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Admissions

Applicants to UC Irvine's Master of Urban and Regional Planning program must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized academic institution with degree standards equivalent to those of the University of California, with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (waivers for strong candidates with slightly lower GPA's are possible under certain circumstances). We welcome applicants from a wide range of undergraduate disciplines, and planning experience is not required.

Applications for Fall 2025 are currently being accepted on a rolling basis until May 15, 2025.

MURP admission decisions are based on a holistic evaluation of each candidate. No single factor outweighs the others. The committee attempts to arrive at a balanced assessment of academic and professional promise, demonstrated in the application through:

  • Undergraduate preparation (reflected in transcript final GPA, GPA trajectory, and rigor of courses)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Writing ability and planning interests, from required statements
  • Professional history and samples of work/writing (not required for application, candidates may opt to submit)

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the UCI Graduate Division admissions page. All UCI graduate applications require the following items. Use the detailed directions within the online application and on the Graduate Division website to submit.

Online Application

MURP Admissions and Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions

Details for MURP applications:

  • Transcripts from colleges attended - Required for all applicants. review Grad Division transcript procedures.
  • Statement of Purpose - Required for all applicants.This essay should focus on your academic, professional, and/or research experiences and interests. The admissions committee will review this statement to evaluate your preparation for a professional planning degree program. This statement should include information about your academic plans and research interests, relevant experience, future career goals, and why UCI MURP would be a good intellectual fit for you. (1200 word maximum)
  • Personal History Statement - Required for all applicants. This essay should focus on your personal background, and can include information on your life experience and history which motivates your personal and professional goals. We welcome information on how you have contributed to, and/or plan to contribute to, diversity, equity and inclusion within our program and the planning profession. (1200 word maximum)
  • Three letters of recommendation – Required for all applicants. Our program welcomes letters from both academics and professionals, but we strongly recommend submission of at least one academic recommendation letter. Detailed information about submission process is given in the online application, and on the Graduate Division's Letters of Recommendation web page. Please note that all letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically.
  • Application fees - Required for all applicants. Review Grad Division Application Fees page. Your application can not be processed for review until fee is paid. Fee waivers are available. Learn more about fee waiver eligibility and requirements. 

After submitting the application fee, your application will be processed and you will receive email confirmation. 

International Students

International students should refer to the Graduate Division International Students pages for the specific requirements of their application, including fees, verification of academic qualifications and English language proficiency testing.

Admissions Timeline

  • Application Period (for Fall 2025 Enrollment):

    • October 2024 - January 15, 2025 for priority consideration.

    • After this date, applications will be accepted and considered until May 15, 2025.

    • Please reach out to inquire about our application cycle if you are still interested in applying for Fall 2025.

  • National Deadline for Statement of Intent to Register (SIR): April 15

Prospective Student Events

Prospective students who are interested in learning more about UCI MURP can join us for Information Sessions. Our Information Sessions are a great opportunity to learn about program curriculum, professional development activities, and speak with MURP faculty and staff. Please check back in October 2025 for Information Sessions for Fall 2026 admissions..

View additional upcoming opportunities to meet admissions representatives, learn how to prepare your application materials, attend campus tours, and upcoming graduate school fairs. Please note that most admissions events occur during the Fall application season.

Recording from our Information Session on December 6, 2023 is available below:

Contact

Jorge Padilla
MURP Assistant Director
Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy

 

Irice Castro
Assistant Director of Graduate Student Affairs
School of Social Ecology 
seambassador@uci.edu

MURP Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

If you have technical difficulties or receive an error message while trying to complete the online application, email webmaster@rgs.uci.edu or call 949-824-6363. 

For other questions about completing the application, contact UCI Graduate Division Admissions staff at gradadmissionquestions@uci.edu.