UH Manoa Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree granted longest accreditation term possible
University of Hawaiʻi at MānoaHONOLULU — The Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) degree at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) has recently been reaccredited from Jan. 1, 2007 to Dec. 31, 2013 by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB). The seven-year accreditation term is the longest possible under current PAB rules.
The PAB reviews the academic quality of planning programs and evaluates institutional performance, integrity and quality. In addition to preparing a detailed self-study report on teaching, research and outreach, the accreditation process involves a visit from a team of educators and practicing professional planners who prepare a report reviewed by the PAB. The report noted the quality of teaching and research, strong support of the American Planning Association-Hawaiʻi Chapter, and the continued involvement of urban and regional planning alumni and the professional community.
"As the program has an exemplary record, the accreditation period granted is the longest possible under current PAB rules," said PAB Chair Eugenie L. Birch.
Mānoa Chancellor Denise Konan also extended congratulations to the faculty, staff, and students of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning. "Some time this year, the worldwide wide process of urbanization will reach an important milestone as more than half the world‘s population will be living in cities," she said. "There is a critical and growing need for urban planners the world over."
Karl Kim, professor and chair of the department, stated, "As the only accredited planning program in Hawaiʻi and a major source of planners for not just the state but the entire Asia-Pacific region, we are appreciative of the continued support of the university and the state of Hawaiʻi. Our students and faculty work on critical topics ranging from disaster management and sustainable development to international planning projects that seek to improve the quality of life in Hawaiʻi and beyond."