Q: Whom do I contact in the Community and Regional Planning Department at Temple University with additional questions that are not addressed here? A: For administrative issues, including the status of your application, contact Community and Regional Planning Department Chair Deborah Howe at 267-468-8301 or e-mail her at deborah.howe@temple.edu.
Q: What are the important dates to remember? A:
November 1, Deadline for receipt of paper or on-line applications by the graduate school for spring admission.
July 1: Deadline for receipt of paper or on-line applications by the graduate school for Fall admission.
International students need to submit their applications 90 days prior to these dates.
Q: Can I apply electronically? A: Yes. The online application may be found here at. In addition, the following supporting information must be mailed directly to the Community and Regional Planning Department: One official transcript from all schools attended since high school. Two letters of recommendation must be submitted. You must download all of the appropriate forms on the graduate Web page.
Q: Can I still use a paper application? A: Yes. However, we highly recommend that all applicants use the electronic version, as it is more efficient and you, the applicant can keep track of your status online through a PIN number given to you when you apply.
Q. Who should take the TOEFL exam?
A: International students whose degrees are from Non- English speaking countries. (Canada, England, Ireland, South Africa, Australia are waived) The TOEFL or IELTS exam facilitates the visa process. Our International Office must also certify your proficiency in English. A TOEFL or IELTS score is the preferred way to do this.
Q: Does the department accept transfer students from other departments?
A: We can accept a maximum of 9 s.h of transfer graduate coursework taken at an accredited institution prior to matriculation and a grade of B or higher, may be accepted toward the M.S degree. These courses would need to be approved by the Dean and the Chair of the Community and Regional Planning Department.
Q: Can I apply for admission for the summer semester?
A: No, we only admit students for either the fall and or spring semesters.
Q: What factors are taken into account when evaluating my application?
A: We consider prior academic performance, other professional experience, GRE scores, and overall potential to successfully pursue graduate study in our department. Experience and potential are evaluated largely through the letters of recommendation and the statement of purpose. Foreign students from non-English speaking countries must also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.
Q: When do I need to formally accept or decline an offer of admission?
A: Since we have open enrollment we are somewhat flexible, however if you have applied early into the process and you have been given an admission offer we ask that you give us an answer by May 1.
Q: I do not meet the Graduate Schools academic criteria, would I still be able to take classes as a non-degree seeking (non-matriculated) student?
A: Yes, we have had several students get into the program this way. You would need to speak with Deborah Howe at 267-468-8301 or deborah.howe@temple.edu. She will provide you with the correct forms and guidance on this matter. As a non-degree seeking (non-matriculated) student, you would be allowed to take up to 9 semester hours of graduate coursework that could be transferred into the M.S program. As a non-degree seeking (non-matriculated) student you must have a 3.25 cumulative GPA in order for the department to request a waiver of your GRE requirement. If you decide to take one or two courses as a non matriculated student, and apply, then you would still need to submit valid GRE scores and submit the application materials.
Q: What are the career opportunities? A: Students graduating with a degree in Community and Regional Planning could go on to become a Township Planner, County Planner, City Planner, Township Manager, Planner for a consulting firm, Real Estate Specialist, Conflict Resolution Specialist, Coordinator with EPA, GIS Map Specialist. Students graduating from this field may have opportunities to work with geologists, engineers, architects, and appointed elected officials. For detailed information about planning visit here.
