Program Overview

The Ph.D. Program in Regional Planning educates scholars for positions in leading universities and research institutions. It builds a strong foundation of planning and social science theories, advanced research methods and design, and expertise in a chosen specialization. Its goal is for students to complete their Ph.D. degrees within four years, if not three. The first two years are devoted to coursework, a qualifying examination to demonstrate readiness for doctoral research, and preparation to defend a dissertation proposal. The third year is dedicated to the dissertation and journal publication. Several factors can lead to a fourth year, for instance, the wish to build skills that require more coursework, the complexity of the dissertation research, an uncertain path to the dissertation topic, or an irresistible opportunity to teach a course or continue a productive research project.

Although diverse interests draw us into Regional Planning, we share the quest for knowledge that creates better places—better neighborhoods, communities, cities, and regions. Most of us fit under one or more of the program’s historical research umbrellas: environment and land use, housing and community development, and transportation and regional development. Our research modes and theoretical frameworks vary. For example, some of us use theories from economics and the latest techniques of spatial econometric analysis, while others use recent advances in social network theory and ethnographic research methods. We learn from our diversity, cross disciplinary bounds together, and help each other do more profound research. Recent dissertation titles illustrate the intellectual breadth and multi-disciplinary strength of Regional Planning at Illinois.

Doctoral students work very closely with their advisors and other faculty members. The Ph.D. Program Director provides administrative oversight and intellectual leadership. With questions about program policies and procedures, please contact:

Professor Andrew M. Isserman
Ph.D. Program Director
Department of Urban and Regional Planning
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
111 Temple Buell Hall
611 Taft Drive, Champaign, IL 61820
Voice: 217-244-7681
Fax: 217-244-1717
E-mail: isserman@illinois.edu