• senior Urban & Regional Planning and Political Science double major
• from Sandusky, OH
• participated in Chicago Field Experience senior capstone to study contemporary urban planning issues
• interned at the Perkins Township Planning Department near her hometown to experience life as a city planner

"I think my experiences outside the classroom have not only helped me gain experience in my desired field in urban planning but have opened my eyes to other classes within the College of Arts and Science that would improve my career skills."

Why Miami?

Melanie Murray and classmates at the Maxwell Street Market in Chicago, Illinois

"My favorite aspects of Miami are the class sizes, especially as you get deeper into your major, because they get more interesting, specialized, and smaller. But when I chose to attend Miami, I was undecided with what I wanted to do with my life.

"The College of Arts and Science allowed me to explore different kinds of career paths before I settled on my two majors: first political science, and then urban and regional planning, where I can relate much of what I have learned about planning to my own hometown of Sandusky."

Best Miami Experiences

"My first year at Miami had many challenges as I started thinking about what kind of career I wanted. After taking Geography of Urban Diversity [GEO 201] with professor of geography David Prytherch, I decided that along with political science I also wanted to explore the urban and regional planning (URP) major. My interest in URP has developed over time, allowing me to work on projects and internship opportunities in or near my hometown.

"Dr. Prytherch has been one of the most influential professors in my time at Miami. His 201 class was the reason I chose the URP major. I was also lucky enough to be able to take 3 other classes with him. My Senior Capstone class with assistant professor Damon Scott, GEO 455, allows seniors to gain hands-on experience in Chicago. Additionally, we wrote a semester-long paper on urban planning issues that we were personally interested in.

Melanie Murray and classmates at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum in Chicago, Illinois

"My experience in the URP major has been nothing but positive. Taking numerous classes that offered a wide range of skills and concepts will allow me to enter the workforce confidently this May!"

Miami and the Liberal Arts

"Having a major in the liberal arts allows you to have a well-rounded education. I am able to discuss, learn, and act on important real-world problems, even outside my two majors. I've learned to consider all aspects of the issues I will be working on and to think outside of the box.

"My favorite part of the URP major is that it also incorporates some design elements. I have always been interested in design, and I love that I could incorporate it into my studies for use at future jobs. I also love that the major is small. After 4 years together, we get to know the professors and the other students. It makes classes and learning more fun with people who are passionate about similar things.

"My favorite courses at Miami include GEO 201, Land Use, Law and the State: Geographic Perspectives [GEO 467], and Advanced Urban and Regional Planning [GEO 459] — all with Dr. Prytherch. I also loved my senior capstone with Dr. Scott. These courses helped me learn applicable skills that I can apply to my future such as teamwork, accountability, and improved technical writing skills. In addition, the senior capstone course in Chicago gives important urban planning experience outside of the classroom."

Experiences Outside the Classroom

"Before my senior year, I had an internship at the Perkins Township Planning Department near Sandusky, which helped me apply what I've learned in the classroom. It also gave me the best view into what a daily life as a planner would be like. I attended township meetings, collected field data, and helped develop a new comprehensive plan.

"I think my experiences outside the classroom have not only helped me gain experience in my desired field in urban planning but have opened my eyes to other classes within the College of Arts and Science that would improve my career skills."

Advice and Final Thoughts

"For future students entering the Department of Geography, specifically those interested in the urban & regional planning major, I urge you to get to know other students in your major. They can further your experience and understanding of real world issues surrounding planning.

"I would also advise you to take extra design classes if you have time. Computer program skills (such as with Illustrator, AutoCAD, and GIS) are valuable when you are applying to jobs and internships. Learn as much as you can while you have the opportunity!"

[March 2019]