UTA's Master of City and Regional Planning Program Officially Reaccredited for Five Years
The University of Texas at Arlington's Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) program has been officially reaccredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB), underscoring its commitment to planning education and its significant role in preparing future planning professionals. The five-year accreditation period extends from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2030.
The decision was approved at the PAB Board meeting held October 23–24, 2025, following a comprehensive self-study and an on-site evaluation. A significant portion of this achievement is attributable to Dr. Jianling Li, whose leadership during her time as Interim MCRP Director was essential in advancing the self-study process. Her contributions helped position the program for a successful review. PAB accreditation indicates that the program has undergone rigorous external review and substantially meets national standards for planning education.
"This reaccreditation is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, the hard work of our students, and the unwavering support of our alumni and community partners," said Dr. Deden Rukmana, Director of the MCRP program. "As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the MCRP program, we remain committed to preparing planners who can lead vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to creating sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities. We extend our sincere appreciation to the PAB site visit team for their professionalism, thoughtful insights, and constructive feedback throughout the review process."
The official report by the PAB Site Visit Team identified several strengths of the UTA MCRP program. Notably, the program demonstrates strong alignment with UTA's commitment to community engagement, provides significant service to the Dallas–Fort Worth region, and maintains strong connections with alumni and local communities. These attributes offer students meaningful opportunities to participate in research and applied projects that contribute to regional development.
Dr. David Coursey, Chair of the Department of Public Affairs and Planning, emphasized the collective effort behind the achievement. "Reaccreditation represents the tremendous achievement enabled by our UTA planning faculty and their tireless dedication to our students and the profession," he said.
CAPPA Dean Ming-Han Li highlighted the decision's importance for both the college and the university. "This accreditation affirms the strength of UTA's MCRP program and its impact on our region and beyond," Dean Li said. "It reflects our faculty's scholarly excellence, our students' dedication to public service, and our college's mission to advance innovative, community-centered solutions to today's urban and regional challenges."
PAB Chair Juan (Trey) Mendez, III, J.D., stated in the official letter that the MCRP program "should be proud of its accomplishments," acknowledging both its overall quality and its performance in relation to its mission and strategic plan.
This reaffirmation from the Planning Accreditation Board enables UTA's Master of City and Regional Planning program to continue its legacy of excellence, preparing graduates to lead and serve in communities throughout North Texas and globally.