urban planning course work

Master of Urban Planning (MUP)

Program overview.

The Master of Urban Planning balances theory, hands-on skills development, planning specializations, and studio collaboration to equip students for success as professional urban planners. Through rigorous coursework and a studio capstone project, students become advocates for diverse neighborhoods, cities, and regions. Elective concentrations, made possible by our exciting course offerings , give students specializations that today’s employers highly value. A mix of full-time faculty and highly qualified part-time instructors teach our classes, leveraging New York’s extensive planning networks.

Our successful graduates work as planners in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, with a high percentage in full-time planning roles. Please click here to see a selected list of current alumni positions, and click here to read extended features on recent alumni. Our students help organize social and educational events for their colleagues at the graduate student association .  Many planning students also contribute to the student-run Urban Review . Many of our students secure highly competitive internships in agencies like the MTA, the NYC Department of Transportation, and the NYC Department of City Planning.

Each student works closely with a full-time faculty advisor to design a two-year curriculum plan and is encouraged to define and refine academic and professional objectives. With permission from the Program Director, students may also take in-person courses at other CUNY campuses to help meet their educational and professional goals. The department regularly offers free tutoring to students for their GIS and urban data courses.

The MUP program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB). Following PAB guidelines regarding access to outcomes-related information, click here for a quick snapshot of the 2022-2023 public information regarding our MUP program. In 2024, the PAB reaccredited the MUP program for the maximum seven-year term, highlighting “many areas of excellence . . . a program with a long history and distinctive focus on advocacy planning; highly qualified faculty actively engaged in the community and helpful to students throughout their careers; and notable efforts in creating a climate of inclusiveness.”

We offer students a high-quality education at impressively affordable tuition rates . Hunter is known for affordable excellence.

New Paris Exchange! The Hunter College Department of Urban Policy and Planning will send its first cohort of graduate students to Paris in 2024 as part of an exchange program with France’s leading urbanism school, the École d’Urbanisme de Paris. Up to four students may go in the fall semester, and the program is in English. All courses will count toward program electives; students pay standard (and low) Hunter tuition.

Learn more and follow us on Linkedin , X, and   Instagram.

Program Director : Nicholas Dagen Bloom, PhD

Curriculum/Course Requirements:

The Master of Urban Planning requires 54 credits of graduate study, 39 of which must be taken within the Urban Policy & Planning department. With the department’s approval, 15 credits may be elected from other graduate programs. The credit requirements are broken down and described in greater detail below.

The MUP Degree Requirements Worksheet is available as a PDF.

Core Courses (21 Credits)

Areas of concentration (12 credits), planning studio (6 credits), internship (3 credits), unrestricted electives (12 credits).

Theories and Process of Urban Planning (6 Credits)

• URBP 700 Introduction to Planning (3 Credits)
• URBP 701 History and Theory of Urban Planning (3 Credits)

Urban Structures (6 Credits)

• URBG 702 Structure of the Urban Region (3 Credits)
• URBP 719 Land Use, People & Environment (3 Credits)

Planning Methods and Information Management (9 Credits)

• URBG 710 Urban Data Analysis (3 Credits)

and choose two courses from:

• URBP 712 Planning Methods of Analysis and Forecasting (3 Credits)
• URBG 713 Introduction to Qualitative Methods (3 Credits)
• URBP 702* Introduction to GIS for Urban Planning and Policy (3 credits) PREFERRED OPTION
• GTECH 709 GIS Mapping (3 Credits)

* Formerly URBP 787.1Y

To solidify knowledge and skills gained in the core curriculum and other courses, students must participate in a 6-credit planning studio. This requirement is satisfied by the completion of URBP 737 (6 credits) or URBP 738 (Planning Studio I, 3 credits) and URBP 739 (Planning Studio II, 3 credits), which are taken consecutively. Ordinarily, students take the Planning Studio in their second year of study or after completing at least 27 credits. Please visit our studio page for final reports from recent studio classes.

