Dr. Faranak Miraftab

Professor

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Biography

Faranak Miraftab is a professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Illinois. With a focus on urban studies, her work utilizes ethnographic methodologies to explore the intersection of sociology, geography, and planning, particularly regarding issues of globalization and urban development. Her research critically examines how social and institutional dynamics shape housing, infrastructure, and urban services, particularly in marginalized communities. With a diverse academic background that spans regions including the Middle East, Latin America, and Southern Africa, Miraftab has dedicated her career to understanding the struggles faced by groups disadvantaged by class, gender, race, and ethnicity. She has published significant works, including her award-winning book, 'Global Heartland: Displaced Labor, Transnational Lives and Local Placemaking,' which reveals the impact of community development processes on a global scale. Miraftab has also received recognition as a University Scholar, a prestigious award for teaching and scholarship. Her teaching encompasses a range of urban planning topics and she plays a pivotal role in coordinating the Transnational Planning Stream in her department.

Research Interests

Courses

Cities Global Perspective Grassroots Community Development Global South Advanced Planning Theory Transnational Planning Seminar

Requirements for University of Illinois

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:19
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:103
GRE General
Prerequisites
Mathematical background Linear Algebra Calculus
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE is optional for admission to all graduate programs in Statistics. Full status admission requires higher language scores than limited status.