Harvard University
Contact
Rachel Weber, Program Director
617.496.3587; Dept phone: 617.495.2521
rachel_weber@gsd.harvard.edu
http://www.gsd.harvard.edu/urban-planning-design/master-in-urban-planning/
Public Information
Accreditation Actions
Accreditation through December 31, 2031
Last Accreditation Cycle: 2025 – 2026
Next Accreditation Cycle: 2030 – 2031
Progress Report: July 1, 2029
Summary of Recent Actions
April 2026: Program granted 5-year accreditation.
PAB accreditation indicates that the Program has undergone an external review and substantially meets the PAB standards and criteria. Programs granted accreditation demonstrated conformity with PAB Standards after a thorough review from the Board. PAB bases its decisions on the overall quality of the program, its performance relative to its mission and strategic plan, and its performance relative to PAB’s five standards, which encompass a total of 29 criteria and 9 curriculum sub-criteria. When PAB determines that a Program does not fully meet a criterion or curriculum sub-criterion, the Program is encouraged to take steps to improve in that area and provide information to PAB on its efforts, either during the next accreditation review or in an interim progress report.
The Planning Accreditation Board has required the Program to address issues in the following areas:
- Criterion 4D / Student Learning Outcomes Assessment determined to be partially-met. Detailed rubrics are needed, to provide specification for each of the learning objectives and levels of competence.
- Criterion 5A / Program Autonomy determined to be determined to be partially-met. The Program should provide evidence of enhanced autonomy in promotion and tenure of its faculty.
This information is a summary only. Please consult the school directly for in-depth information regarding programs, course offerings, and compliance with PAB standards. Programs should also be consulted directly for additional information on issues and areas of improvement identified during an accreditation review, and the actions that the school is taking to address these areas.
April 2019: Program granted 7-year accreditation.
PAB accreditation indicates that the Program has undergone an external review and substantially meets the PAB standards and criteria. Programs granted accreditation demonstrated conformity with PAB Standards after a thorough review from the Board. PAB bases its decisions on the overall quality of the program, its performance relative to its mission and strategic plan, and its performance relative to PAB’s 5 standards, which encompass a total of 29 criteria and 18 curriculum sub-criteria. When PAB determines that a Program does not fully meet a criterion or curriculum sub-criterion, the Program is encouraged to take steps to improve in that area and provide information to PAB on its efforts, either during the next accreditation review or in an interim progress report.
The Planning Accreditation Board has required the Program to address issues in the following areas:
- 2C/ Student Advising, Services, and Support
- 4A1c/ Curriculum: Planning Law
- 4B1/ Areas of Specialization and Electives
This information is a summary only. Please consult the school directly for in-depth information regarding programs, course offerings, and compliance with PAB standards. Programs should also be consulted directly for additional information on issues and areas of improvement identified during an accreditation review, and the actions that the school is taking to address these areas. If the Program has provided a response to any of the issues cited above, please see below for a link to the response.