Each student must complete one 3-credit internship. As interns, students may work for city, suburban, or regional planning agencies, neighborhood development groups, banks, municipal housing or budgeting units, planning journals, or other groups approved by the department. For many students, field experiences have led to full-time employment after graduation. Click here for the syllabus that accompanies the internship.

Students may pursue up to 12 credits of unrestricted electives outside the department. Unrestricted electives must be urban-planning-related. Students have opportunities to fulfill electives by studying abroad, including an exchange program with The Bartlett School of Planning in London, UK. Students should consult with their advisor if they plan to take courses outside the department to be sure they qualify.

Syllabi from selected electives:

Advanced Geospatial Methods for Environmental Planning

Cities and health, community planning in new york city, designing resilient cities, diversity and the city, economics of real estate development, environmental impact review, environmental justice, governing the city, graphic communication, green infrastructure and the waterfront, introduction to housing, introduction to transportation planning, introduction to urban design, land use law, leading in the us nonprofit sector, placemaking: introduction to place design and management, planning for economic development, popular participation in planning and development, public transit planning, resilience and infrastructure planning in new york city, sustainable environments, site planning workshop, transportation policy and advocacy, u.s. immigration and immigration policies.

The MUP graduate program offers the following areas of concentration:

• Community Planning and Advocacy
• Sustainability and the Environment
• Transportation and Infrastructure
• Housing and the Built Environment (including Urban Design and Historic Preservation)
• Economic Development
• General Practice

Each concentration is designed to give students a working knowledge of specific foci within the planning field. To fulfill the concentration requirement, students select four elective courses related to the concentration in consultation with their advisor, from the suggested list. For more detailed information and classes that can be taken for each concentration, please see page two of the MUP Degree Requirements Worksheet . Many recent electives are linked with their syllabi on this page.

Students with special interests may create a custom concentration. In developing their programs, students may combine Hunter courses with the resources of the larger City University community or other approved institutions. Some individually tailored specializations may include Education Planning and Policy, Immigration and Global Change, and Urban Information Systems.

• Dean’s Letter
• Administration

Student Work

• Media Archive
• Master of Architecture
• M.S. Advanced Architectural Design
• M.S. Computational Design Practices
• M.S. Critical, Curatorial & Conceptual Practices
• Ph.D. Architecture
• New York/Paris
• Intro Program
• M.S. Architecture and Urban Design

M.S. Urban Planning

• Ph.D. Urban Planning
• M.S. Historic Preservation
• Ph.D. Historic Preservation
• M.S. Real Estate Development
• Initiatives
• Exhibitions
• Publications
• Academic Calendar
• Hybrid Pedagogy Guide
• Policies & Resources
• Career Services
• Student Organizations
• Avery Library
• Arthur Ross Architecture Gallery
• Making Studio
• Output Shop
• Preservation Technology Lab
• Thinking About Applying
• Application Process
• After You’re Admitted
• Tuition & Aid
• degree requirements
• theses/capstones
• part-time option

Information for Prospective Students

View the 2023 M.S. Urban Planning Public Information

View the Program Information Booklet

View Urban Planning student work in the 2023 End of Year Show .

For more information about the program, please email the Assistant Director: Kian Goldman .

Class of 2023 Commencement Ceremony

Alumni reception in Shanghai, June 2023

American Planning Association (APA) Student and Alumni Reception, April 2023

American Planning Association (APA) Conference, April 2023

Urban Planning Barcelona studio, Spring 2023

Projects from the Spring 2023 course “Urban Sensing and Data” on display at the End of Year Show 2023

