Need some insight-- MUP at UW or Eastern?

[cyclemeg]

Hi there,

I am brand-new to the forum but loving it already! Anyhow, am beginning an MUP program in September. I just can't decide whether to relocate to Seattle to attend the more prestigious, better academic MUP at UW in Seattle, or to stay in Spokane and attend the smaller, less known but hands-on program at Eastern Washington University. My career goals are to develop bicycle and pedestrian-friendly projects, in maybe both the private and public sector.

I ultimately want to settle in Spokane, but I am worried that my education at Eastern wouldn't give me the exposure to diverse planning solutions that the program at UW would give me. Any insignt that planners practicing in the field or current students have would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!

Alternately, if someone could maybe provide insight or a list of educational/ experiental components that the ideal MUP program would have, that would really help too. Thank you!!!

[girlwhomakesplans]

I just graduated from the undergrad program at Eastern. It is definately a hands on program and with smaller class sizes you get more attention from the instructors. Most of the grads seemed happy with the program.

The main problem that I have encountered is a lack of entry level jobs in the area. I am interviewing on the coast for most of my jobs. If you are looking to locate in Seattle when done, it may be to your advantage to stay and go to school there. That way you can pursue an internship in the area that may lead to a permanent job. I had to fund my internship myself with my work study money. Not complaining about that, it's just the way it is.

Good Luck with your decision. I hope I've helped you.

[zman]

Cyclemeg, you are not the only one looking for advise on these two schools. I am interested in both and give this post time for some of the regular Washingtonians to pick up on this and offer advise.

Let me know also what you find out since you are in the area already.

[CCMNUT39]

If it helps, talk to both departments and get a feel for what's going to be best suited for you.

I chose EWU as a school overall because it's a smaller campus, smaller class sizes and more hands-on attention. Overall, Spokane is not Seattle, but it depends on what you like/want to do.

Professionally, Spokane is a harder market to break into job-wise because of the lack of positions. Seattle has a proliferation of entry-level positions because of the various incorporated Cities.

[ajnyhere]

I am moving into my second year of the MUP at UW and have been satisfied so far.

The program definitely has a focus on Washington planning, such as the Growth Management Act. Obviously, Seattle functions as a lab for classes/studios/etc, but the emphasis is not always on downtown urban cores. There is plenty of work done in smaller towns and more suburban areas...which in the longterm could help you prepare for employment outside Seattle.

If you have specific questions about UW and the MUP program I'd be happy to answer them.

[cyclemeg]

I just graduated from the undergrad program at Eastern. It is definately a hands on program and with smaller class sizes you get more attention from the instructors. Most of the grads seemed happy with the program.

The main problem that I have encountered is a lack of entry level jobs in the area. I am interviewing on the coast for most of my jobs. If you are looking to locate in Seattle when done, it may be to your advantage to stay and go to school there. That way you can pursue an internship in the area that may lead to a permanent job. I had to fund my internship myself with my work study money. Not complaining about that, it's just the way it is.

Good Luck with your decision. I hope I've helped you.

Thanks much for the info, it is definitely helpful. I absolutely hear your concerns about finding jobs in Spokane-- that seems to be a very common theme! I'm curious-- are you working in Spokane, looking for work in Spokane, or did you relocate (or are you planning on it) when you are done? Thanks again for your advice!

[cyclemeg]

Cyclemeg, you are not the only one looking for advise on these two schools. I am interested in both and give this post time for some of the regular Washingtonians to pick up on this and offer advise.

Let me know also what you find out since you are in the area already.

Hi ZmanPlan,

I can absolutely keep you posted, either here or by private thread, whichever you think is more appropriate. So far the pluses I've heard about UW:

Great academics, good design component, great opportunities for overlapping coursework in other areas-- law, public policy, construction management, real estate, finance, econ, landscape architecture. Also really well connected in Seattle/ Western Washington. Solid theory base. Great reputation nationally.

Eastern:
Small class size, lots of hands-on experience, more practical than theoretical. Also, the professors are well connected to the planning community in Eastern WA. Great reputation regionally.

Hope this helps! Have you identified some priorities in the program you're thinking about? Let me know-- thanks much!

[JNA]

Even 18+ yrs ago when I was looking at grad schools;
I looked at Eastern, even applied and was conditional accepted (had not taken GRE).

[Richmond Jake]

Remember that winters are cold in Eastern Washington. Very cold.
The Palouse:

[spokanite]

Remember that winters are cold in Eastern Washington. Very cold.
The Palouse:

True...and Seattle winters are absolutely dreamy

EWU does have a MURP/MPA track as well. Something to consider in the mix.

[girlwhomakesplans]

Spokane's job market is very challenging for entry level so I am looking all over the state. Definately willing to relocate. State wide my odds are a lot better.

[zman]

Thanks for the feedback, Cyclemeg.

As for another question for the gallery:
How hard is it to get into UW?
I have looked into some of the program and saw the tuition fees for out of staters ( GOOD GOD $$$$$ ) But as for academics, I heard it is tough. Any info?

[cyclemeg]

Thanks for the feedback, Cyclemeg.

As for another question for the gallery:
How hard is it to get into UW?
I have looked into some of the program and saw the tuition fees for out of staters ( GOOD GOD $$$$$ ) But as for academics, I heard it is tough. Any info?

Hi ZmanPLAN--

UW is pretty competitive, although it varies from year to year. This year I think they accepted about 35 out of roughly 200 applicants. Based on my own experience, it seems that they care more about experience than about test scores-- I didn't do exceptionally well on the GRE but I've done a fair amount of political work and bike/ ped stuff between graduating from college in 2002 and now. I think this year's entering class will be about 25.

Eastern is definitely less stressful to get in-- I think they accept at least half of the students who apply. And it seems like they don't generally fill their class every year, so if someone applies who shows obvious interest and intent they generally will offer you a space. The class sizes are smaller at Eastern than at UW also, somewhere between 8-15 students per year.

[Rebelfalcon]

Does anyone have any up to date information on the UW or EWU Master's Urban Planning programs? The information provided is great, however this tread hasn't been updated in a few years...

Looking for current research information and possibly current info on graduation and placement rates for the programs.