Eastern Washington University

Transform Your Passion for Cities into Professional Impact

Ready to transform your passion for cities into professional impact? Eastern Washington University’s Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) program provides the perfect combination of academic rigor, practical experience, and professional networking in one of the Pacific Northwest's most dynamic planning environments.

Why Choose EWU's MURP Program?

Your Classroom is a City in Transformation

Located in downtown Spokane's University District, EWU's MURP program offers something unique: a mid-sized city actively embracing progressive planning policies as your living laboratory. With over 94% of graduates obtaining professional planning, planning-related, or other positions within 12 months of graduation, our program delivers results that matter.

Small Enough to Make a Difference, Large Enough to Matter

Spokane serves as the perfect scale for emerging planners. As Washington's second-largest city, it offers complex urban challenges while maintaining accessibility for students to see their work implemented.

Our curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience with actual community projects. Students work on legitimate planning initiatives throughout the greater Spokane region, building resume-worthy experience while still in school. These aren't just academic exercises – they're real planning projects that shape communities.

Alumni Success Stories

From Intern to Planning Office Principal in 5 Years

Aren Murcar, AICP, graduated in 2019 and now serves as Office Principal at SCJ Alliance's Spokane office, overseeing 20 planners across Eastern Washington, Montana, and Idaho. His connection to the program began through an adjunct professor who provided internship opportunities – a testament to our industry connections.

"I definitely owe it to Eastern for setting me on this path. Bringing in adjuncts from the field is a cool way to connect students with job opportunities."

The impact extends beyond individual success: SCJ Alliance's Spokane office now employs eleven EWU graduates, demonstrating the program's strong industry reputation.

From YouTube to NYC Planning Leadership

Teal Delys, MURP '19, is now the Eastern Queens Team Leader at NYC Department of City Planning. Her journey from Moses Lake, Washington, to leading planning initiatives in one of the world's most complex cities showcases the program's ability to prepare graduates for any scale of planning challenge.

"During my time at EWU, my perspective shifted from an artistic and structural focus on the development of individual sites to understanding how physical features, like streets and buildings, and socioeconomic characteristics fit together to shape neighborhoods and the city as a whole."

Building Networks That Last a Career

Graham Zickefoose, MURP '23 transitioned from content writing to become an Associate Planner with Spokane County Planning. His experience highlights the program's strength in building professional networks that span the region.

"I know and have worked with many of the planners at the City of Spokane, the City of Medical Lake, and various private sector planners that I initially met as a student. Having worked with planners elsewhere and understanding their roles makes coordination much smoother."

The Spokane Advantage

Dynamic Planning Environment

• Multi-jurisdictional experience: Work with city, county, and regional planning agencies
• Diverse project scales: From neighborhood-level initiatives to regional transportation planning
• Active growth management: Address real-time housing challenges and sustainable development
• Public-private partnerships: Gain experience with both municipal and consulting perspectives

Professional Integration

• Evening class schedule accommodates working professionals
• Strong industry connections through adjunct faculty and guest lecturers
• Internship opportunities across public and private sectors
• Rolling admissions with fall, winter, and spring start dates

Unique Geographic Context

The Inland Northwest offers an uncommon opportunity to study diverse planning contexts:

• Urban core revitalization in downtown Spokane
• Small town planning across Eastern Washington
• Rural and tribal planning initiatives
• Natural resource management and environmental planning

Program Highlights

Curriculum Excellence

• PAB-accredited curriculum ensuring professional standards
• Studio-based learning with real community projects
• Technical skills development, including GIS
• Community engagement training and practice
• Dual degree options with MPA and interdisciplinary programs

Faculty Expertise

Our faculty members combine academic excellence with practical experience, including active practitioners who bring current industry knowledge directly into the classroom.

Career Outcomes

• Over 94% employment rate within 12 months of graduation
• Strong regional network with alumni throughout the Pacific Northwest
• Diverse career paths from municipal planning to consulting to leadership roles
• AICP certification preparation and support

Ready to Shape the Future of Cities?

In an era where thoughtful planning has never been more critical, EWU's MURP program offers the perfect launching pad for your planning career. Whether you're drawn to the complex challenges of urban growth, the intimate scale of small-town revitalization, or the cutting-edge policies shaping sustainable communities, our program provides the foundation, connections, and real-world experience you need to make a lasting impact!

Join a community of planners who understand that the best solutions are locally grounded, collaboratively developed, and professionally executed. In Spokane's dynamic planning environment, you won't just study planning theory – you'll help write the next chapter of how cities grow, adapt, and thrive.