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Masters in Regional Planning (MRP) Info 

 

 

 MRP Handbook
View the MRP Handbook. Note: This is the July 2009 version of the handbook. Course requirements listed here are for students who enrolled in July 2009 only. The handbook you received at orientation is your offical copy.
 
 
 Free American Planning Association (APA) Membership
Third year undergraduates and first year graduate students qualify for first year free membership.  First year graduates will receive 3 consecutive years of student membership and automatic conversion to two more years of "new professional discounted" membership regardless of student or employment status, therefore 5 years of discounted membership.
 
 
 Comprehensive Exam Information 
Spring Examination 2010: TBA
Summer Examination 2010: TBA
Fall Examination 2010: TBA
 
 
 Internship Requirement
An internship is required for the MRP degree. "The formal requirement for an internship (PLN 684) consists of at least 9 weeks full-time-equivalent work with an off-campus government agency, firm or non-profit organization, engaged in planning work or in activities which are closely related to planning.The internship may be paid or unpaid, and full-time or part-time."

  • You will need a report from your supervisor
  • You will need to write a report yourself
  • You can register for the internship in any semester after completion of at least 12 graduate planning credits
  • The internship can be completed prior, during, or up to 10 monthis after the semester of registration
  •  
    You will need a permission number to register for the internship (PLN 684)

Details on what is required of you and your supervisor are available on page 22 of the handbook.

 

 
Facilities for Students
 
 AS 225 & 228--Desks, Lockers and Mailboxes
  • For Graduate students in the GP Department
  • Microwave and fridge available
  • Lockers--bring your own lock
  • Get passcode from Heidi or Lisa in the GP Office

 

 

 AS 223--Student Room w/ Computers
  • Second Floor Arts & Sciences
  • 6 Computers, lots of extra table space
  • Full software package available
  • Get passcode from Heidi or Lisa in the GP Office

 

 

 GSO Office

Did you know you can get 100 free copies/prints at the main GSO Office in Campus Center per week?  Sign up with the office manager for your personal printer code at the GSO Main Office -- Campus Ccente Room: 165.
 
 

 Business Cards at RapidCopy

RapidCopy is the university-managed copy center in the basement of the Business Administration Building -- B26.  They make official UAlbany business cards for graduate students for a good price.  Just give them your info and they will put it in the University template. Having a card to give to a prospective employer is critical to networking for internships and future jobs. 

 
Unique Opportunities 
 
 Take Classes at RPI or Albany Law School
With the approval of their advisor, students may take planning-related graduate courses in other University at Albany graduate programs, at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), or at the Albany Law School. Reciprocal agreements are available with RPI and the Law School to allow University at Albany graduate students to take courses there registering through the University at Albany Graduate Office and paying University at Albany fees.
 
   
 GIS Certificate
Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer-based system for handling spatially structured information, with facilities for processing, retrieval and display (including maps, imagery and other graphics).
 
The program requires 15 credit hours of graduate coursework.  And can be completed in conjunction with the MRP over the normal 4 semesters, although you may want to consider taking some intro GIS courses over the summer. 
 
More info on page 29 of the handbook.
 
 
 Urban Policy Certificate
The Certificate in Urban Policy provides students with an overview of basic concepts and strategies in urban policy analysis, covering both domestic policies and international cases. It provides opportunities for specialization in specific fields of urban research and policy, drawing on one or more social science disciplines.
 
To qualify for the Certificate, students are required to take five graduate-level courses. Three of these courses are already required for the MRP program. The two extras are: PLN 540-Urban Policy in the United States & PLN 573-Metropolitan Governance and Planning.
 
Note: The two required courses mentioned above may not be offered in your time at UAlbany, but your advisor can substitute a different course. Consult your advisor.
 
Also, see page 27 of the handbook.