Urban planning is a field that blends geography, sustainability, and community development to design cities and regions that work for both people and the environment. This page introduces students to programs that prepare future planners to address challenges such as population growth, climate change, and infrastructure needs.
The programs featured here combine classroom learning with practical experience in geographic information systems (GIS), policy analysis, and environmental planning. Whether you are interested in graduate-level training or an undergraduate degree, these schools provide pathways to careers in city planning, environmental consulting, emergency management, and sustainability-focused organizations. The comparisons below highlight program strengths, costs, and unique opportunities to help you choose the best fit for your goals.
2026 Best Geography Programs for Urban Planning
University of Denver
Denver, CO - Private 4-year - du.edu
Bachelor's - BA in Geography
Concentration: land use or urban planning - Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Denver's BA in Geography with a land use or urban planning concentration develops analytical skills for tackling complex environmental and human challenges. The curriculum integrates physical geography, GIS, and human geography, preparing graduates for careers in urban planning and environmental management. Denver's location provides exceptional fieldwork and research opportunities, enhanced by travel courses and faculty-led projects. As a bachelor's program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams. This campus-based program emphasizes hands-on learning, making it ideal for students seeking practical experience in urban development.
- BA in Geography
- Concentration in urban planning
- Campus-based program
- Includes GIS coursework
- Fieldwork opportunities in Denver
- Travel courses available
- Faculty-led research projects
- Prepares for urban planning careers
- Analytical skills development
- Physical and human geography focus
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - Private 4-year - liberty.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Geography
Concentration: Urban Planning - Online Learning - Visit Website
Liberty University's online Master of Arts in Geography with an Urban Planning concentration prepares students for impactful careers in public administration and urban development. This 36-credit program integrates geographic information systems (GIS), human geography, and economic geography to address urban growth and sustainability challenges. Designed for working professionals, it offers 100% online courses with 8-week formats and no set login times. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA and explicitly does not require standardized testing. Military personnel receive tuition discounts, and the program emphasizes practical GIS applications for community economic development, supported by regional accreditation from SACSCOC.
- 36 credit hours.
- 100% online.
- 8-week courses.
- No set login times.
- Transfer up to 50% credits.
- Military tuition discount.
- Focus on GIS for urban planning.
- Covers human and economic geography.
- Prepares for public administration roles.
- Admission requires 3.0 GPA.
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA - Public 4-Year - odu.edu
Bachelor's - Geography
Concentration: Urban Planning and Emergency/Hazards Management - Campus Based - Visit Website
Old Dominion University's Geography program specializes in Urban Planning and Emergency/Hazards Management, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills for tackling urban development and crisis scenarios. Students can pursue B.A. or B.S. degrees with hands-on campus learning, focusing on human-environment interactions, emergency response, and environmental management. Admission requires meeting undergraduate standards, including ACT or SAT exams, and costs vary by residency, with military-friendly rates. This unique concentration prepares graduates for careers in urban planning and hazards management, emphasizing real-world problem-solving without relying on repetitive course structures.
- B.A. or B.S. degrees available.
- Concentration in Urban Planning.
- Emergency/Hazards Management focus.
- On-campus delivery mode.
- Comprehensive geographical training.
- Hands-on learning experiences.
- Prepares for urban planning careers.
- Skills in emergency response.
- Understanding of human-environment interactions.
- Admission based on undergraduate standards.
Ohio University-Eastern Campus
Saint Clairsville, OH - Public 4-Year - ohio.edu
Bachelor's - Geography - Urban Planning and Sustainability
Concentration: Urban Planning and Sustainability - Campus Based - Visit Website
Ohio University-Eastern Campus offers a Geography - Urban Planning and Sustainability bachelor's program that emphasizes sustainable urban design by integrating environmental, economic, and equity considerations. Students develop strong analytical skills through geographic and planning theories to tackle modern urban challenges. The program features personalized advising, internship opportunities, and prepares graduates for careers in government, non-profits, or the private sector, as well as further graduate studies. As a bachelor's program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams, and it is noted for its campus-based format and military-friendly environment.
- Bachelor of Science degree
- Focus on urban sustainability
- Strong geographic analytical skills
- Excellent teaching and advising
- Opportunities for internships
- Prepares for graduate study
- Campus-based program
- No selective admission
- Diverse career opportunities
- Personalized faculty advising
Ohio University-Lancaster Campus
Lancaster, OH - Public 4-Year - ohio.edu
Bachelor's - Geography - Urban Planning and Sustainability Major
Concentration: Urban Planning and Sustainability - Campus Based - Visit Website
Ohio University-Lancaster Campus offers a Geography - Urban Planning and Sustainability Major (B.S.) that trains students to create sustainable urban spaces by integrating environmental, economic, and equity principles. This campus-based program emphasizes hands-on learning through internships and strong faculty guidance, preparing graduates for roles in city planning and environmental consulting. With a curriculum focused on geographic analysis and sustainability theories, it provides diverse career pathways and supports further graduate study. As a bachelor's program, admission follows standard university requirements, which may include ACT or SAT exams, though specific details should be verified with the institution.
