Ann Hoevel | Jun 29, 2023 — Atlanta, GA

The seventh edition of the Planetizen Guide to Graduate Urban Planning Programs has ranked Georgia Tech's Master of City and Regional Planning program sixth in the nation, up from tenth in 2019.

Also this year, the program is ranked second in the South and second in Planetizen's list of Top Big City Programs.

"These rankings are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our faculty, staff, and students to academic excellence and innovation," said Gulsah Akar, School of City and Regional Planning Chair.

"We are particularly thrilled to be ranked second among the Top Big City Programs nationwide," Akar said. "Our strategic location – right in the vibrant heart of Atlanta – provides our students with unparalleled access to a diverse metropolitan region. This advantageous setting allows Georgia Tech to play a central role in driving conscious social and economic change."

As part of a strategy to grow the planning industry, Planetizen ranks Urban Planning Programs every four years. In addition to the rankings, they encourage readers of their guide to also consider: "Is this program located in the type of urban environment I'd like to explore and potentially make a life? Do the professors' interests match my own? Are there opportunities for internships in the area around this program that can set me up for a well-paying job after graduation?"

"For all our degree programs, Georgia Tech is the place where cutting-edge research and hands-on learning intersect. But particularly for our Master of City and Regional Planning students, this learning environment offers so many local and global opportunities," Akar said. "They engage in addressing local issues while also participating in international planning studios from Japan to Puerto Rico."

"This is why our program is so unique. It leverages this dynamic metropolitan environment and offers students engaging studio experiences mixed with research. We have accomplished instructors, inspiring guest speakers, and invaluable connections to a wide array of federal, state, local, and private sector planning organizations,” she said.