SPPD's MPL program is committed to preparing students for practice - providing a core of knowledge that underlies the key forms and applications of planning. Accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board of the American Planning Association, the MPL program's outstanding curriculum and rich institutional and intellectual environment prepare students for a wide range of careers in the field.

A hallmark of the MPL program is the multi-sector perspective on, and approach to, planning. In this view, planning must not only emphasize the public sector, but also factor in private sector development, nonprofit organizations, and the needs of citizens who are intended beneficiaries. A further distinction of the curriculum is the commitment to exploring universal principles and preparing planners to practice anywhere in the world. This training gives the basis for a wide choice of specific careers in the field and extends the relevance and value of graduate education over a lifetime.

In addition, due to its vast size and rapid growth, southern California boasts the largest planning job market in the world. USC is located just three miles from the hub of the region's planning activity, centered in downtown Los Angeles.

We invite you to learn more about our program by attending an on campus information session. Please visit http://www.usc.edu/schools/sppd/admission/info_sessions/ to RSVP for a session.