FAU’s Master of Urban and Regional Planning Degree Reaccredited

The Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) degree offered by the Charles E. Department of Urban and Regional Planning in the Schmidt College of Science has officially been reaccredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) for another five years, effective January 1, 2026. The reaccreditation was the result of a rigorous two-year process, including a self-study report, a site visit and site visit report, as well as an in-person presentation to the PAB accreditation board. 

“This is a significant achievement, and it underscores our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student success,” said Louis A. Merlin, Ph.D., AICP, associate professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning and program coordinator for the college’s MURP program. “The re-accreditation process was arduous, and it involved extensive collaboration among our faculty, alumni, and our students—my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the entire MURP community who participated in this effort.” 

The university’s MURP program is the only accredited urban planning program in South Florida. The PAB reviewers commended the college’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning for its mission-aligned approach to prepare future leaders in planning through education, research, scholarship and community engagement. 

“The accreditation agency mentioned that we were outstanding for our assessment of student learning outcomes, and that our process is a model for programs across the country,” stated Merlin. “This accreditation reinforces that we are meeting national standards and that our program is well-respected nationwide.” 

Learn more about the outstanding MURP program at FAU and submit an information request to get more details.