MURP Admissions

We're glad about your interest in the MURP program!

MURP Information sessions for fall 2024 are now completed, but you can email murpadm@pdx.edu for a recording or slides and with your questions. You can also schedule a one-on-one chat with the MURP Director and we can help you arrange a campus visit and to sit in on a MURP class.

Want to receive information about MURP admissions? Sign up for the MURP Info list here.

Make sure to scan all the way down the page to check out lots of information about the MURP program!

Fall 2024 Application Deadlines

Master of Urban & Regional Planning

Priority admissions deadline (Priority round applicants are considered for the Portland Planning Diversity Award and other internal Toulan school financial support. Applicants are also encouraged to apply to other school, college, university, and external scholarships, fellowships, and graduate assistantships according to their deadlines. See more here.):

Friday, January 10, 2025 (8:59 pm Pacific Time)

Applicants can expect decision information:

Mid-late March, 2025

Deadlines for subsequent rounds of applications:

After the priority admissions review period, applications are accepted through the end of May. Applicants can expect decision information within about a month after each deadline. These application deadlines are:

Friday, March 28 (8:59 pm Pacific Time)
Friday, May 30 (8:59 pm Pacific Time)

For all rounds of applications:

All supplemental materials (i.e., transcripts and letters of recommendation) are due exactly one week after above deadlines. Applications not complete by then will automatically be moved to the next round of evaluations.

We welcome your application for any of the deadlines but please note:

Only applicants for the priority round are considered for the Portland Planning Diversity Award and other Toulan School specific financial assistance. The timing of other scholarships and funding support vary. See more here.
New students are admitted in fall only.

For the cohort beginning Fall 2024, applicants can begin submitting their applications on September 1st, 2023.

Begin your application

Application Requirements

Applicants to the masters program must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all undergraduate courses or must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in all graduate credits earned at accredited institutions. If admitted, you may be able to transfer a maximum of 24 of the 72 credits (quarter system).

Transcripts

A scanned copy of your official transcript (front and back) from each post-secondary education institution you've attended must be included in your application. Please note that even if credits from one institution are listed on another school's transcript, we still require a separate transcript from every institution attended (including study abroad). If admitted, you will then be required to submit a sealed official transcript to the Graduate School before you can register for your first term at PSU. Official transcripts should reach us by the beginning of May. Registration for fall quarter typically opens towards the end of May. Please visit the Graduate School for complete instructions on submitting transcripts.

Statement of Purpose

Prompt: In 1000 words or less, discuss your motivation for pursuing a 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 School

Prompt: 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.

3 Letters of Recommendation

Recommendations should be from individuals familiar with your academic or professional background. It is recommended that the individuals chosen have supervised you in some capacity. Recommendations are submitted electronically through the online application system. An e-mail request automatically will be sent to your letter writer once you have entered their details.

Resume or CV

A current resume or CV listing work and educational background.

GRE Scores

As of the Fall 2021 admissions cycle, GRE scores will no longer be considered in the review process.

International Applicants

A TOEFL score of 550 or better, taken within the past two years. All graduate applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency in one of the ways outlined on the English Language Proficiency page prior to enrolling in academic classes.

Application Fees

A non-refundable $65 application fee and $2 processing fee is required to successfully complete the Portland State University graduate application. Fee waivers are available for those who are eligible; see here for more information.