The Bachelor’s + Master’s (B+M) in Urban Studies and Planning is a joint degree program that allows undergraduate Community Urban Studies & Planning (CUSP) majors to complete credits that count towards both the BA/BS degree and the Master of Urban & Regional Planning (MURP) degree. Eligible students may apply and be admitted directly into the MURP program, sharing up to 20 credits of graduate-level coursework.
Note: this is not a 4+1 program; the B+M is not designed to allow for completion of the MURP in one year. Rather, it creates a streamlined pathway for completing a Bachelor's degree while beginning work on a professional Master's degree.
Advantages of the B + M
- Save Money: The total cost is lower because you pay tuition at the undergraduate rate and can count up to 20 credits for both programs.
- Save Work: This is a head start into the MURP, meaning fewer total classes and a potentially lighter course load during the MURP portion of the joint degree program.
- Remove Grad School Uncertainty: You know if you have been admitted while still working on your BA/BS.
- Explore Career Path: It's a great way to get to know the program and check if this is the right career path for you.
How it Works
- Apply to the MURP program during your junior or senior year in the CUSP program.
- Once admitted, you can take up to 20 credit hours of 500-level classes that count as coursework for both the CUSP & MURP programs.
- Complete the requirements for the CUSP program and graduate with your Bachelor’s degree.
- Continue on to the MURP program in the fall. You will have already completed up to 20 credits toward the MURP degree.
Timeline
Apply for the B+M in your junior year. Applications are suggested for spring term, but are accepted on a rolling basis until winter of your senior year.
Eligibility
Declared CUSP majors who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply to the B+M program.
- Must have junior or senior standing.
- Must have completed UNST 220 or USP 385U; USP 300U; & USP 311U.
- Must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 for USP courses, and 3.3 overall.
- PSU’s Graduate School sets these benchmarks. USP will consider students with lower GPAs on a case by case basis. If you do not meet the GPA requirement, please address why you should be considered in your personal statement.
- Note: students admitted to the B+M program are expected to maintain an institutional undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher, and to earn a B grade or higher in graduate courses for shared credit.
Not required, but strongly recommended: Some work or community/volunteer experience related to planning, urban issues, and/or community development.
Note: All undergraduate degree requirements must be completed by August 31st of the year you intend to begin the MURP portion of the joint degree program. The MURP program only admits for fall start.
If you are unsure, please contact your undergraduate advisor.
How to Apply?
- Meet with your undergraduate advisor and the CUSP and MURP Program Directors to discuss if the B+M is right for you.
- Strongly recommended: Attend a MURP information session to learn more. Complete the Graduate School Application.
Application Requirements
- Unofficial PSU transcript
- Statement of Purpose: In 1000 words or less, discuss your motivation for pursuing graduate planning education, in general and at Portland State specifically. Why is the PSU MURP program a good fit for helping you achieve your future professional goals?
- Statement of Contribution to the School: In 500 words or less, explain how your personal, academic, and professional experiences and/or pursuits will contribute to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the MURP program and the planning profession.
- Resume or CV: A current resume or CV outlining your work and educational background.
- 3 Letters of Recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic or professional background, ideally from individuals who have supervised you in some capacity. Letter writers submit their recommendations through the online application system. Once you have entered their details, a request to complete the recommendation will be emailed to your letter writer automatically.