When Tamika L. Butler began her fifth year as a PhD student at UCLA’s Department of Urban Planning this fall, she wasn’t just continuing her research on equity in urban spaces—she was part of a legacy now recognized as the best in the nation. In 2026, Planetizen ranked UCLA’s graduate urban planning program number one in the United States, a testament to five decades of leadership in shaping cities that are more just, sustainable, and livable. Located in Los Angeles—one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse urban laboratories—the department has long been a hub for innovators tackling everything from housing inequality to climate resilience. This top ranking isn’t just an accolade; it’s a reflection of how urban planning education can directly influence real-world change.
Founded 50 years ago, UCLA Urban Planning has consistently stood at the forefront of the field, blending rigorous scholarship with deep community engagement. Its faculty include nationally recognized experts like Dr. V. Kelly Turner, whose groundbreaking Shade Map project is helping cities combat extreme heat through equitable urban greening. Students benefit from world-class instruction across six core areas: community development, environmental planning, housing, land development, transportation, and urban design. The department’s Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) program, a two-year professional degree, recently produced graduates like Chelsea Kirk (MURP ’25), now Director of Policy and Research at Strategic Actions for a Just Economy and named an Activist in Residence for her impactful work.
Beyond the MURP, the department offers a STEM-designated Master of Real Estate Development, a four-year PhD program focused on producing influential urban scholarship, and concurrent degrees with law, public health, business, and architecture. A bold new dual-degree program with the Urban School of Sciences Po in Paris strengthens its global reach, preparing planners to work across borders and governance systems. Certificate programs in Sustainability, Food Studies, and Urban Humanities allow students to tailor their expertise, while visiting scholar and postdoctoral opportunities attract talent from around the world.
The impact of UCLA’s program extends far beyond campus. At the 2026 commencement, California State Senator Caroline Menjivar urged graduates to “empower the people around them,” echoing the department’s mission of centering community in planning. With Los Angeles serving as both classroom and testing ground, students study urgent challenges—from housing access shaped by race and policy to regional transportation equity—using interdisciplinary tools like GIS and public policy analysis. As cities worldwide grapple with inequality and climate change, UCLA Urban Planning isn’t just teaching the next generation of leaders—it’s defining what excellence in urban education looks like.