Fully Funded USC PhD in Urban Planning and Development 2027 in the USA: Four Years of Tuition, Stipend and Insurance Support

Overview

The University of Southern California Price School of Public Policy offers a doctoral programme in Urban Planning and Development located in Los Angeles. This advanced degree is structured for researchers aiming to tackle complex public policy, urban planning, and development challenges. The curriculum combines analytical and theoretical training with critical inquiry, allowing candidates to specialise in fields such as housing, land use and urban design, real estate, transportation and mobility, climate change and sustainability, demography, data science and spatial analysis, planning theory and social justice, and arts, culture and community development. Students collaborate closely with faculty mentors and participate in the school's research centers, with opportunities to present findings at academic conferences and publish papers during their studies.

What you get

All admitted students receive a guaranteed financial support package for a minimum of four years through graduate assistantships and fellowships. This funding covers full academic year tuition, a competitive stipend, and health and dental insurance coverage. Additionally, assistance is provided to fifth-year students seeking internal or external funding sources.

Who can apply

The doctoral programme is open to prospective researchers interested in public policy, urban development, urban planning, and related fields. Candidates are expected to align their specific research interests with the expertise of the school's research centers and faculty members.

Requirements

Applicants need to review the official admissions guidelines to fulfill all academic qualifications, submit required application materials, and meet any programme-specific criteria. Candidates should clearly define their research interests as part of the competitive admissions process.

How to apply

Interested individuals must submit their complete applications directly through the official admissions system of the University of Southern California. Prospective applicants should consult the official school website to review detailed application instructions, programme requirements, and current deadlines.

Key dates

An information session for prospective Ph.D. students is scheduled to take place on November 10, 2026.