News

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 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.

Additional detail on the accreditation actions can be found within the Accredited Planning Programs directory. Please note, the information presented below and within the directory is a summary. 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.

At its October 23 – 24, 2025 meeting, PAB made the following accreditation decisions:

Boston University
Master of Science in City Planning
The Board granted the Program Candidacy Status, effective January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027.

Florida Atlantic University
Master of Urban and Regional Planning
The Board granted the Program a 5-year accreditation term, through December 31, 2030. Progress Report by July 1, 2028 to be submitted by Program.

University of South Florida
Master of Urban and Regional Planning
The Board granted the Program a 7-year accreditation term, through December 31, 2032. Progress Report by July 1, 2028 to be submitted by Program.

University of Texas – Arlington
Master of City and Regional Planning
The Board granted the Program a 5-year accreditation term, through December 31, 2030. Progress Report by July 1, 2028 to be submitted by Program.

University of Virginia
Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning, and Master of Urban and Environmental Planning  
The Board granted the Program a 5-year accreditation term, through December 31, 2030. Progress Report by July 1, 2028 to be submitted by Program.

Western Washington University
Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning and Sustainable Development
The Board granted the Program a 7-year accreditation term, through December 31, 2032.

PAB Newsletter

• Accreditation Demystified
• Enrollment Trends
• Welcome New Board Member
• Summary of Recent Actions
• News from Our Partners

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