Department of Political Science
Master of Community Planning

Community planning is a profession that offers a wide range of opportunities for people with many different talents and aspirations. Planning is concerned with the use of land, protection of the environment, public welfare, the design of public spaces and infrastructure, and the economy. The Community Planning program at Auburn University is a professionally oriented, master's degree program. The hallmark of the program is the opportunity for students to work with real clients, on real planning projects.

Accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board

The Auburn University Master of Community Planning program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) for a seven year term, effective January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2027.

A National Leader Among Planning Programs

Ranked 9^th among the "Top Small City Programs," Planetizen has recognized Auburn's Master of Community Planning program as a national leader. Read more in the “2023 Planetizen Guide to Graduate Urban Planning Programs,” which collects data from nearly 100 planning programs nationwide and ranks them based on different criteria. 

STEM Designated Degree Program

The Master of Community Planning (MCP) degree is an approved field of study within the U.S. government’s official STEM fields list. The MCP program has a CIP Code 30.3301 - Sustainability Studies, which is listed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the STEM fields list. When a student earns a degree in a field on the STEM fields list, they may be eligible for the 24-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. OPT is defined as practical work experience in your field of study after completion of a degree. With a STEM degree, a student’s “regular” OPT of 12 months may be extended for an additional 24 months, giving them a total of 36 months of OPT. For further details regarding STEM extensions contact the Auburn University Office of International Programs.

Distinctive features of our program include:

• Broad-based planning education through our core courses, combined with the opportunity to take elective coursework in one or more of the following areas of faculty expertise:
  • Sustainable development
  • Land use and law
  • GIS and mapping
  • Place-making and urban design
  • Transportation
  • Real estate development
  • Revitalization and economic development
  • Affordable housing
  • Historic preservation
  • Community development and non-profits
  • Public policy and administration
• Small class sizes with individual attention
• The opportunity to participate in the MCP program’s Alabama City Year program, which provides real-life, practical experience working with a real community in the Southeast.
• An interdisciplinary, practice-based learning environment
• All majors, degrees and backgrounds welcome