and useful information to new and current UPPP students. We trust that your experience will be academically, professionally, and personally rewarding.
ORIENTATION
Learn more about two doctoral degree opportunities that provide very distinct programs guided by different objectives.
The application of theory and research is facilitated by research activities and centers, including the Institute of Urban Studies (IUS), where several UPPP Ph.D. students hold GRA positions. UPPP Ph.D. students holding Enhanced Graduate Teaching Assistantships contribute to undergraduate instruction in CAPPA’s Urban Affairs and Environmental and Sustainability Studies Minors.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID
Dean's Distinguished Assistantship Program
The Department of Public Affairs and Planning at UTA’s College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs (CAPPA) is pleased to announce the new Dean’s Distinguished Assistantship (DDA) program. The program is nationally competitive and aims to support the most promising students applying for admission to department's doctoral programs in Urban Planning and Public Policy (UPPP)and Public Administration and Public Policy (PAPP).
Learn more about the DDA Program.
