Welcome to the Department of Urban Studies & Planning
The Department of Urban Studies and Planning prepares students, at both the undergraduate and graduate level, for professional careers in urban studies and planning. The department faculty supports the mission through teaching, research and publication, community outreach and University service.
Learn more about Urban Studies & Planning
Programs
Major in Urban Studies and Planning
Urban Studies and Planning is an interdisciplinary program providing an undergraduate course of study that focuses on solutions to the major problems stemming from the complexities of contemporary urban life.
Minor in Urban Studies and Planning
The minor in Urban Studies and Planning introduces urban areas and their diversity. The urban planning profession and policies to increase the sustainability and resilience of cities are explored. The electives allow students to learn more in depth about topics cities and urban planners face.
Master of Urban Planning
The Master of Urban Planning provides a broad-based education in urban planning, especially as it is practiced in the State of California, where a wide range of state laws and mandates have created a planning environment that is distinct from its practice in much of the rest of the United States.
Department Announcements
Lab Hours - Spring 2026
- Mondays
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Wednesdays
- 8:00 AM - 9:50 AM and 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Tuesdays & Thursdays
- 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 11:15 AM - 6:30 PM
Undergraduate Advisement
To schedule an advisement appointment:
- Call our office at 818-677-2904
- Email urban.studies@csun.edu
- Drop by our office located in Sierra Hall 220
Master of Urban Planning Deadlines
FALL 2026
- Final Deadline: Friday, May 29, 2026
Planning Accreditation Board (PAB)
Candidacy Status was granted by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) effective January 2026 to both Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Planning and Master of Urban Planning degrees. Candidacy Status is a formally-recognized two-year term that precedes an initial granting of accreditation.
Course Spotlights - Fall 2026
Want to make a real difference in your community? Take an Urban Studies and Planning course in Fall 2026.
Master of Urban Planning (MUP) Informational Sessions
These sessions offer an excellent opportunity to learn about the program's curriculum, understand the admission requirements, and meet with program faculty members.
Latest News
Read All News
Fourth Annual Giving Day March 4th & 5th
CSUN’s Fourth Annual Giving Day is happening this week on March 4th and 5th, and it’s your chance to make...
Urban Studies & Planning Alumni: Locally Engaged, Globally Prepared
Urban Studies & Planning alumna, Vanessa Faul (BA 2017), has been appointed as the Investment Planning Ma...
2022-23 Academic Affairs Research Fellow for the College of Social and Behavioral Science
Dr. Mintesnot Woldeamanuel has been awarded the Academic Affairs Research Fellow for the College of Social an...
Department Office
Department of Urban Studies & Planning
Sierra Hall 220
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8259
- Phone: (818) 677-2904
- Fax: (818) 677-5850
Business Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Follow us: @csunurbanplanning
