Course Sequencing and Planning

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Curriculum

The program of study for this professional graduate degree requires completion of 48 units, including 16 units of core curriculum, eight units of planning studios, four units of methodology related to the student's concentration, a required concentration gateway course and 16 units of electives, including two additional courses related to a student's concentration. A comprehensive examination and an approved non-credit internship are also required. The degree may be pursued on either a full-time or part-time basis.

The Master of Planning normally requires two academic years of full-time study. Courses are also scheduled to allow completion on a part-time basis. At least 36 units of graduate-level study must be done in residence at USC. Students seeking the degree on a part-time basis must take at least one course each semester and one semester must be in full-time residence.

Core Courses (16 units)
Eight lecture-seminar courses comprise the core curriculum.

Intersectoral Leadership (PPD 500) – 2 units
Economics for Policy, Planning and Development (PPD 501a) – 2 units
Introduction to Planning Theory (PPD 524) - 2 units
Statistics and Arguing from Data (PPD 525) - 2 units
Comparative International Development (PPD 526) - 2 units
The Social Context of Planning (PPD 527) - 2 units
The Legal Environment of Planning (PPD 529) - 2 units

Planning Studios

Planning studios are an integral part of the curriculum, connecting academic education and preparation for professional practice. Students learn to work together as a team by applying their respective capabilities and knowledge to produce a professional report or plan in response to a common real-world problem.

Planning studios take place in the U.S. and around the world. Past courses have examined the tragedy after Katrina in New Orleans, created economic development plans for local Southern California cities, and studied changing public spaces in Germany. The SPPD International Labs also can be taken for credit as a planning studio.

International Labs

International labs provide the essential clinical link between academic education and professional practice across the globe. Students work with real clients from the country abroad where the lab takes place. Local agencies and firms often sponsor a laboratory to obtain valued studies in research, design, and analysis. Community groups seek assistance from laboratory/workshops to obtain planning analysis and information otherwise unavailable to them. The products of these labs usually take the form of policy recommendations, a suggested plan or alternative plans, databases, background information, various maps and graphics. Recent labs have been in Beijing, China, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Cardiff, United Kingdom.

Concentration Methodology (4 units)
Students select one methodology course appropriate to their concentration area or professional interest.

Planning Electives (16 units)
Students are encouraged to select electives related to their course of study. A SPPD international laboratory is especially encouraged.

Concentrations

Students are required to select a 16-unit concentration that includes a 4-unit methodology course, a 4-unit gateway course, and 8 other units.

Economic Development

Economic Development is the basis for a prosperous community development. Job creation and the development of service or employment sites are the core of economic development. At a higher geographical scale, development of regional economies provides a focus for planning in an international context.