Aerial shot of College of Business and Playhouse

Graduate

From urban planning and public policy to sustainability and civic leadership, our graduate programs offer advanced training and applied research to prepare you for leadership in public services.

How to Apply
Request information about

Explore academic programs

Choose your path, fuel your growth. Find the programs, research and support to reach your goals.
Speaker at 2017 graduation
Explore our Graduate Programs

Explore our Graduate Programs

Our doctoral program prepares you to for careers in teaching and research. Our master’s degrees and graduate certificate develop you as a practitioner through hands-on learning environments and industry-aligned experience.
Student studying in the Belknap Academic Building
Funding & Assistantships

Funding & Assistantships

Most PhD students receive four years of assistantship funding with tuition remission and a monthly stipend. MPA and MUP students are eligible for merit-based scholarships, typically $1,000 to $3,000 a year, making graduate study more accessible.

Why Our Graduate Program 

Graduate programs in the Department of Urban and Public Affairs are designed for individuals who want to lead, plan and make changes where it matters most. As the home of Kentucky’s first urban planning degree, the department combines a strong legacy of public service with forward-looking, interdisciplinary training in planning, public administration and research. Students are prepared to shape policy, strengthen institutions and be a part of more just and resilient communities. 

Faculty Mentorship

Our faculty are active scholars and engaged practitioners, deeply involved in urban policy, planning, governance and sustainability. Graduate students work closely with faculty mentors through research collaborations, applied projects and professional advising to gain insight and connections that extend well beyond graduation. 

Experiences with Real Impact

Graduate study culminates in meaningful, career-building work. PhD students complete original research that contributes to the field and prepares them for academic and research careers. Master’s students complete applied theses or capstone projects that tackle real-world challenges often in partnership with public agencies, nonprofits and community organizations, leaving UofL with both expertise and a compelling professional portfolio.

Alumni Outcomes

Our alumni work across cities and beyond – as urban planners, policy analysts and sustainability coordinators, but also as transportation analysts, community developers and advocates for governments, nonprofits and firms. They shape communities from inside city halls, planning offices and the neighborhoods they serve.

Ben Dewitt, UPA Alum, standing outdoors wearing a black suit
Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight

Transfer student Ben Dewitt found his home in UPA, earning a degree in urban studies with a focus on planning. His work on transit equity and urban heat took him to a NASA internship mapping city heat in Idaho's Treasure Valley.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Connect with our Graduate Directors to learn more about program requirements, the application process or to discuss research interests.

Apply Now
Contact the Department