San Jose State University

The Urban and Regional Planning Master's Program (MUP) at San Jose State University is an elite program that offers various resources to it's student inside and outside the classroom. The MUP program offers valuable in field experience and opportunities which helps the students prepare post graduation. This requirement of 180 hours of Planning experience, serves as a transitional period where the Faculty and Professors really encourage for students to involve themselves in programs, events, and internships... Read More that allow students to gain Professional experience. Additionally, Faculty and Professors make themselves available for 1 on 1 student interaction where students can discuss grades, classes, scholarship, advisement, and other concerns. Assignments are designed to prepare students for real life work outside the classroom. At the moment, it can seems like to much to handle, but essentially it is to prepare the student for such work in the future. Although the MUP program is an excellent model for Planning program across the nation, there are a few cons about it. For instance, a handful or professors due provide an excellent amount of knowledge in a specialization in Planning but once teaching that material, it seems to be an issue. Throughout the last year, a handful of new part time professors have been brought aboard but many students have complained about the poor ways of their teaching styles. The program always looks to improve, therefore it provides students with a grading sheet at the end of each semester for every class.

I feel as though my academic success is a direct correlation of the wonderful academic environment that SJSU has to offer. All of my achievements are a reflection of the faculty and staff that have mentored me thus far as well as a reflection of the strong foundation of support that I receive from my family and friends. That being said, my success is there success. The greatest pro of my graduate program is that my professors are always available for office hours. I have spent countless hours pestering... Read More my teachers, and I am a better student for it. Another pro of my graduate program is that most of the teachers also have industry experience so they are able to offer great career advice in general. I always find lecture both insightful and engaging. For me, the only con of my graduate program is the starting time of classes. Most of the upper division engineering classes are offered once a week from 6:00-8:45 PM. My commute is 2 hours one-way which means that I get home rather late. Realizing what an education from SJSU means for my future however makes my commute that much easier to bare, and I am honestly grateful just to even be able to attend school.