More Information
Regional Planning PhD students at Illinois strive for and achieve excellence. Learn more about current students and our program graduates.
From the Director of Graduate Studies, Professor Andrew Greenlee
Thank you for your interest in the Regional Planning Ph.D. program!
Doctoral studies in planning draws from a diverse array of interests and perspectives – one of the hallmarks of our program is an emphasis on this intellectual diversity. As a community of scholars, we bring many interests and life experiences to our work all connected through a common goal – supporting and sustaining diverse, vibrant, healthy, and just places for all people.
As a community of scholars, we employ many different perspectives and approaches to achieve this overarching goal – our Regional Planning Ph.D. program has a long history as a leader in regional science, but also in centering social equity and justice in our understanding of urban governance. Our faculty are known worldwide for bringing multidisciplinary perspectives and thought leadership to their research, teaching, and engagement. From diverse perspectives and approaches, we seek to use our scholarship as a positive force for societal change, and through the Regional Planning Ph.D. program, we seek to train the next generation of scholars and leaders.
We seek those individuals who aspire to advanced leadership in academia and research, and who bring to their work a track record of excellence in their studies and professional practice. We seek those individuals who, regardless of their prior academic or professional background, have deep and urgent questions to engage that intersect at some level with cities and urban environments. Taking a look at the work of Regional Planning Ph.D. program graduates may help you see the diversity of paths we prepare doctoral students for.
No Ph.D. program is an easy path. But the job placement of our graduates speaks for itself. Our program typically takes 4 years. It entails 2 years of coursework, followed by exams. Students dedicate the 3rd and 4th years to their dissertation research. Most students receive funding through the department, frequently through teaching or research assistantships.
You can find more information about the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, What to Expect, How to Apply, and Financial Support on our website. You can also learn about our faculty, students, and community. We hope you will choose to visit us and learn more about our commitment to leadership, research, and expertise.
For answers about program policies and procedures, please reach out to me:
Professor Andrew Greenlee
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Urban and Regional Planning
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
111 Temple Buell Hall
611 E Lorado Taft Dr, Champaign, IL 61820
Voice: 217-333-9069
E-mail: agreen4@illinois.edu