2nd Public Comment Period Ends Dec. 1

Currently Accredited, Masters, Northeast US

University at Albany, State University of New York

Contact Info

Catherine T. Lawson, Director
518.442.4775; Dept phone: 518.442.4636
lawsonc@albany.edu
https://www.albany.edu/geographyplanning/programs/mrp-urban-and-regional-planning
Public Information

Accreditation Actions

Accreditation through December 31, 2028
Last Accreditation Cycle: 2022-2023
Next Accreditation Cycle: 2027 – 2028
Progress Report: July 1, 2026

Summary of Recent Actions

April 2023: 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 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:

  • Criterion 1D/ Student Learning Outcomes Assessment determined to be partially-met. The Program should ensure that learning outcomes assessment include all PAB-specified knowledge, skills, and values of the Profession, and performance indicators include direct measures.
  • Criterion 3G/ Professional Development determined to be partially-met. Small faculty size makes it difficult for Faculty to pursue professional development opportunities.
  • Criterion 4E/ Information and Technology determined to be partially-met. Department computer lab in the process of being upgraded.

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.

April 2016: Program granted 7-year accreditation based on PAB’s findings of compliance or substantial compliance with all domains of the Accreditation Standards. No serious deficiencies.

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 7 standards, which encompass a total of 35 criteria and 17 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.

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.

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