Admission to the PhD program is determined by the School Doctoral Program Committee on the basis of an applicant's academic record, commitment to scholarly study, and potential for creative research. Applicants generally hold, or are in the process of completing, a Master's degree in Planning or a closely related academic discipline. Qualified applicants in other academic areas are also considered for admission to the PhD program, with the understanding that they may have to take a number of courses in order to acquire the necessary background required for the pursuit of doctoral studies at the University of Cincinnati.
In truly exceptional cases, involving appropriate combinations of scholarship and experience, students may be accepted into the PhD program with only a Bachelor's degree. In such cases, entering students will be required to enroll in and complete the course of study leading towards the professional Master of Community Planning (MCP) program, minus the writing of a Master's thesis. While such students may proceed directly to the doctoral program, they will only receive the MCP if they fulfill the internship and thesis requirements of that program.
At a minimum, a successful applicant for admission into the Ph.D. program is expected to have completed a number of other courses in his or her undergraduate and/or graduate preparation totaling:
- 3 quarter credit hours of calculus;
- 3 quarter credit hours of natural sciences;
- 3 quarter credit hours of environmental studies, and
- 20 quarter credit hours of humanities and social sciences (including economics)
This year, the Graduate School has moved the entire application submission process online so that all materials, except for transcript(s), must be submitted online. A full application must include the supporting documents listed below.
- official University of Cincinnati application and $65 application fee
- the completed PhD Application Form We recommend printing this application, completing it and rescanning it along with your essay answers. It should then be attached to the University Application mentioned above.
- official scores for the aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Note: The School normally expects successful applicants to exceed the median test scores on the GRE.
- 3 reference letters from persons (including faculty) familiar with your potential to complete doctoral study. These must be submitted by your recommenders online.
Note: At least two should be academic recommendations.
For international applicants, a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum score of 600 paper-based or 250 computer-based, is required
- official college and university transcripts or, for international students, official records of prior academic study in English
Note: Admission to the School of Planning is contingent upon receipt of the final official transcript stating the date the degree was conferred. Please send these to the following address:
School of Planning
College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning
6210 DAAP
University of Cincinnati
PO Box 210016-0016
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0016
Application Deadline
Applications and all supporting materials should be received prior to December 1 to assure first consideration for a graduate award from the School of Planning. Those seeking an Albert C. Yates Scholarship/Fellowship should apply by December 1. Accordingly, the GRE and TOEFL should be taken at an early date to ensure timely receipt of scores.
Additional Information
If you have additional questions about the admissions process, please contact Connie Dean, Administrative Coordinator, at connie.dean@uc.edu or call (513) 556-4943. For any information regarding electronically submitting your application or attaching required materials, please contact the Graduate School Help Desk at (513) 556-1496 or email gradhelpdesk@uc.edu.
