See UCLA's minimum requirements for all graduate program applicants.

In addition to the University's minimum requirements and those listed above, all applicants are expected to submit the departmental application, a work sample, and a personal/research statement. Applicants admitted to the Ph.D. program in Urban Planning must have a master's degree in planning or a closely related field.

The statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, work sample, grade-point averages and GRE scores, and resume of relevant experience are all considered in the review process for admission. Applicants must submit transcripts from each college attended.

A minimum grade-point average of 3.5 is required in all graduate work completed for consideration for the Ph.D. program. Employment experience in planning or a closely related field is strongly recommended.

The personal/research statement should concisely address the following: 1) personal, educational and professional background; 2) motivation to seek a Ph.D. in Urban Planning at UCLA; and 3) the specific research topics and questions to be explored. The statement should be as explicit as possible about research interests and faculty with whom to work. The statement should run about 1,000 words; excessively long statements will not be considered in their entirety.

Before acceptance into the program, two faculty members must agree to assume responsibility for guiding students in their studies.

For those applicants whose native language is not English, a score of 600 (paper and pencil test) or 250 (computer-based test) or 100 (internet-based) on the TOEFL, or overall band score of 7.5 on the IELTS is expected.