- B.S. in Geography
- Urban Planning focus
- Sustainability emphasis
- Campus-based program
- No selective admission
- Strong faculty advising
- Internship opportunities
- Prepares for graduate study
- Diverse career paths
- Comprehensive curriculum
2026 Most Affordable Geography Programs in Texas
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Choosing the Right School for You: Urban Planning Geography Programs
Program Overview Comparison
Liberty University (#1)
- Degree: Master of Arts in Geography – Urban Planning
- Format: 100% online, 8-week courses
- Credits: 36 credit hours
- Focus: GIS for urban planning, economic development
University of Denver (#2)
- Degree: BA in Geography – Land Use/Urban Planning
- Format: Campus-based with fieldwork opportunities
- Focus: Environmental challenges, hands-on research
- Location: Denver metro area advantages
Old Dominion University (#3)
- Degree: BA/BS in Geography – Urban Planning & Emergency/Hazards Management
- Format: Campus-based with hands-on experiences
- Focus: Unique emergency management integration
- Location: Norfolk, Virginia coastal advantages
Ohio University (Eastern & Lancaster) (#4-5)
- Degree: BS in Geography – Urban Planning & Sustainability
- Format: Campus-based, non-selective admission
- Focus: Sustainability and environmental equity
- Advantage: Excellent faculty advising, internship opportunities
Academic Strengths & Specializations
Liberty University – Professional Flexibility
- Graduate-level training – advanced MA degree for career advancement
- Complete online delivery – no set login times, maximum flexibility
- Military-friendly – discounted tuition rates for service members
- GIS specialization – technical skills for urban planning applications
- Transfer credits – up to 50% credit transfer accepted
University of Denver – Research Integration
- Prime location – Denver metro provides real-world urban laboratory
- Faculty research – opportunities for undergraduate research projects
- Travel courses – international and domestic field experiences
- Comprehensive curriculum – physical geography, GIS, human geography integration
- Fieldwork emphasis – hands-on learning in urban environments
Old Dominion University – Emergency Management
- Unique specialization – emergency/hazards management concentration
- Dual degree options – BA or BS degree flexibility
- Coastal location – Norfolk provides diverse urban planning challenges
- Emergency response skills – addresses growing field demand
- Practical application – real-world problem-solving focus
Ohio University Campuses – Sustainability Focus
- Sustainability emphasis – environment, economy, equity integration
- Open admission – accessible to all qualified students
- Faculty mentorship – excellent advising and personalized guidance
- Internship integration – guaranteed practical experience opportunities
- Graduate preparation – strong foundation for advanced study
Financial Analysis & Affordability
| School | Program Level | Tuition Range | Value Proposition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty | Graduate | $6,700-$10,000 | Most affordable graduate option |
| Old Dominion | Undergraduate | $9,800-$14,700 (in-state) | Best value for comprehensive training |
| Ohio Universities | Undergraduate | Not specified | Public university affordability |
| University of Denver | Undergraduate | $47,500-$71,200 | Premium private education investment |
Career Preparation Pathways
Liberty Graduates Excel In:
- Public administration roles
- Community economic development
- GIS specialist positions
- Urban planning consulting
- Government planning departments
University of Denver Graduates Excel In:
- Environmental management firms
- Urban planning consultancies
- Research organizations
- Government agencies
- Graduate school programs
Old Dominion Graduates Excel In:
- Emergency management agencies
- Urban planning departments
- Environmental consulting
- Disaster response organizations
- Government emergency services
Ohio University Graduates Excel In:
- Sustainable development organizations
- City planning departments
- Environmental consulting firms
- Non-profit organizations
- Graduate programs in planning
Program Fit Assessment
Choose Liberty If You:
- Need maximum scheduling flexibility
- Want graduate-level credentials
- Prefer online learning environment
- Are military personnel seeking education benefits
- Need to continue working while studying
- Want strong GIS technical training
Choose University of Denver If You:
- Value hands-on research opportunities
- Want access to major metropolitan area
- Prefer small class sizes and faculty interaction
- Can invest in premium private education
- Seek international travel course opportunities
- Want comprehensive geographic foundation
Choose Old Dominion If You:
- Are interested in emergency management career paths
- Want unique specialization combination
- Prefer coastal urban planning challenges
- Need affordable public education
- Value hands-on learning experiences
- Seek emergency response skill development
Choose Ohio Universities If You:
- Prioritize sustainability and environmental equity
- Want excellent faculty mentorship
- Need guaranteed internship opportunities
- Prefer open admission policies
- Seek strong graduate school preparation
- Value personalized academic guidance
Admission Requirements Summary
- Liberty: Bachelor’s degree with 3.0 GPA
- University of Denver: Completed application, standard requirements
- Old Dominion: University undergraduate standards
- Ohio Universities: University requirements, non-selective admission
Unique Program Features
Liberty University
- 8-week accelerated courses – faster degree completion
- No set login times – ultimate flexibility
- Military discounts – veteran-friendly education
University of Denver
- Denver location advantage – major metropolitan laboratory
- Travel courses – global perspective development
- Faculty research integration – undergraduate research opportunities
Old Dominion University
- Emergency management integration – unique career preparation
- Coastal advantages – diverse planning challenges
- Dual degree flexibility – BA or BS options
Ohio Universities
- Sustainability focus – addresses 21st-century challenges
- Open admission – accessible quality education
- Competitive awards – student recognition opportunities
Bottom Line Recommendations
For working professionals: Liberty’s online MA provides advanced credentials with maximum flexibility.
For research-oriented students: University of Denver offers premium education with faculty mentorship and fieldwork opportunities.
For emergency management careers: Old Dominion’s unique specialization prepares students for growing field demand.
For sustainability-focused planning: Ohio Universities provide comprehensive training in environmental equity and sustainable development.
For budget-conscious students: Old Dominion offers excellent value for comprehensive urban planning education.
Each program prepares students for meaningful urban planning careers – your choice depends on learning preferences, career specialization, financial considerations, and scheduling needs.