Master of Community and Regional Planning
The Master of Community and Regional Planning (MCRP) is an advanced, STEM-designated degree program that prepares students with the education and practical skills to be leaders in the practice of planning. The nationally ranked, professional MCRP program concentrates on land use and transportation, community design and development, and rural and environmental planning. Students may design their own area of concentration with the assistance of their major professor.
Curriculum
Degree requirements include completion of a two-year, 49-credit program, including a required core (25 credits), electives (18-21 credits), and one of the following: comprehensive exam (3 credits) or thesis (6 credits).
We are pleased to offer the unique opportunity for you to pursue a double degree between our MCRP and programs within and outside the College of Design. Earn the MCRP and a second degree simultaneously while maintaining the high standards of both programs. In many cases, the time to degree completion is lengthened only by one or two semesters.
- Master of Architecture (MArch)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- The Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Community and Regional Planning (MCRP) is a three-year double-degree program designed to enhance students’ leadership and management skills while offering advanced training to tackle complex planning challenges.
- MCRP and MBA double-degree curriculum
- Graduate Program in Sustainable Agriculture (GPSA)
- The Master of Science in Sustainable Agriculture (MS SUSAG) and Master of Community and Regional Planning (MCRP) is a three-year double-degree program designed to provide students with advanced training to address complex challenges at the intersection of agricultural sustainability and planning.
- SUSAG MS and MCRP double-degree curriculum
- Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
- Master of Design in Sustainable Environments (MDesSE)
- Master of Urban Design (MUD)
The MCRP program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB), which accredits university programs in North America leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees in planning.
PAB standards are developed with input from the stakeholders in the planning community and sponsoring organizations: the American Planning Association (APA); APA’s American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP); and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP).
This degree program has been officially designated as STEM degree program, which refers to the academic disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). STEM major designation is determined by the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost and the Iowa Board of Regents.
With this designation, international students are eligible to extend their F-1 visas for up to three years after graduation to work in the United States.
The MCRP program fosters continuous learning through research, case studies, and hands-on projects that bring planning principles into real-world practice. Its emphasis on applied learning has been instrumental in shaping my skills as a planning professional. Through collaborative projects each semester, I have gained adaptability and strong communication skills, equipping me for success in diverse and dynamic work environments.
Sandra Boateng – Master of Community and Regional Planning, Class of 2025
Application requirements
Anyone applying for admission to the Master of Community and Regional Planning program must complete the Iowa State University Graduate College online application. As part of the application, you will be asked to provide:
- Official academic transcripts indicating a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals from your educational or professional background who can most directly speak about your ability to complete graduate-level course work and teaching duties
- You will be asked within the application to provide the names and email addresses for your three references; when you submit the application, the three individuals will receive an email notification from ISU Admissions with a link to the recommendation form
- English Proficiency Exam (international applicants only)
- Financial statement (international applicants only)
Consideration date
The priority application submission date is February 1, and applications received after the deadline will be reviewed only as program resources permit. Applications submitted after April 1 will not be reviewed for the upcoming fall semester. Instead, they will be considered for the following spring semester or the fall semester of the next year.
Student experiences
Real-World Learning and Professional Development in the MCRP Program
The Master of Community and Regional Planning (MCRP) program provides students with varied opportunities to connect with planning professionals, participate in industry events, and apply their academic knowledge to real-world projects. Through workshops, conferences, and collaborative experiences, students develop essential skills, expand their professional network, and gain practical experience that prepares them for successful careers in urban and regional planning.
Engage, Learn, Connect: Building Skills through Student Organizations
Through a variety of clubs and student organizations, MCRP students engage with professionals via workshops, events, and active participation in planning-focused groups. These opportunities help students connect with peers, build key skills, grow their professional networks, and gain valuable experience they can use outside of the classroom.
Hands-On Learning in the GIS Lab: Preparing MCRP Students for Planning Careers
At the Geographic Information Systems Support and Research Facility (GIS Facility), MCRP students gain hands-on experience with spatial analysis tools, tackling real-world planning challenges. This practical learning approach equips graduate students for successful careers in planning and beyond.
Real-World Experience: MCRP Students Engaging with Communities
MCRP students engage in real-world experiences through community mapping events, collaborating with residents and local cities on impactful projects. These hands-on opportunities allow students to apply their skills in practical settings, enhancing their learning, and preparing them for successful careers in urban and regional planning.
Engaging with Industry Professionals: MCRP students learn and engage with with industry experts
MCRP students in CRP 5010 visited Cedar Rapids City Hall to learn about the city’s flood recovery and reconstruction planning efforts. This experience connected classroom learning with real-world strategies for climate resilience and community recovery.
MCRP students attend national conferences for enhanced learning and networking opportunities
MCRP students have the opportunity to attend national conferences, providing valuable learning and networking experiences that enhance their understanding of urban and regional planning.
Collaborative Solutions: MCRP Students Tackle Real-World Challenges in Community Planning Studio
In the CRP 5320: Community Planning studio course, MCRP students collaborate on sustainability-focused projects that tackle real-world challenges. These practical experience allows students to develop innovative solutions while enhancing their skills in community planning.
Additional resources
A Planner in the Making
Find your place at Iowa State University’s College of Design, where we like to ask questions, poke and prod, create something new, and make a difference through design.