Admission is determined on the basis of individual qualifications and satisfactory performance on all required materials. The Department of Urban Planning requires an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale), or 3.0 for the second half of an applicant's baccalaureate education. Graduate assistants must maintain a 3.0 GPA. If your GPA is below these requirements, you may be admitted with probationary status based on GRE scores and other criteria and must achieve a 3.0 GPA for unrestricted admission. Ball State's equal opportunity and affirmative action policy is available online.

Application Process
Prospective students must apply to and meet the admission requirements of both the Graduate School and the Department of Urban Planning. Applicants must be accepted by the Graduate School before the department can review their application. To expedite the process, please submit your application materials to the department at the same time you apply to the Graduate School.

NOTE: International students must follow different application procedures.

Application Deadlines
Ball State typically accepts M.U.R.P. students for entry in the fall semester and requires that all application materials be submitted at least four weeks before the start of the semester. If you are interested in a graduate assistantship, be advised that a decision is made as early as March 15.

Transfer Credit
Up to 15 credits (for the standard track) or 9 credits (for the accelerated track) earned in prior graduate study outside the Department of Urban Planning and not resulting in a degree may be applied as appropriate. Transfers must be from an accredited institution, demonstrate relevance for an equivalent course of study in the department, and be approved by the department.

Non-Degree Admissions
An application short form requiring only a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution may allow any student to take courses in the M.U.R.P. program without working toward the degree. A minimum 2.5 overall GPA or 3.0 in the latter half of the baccalaureate is required. Should such a student later apply and be admitted to pursue the degree, the credits received toward the M.U.R.P. are limited to 9 for either track. This offers an easy option to students not certain of urban planning as a career choice and for mid-career professionals in planning and allied fields to continue their education without a commitment to achieve the degree.

Financial Aid
Stafford Student Loans, scholarships, and other financial aid programs also are available to help graduate students meet the costs of pursuing a degree. For more information on these options, contact the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid.

Campus Visit
Prospective students are encouraged to visit Ball State to meet the urban planning faculty and students, tour the facilities, and find out more about our program. To arrange an appointment, please contact the Department of Urban Planning.

For More Information
David Schoen, Acting Chair
Department of Urban Planning
(765) 285-1963
murp@bsu.edu

Graduate School
(765) 285-1297
(866) 285-GRAD toll free
gradschool@bsu.edu

For complete information on program requirements, please consult the Ball State University Graduate Catalog.