GIS Day, November 2022

Urban Planning PhD Student Picnic Spring 2022

Columbia GSAPP Career Fair, February 2023

Urban Planning IBX Studio, Spring 2023

Urban Planning “Indigenous Roots” studio, Spring 2023

Joint Urban Planning and Architecture studio, Spring 2023

2019 Urban China Forum

Joint Urban Planning and Real Estate Development Studio, Spring 2023

Urban Planning “Staten Island” studio, Spring 2023

Urban Planning Students enjoying a picnic on campus, 2023

Urban Planning Lounge in Fayerweather Hall, 2023

Recently, the program has significantly updated the contents of its electives and core curriculum courses to introduce more knowledge related to the global dimensions of planning, more systematic understanding of racism and spatial inequality, and more critical assessment on the use of analytical tools. For electives, in particular, the program now offers new, knowledge- and skill-based courses on data analytics, machine learning, equitable climate action, adaptation to climate change, urban mobility and accessibility in a global context, inclusion and housing, and healthy global cities. Students can also take case-based practicums, grounded in a coherent conceptual framework, to better connect with modes of practice. In addition, a number of half-semester practicum courses are offered, including residential planning in a global context, urban public infrastructure, project management, affordable housing in high-demand cities, and mega projects in global cities.

The curriculum has shifted to further integrate studios and seminars—with seasoned practitioners teaming up with more academically-oriented faculty to better unite theory and practice. The program has also emphasized new collaborations with the design faculty to offer studios and courses that enable substantive collaboration between planning and design students.

Urban Planning Events

Summer 2024 courses, lectures in planning series (lips).

Fall 2023 Lectures in Planning Series

Spring 2022 Lectures in Planning Series

Fall 2022 Lectures in Planning Series

Fall 2021 Lectures in Planning Series

Spring 2021 Lectures in Planning Series

Fall 2020 Lectures in Planning Series

Spring 2020 Lectures in Planning Series

Rio de Janeiro Data Transparency Dashboard

“Crisscrossing the Park” by Elaine Hsieh

“BirdyBird” by Ri Le and Suprima Bhele

Hong Kong as a Palimpsest

Rio de Janeiro Studio

“Emblems: Symbolizing City Data” by Mariya Chekmarova and H.K. Dunston

Urban Planning Semester in Review

Other urbanism programs at gsapp, m.s. in urban planning and master of architecture, m.s. in urban planning and m.s. in historic preservation, m.s. in urban planning and m.s. in real estate development, m.s. in urban planning and business, m.s. in urban planning and international affairs, m.s. in urban planning and law, m.s. in urban planning and social work, m.s. in urban planning and public health.

Urban Planning Courses

• Social Sciences

CitiesX: The Past, Present and Future of Urban Life

Explore what makes cities energizing, amazing, challenging, and perhaps humanity’s greatest invention.

Evidence for Decisions: From Description to Decisions

Created by Harvard faculty Teddy Svoronos, utilize the power of analytical evidence to problem solve, measure effectiveness, and develop impactful policy.

Affordable Housing Essentials: How to Design, Develop, & Finance Properties Growing Cities Need

This immersion into what is needed to create affordable housing will equip you with the tools to create properties, programs, and policies that address this growing challenge.

The Department of Urban Planning and Design

"Terra Fluxus" by Shizheng Geng (MAUD '21) and Youngju Kim (MAUD '21)

It was at Harvard University that the first formal North American programs in city and regional planning (1923) and urban design (1960) were established. Since then, Harvard has played a leading role in the education of urban planners and urban designers. The Department of Urban Planning and Design is home to both professions, offering a professional degree in urban planning and a post-professional degree in urban design. It is also home to the new Master in Real Estate degree.

Degree Programs

Maud / mlaud master of architecture in urban design / master of landscape architecture in urban design.

The program leading to the Master of Architecture in Urban Design and the Master of Landscape in Urban Design is intended for individuals who have completed a professional program in Architecture or Landscape Architecture and who have a strong interest in engaging the practice and theory of contemporary urbanism.

MUP Master in Urban Planning

Accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board and open to students with an undergraduate degree, the two-year professional Master in Urban Planning degree program emphasizes planning to develop, preserve, and enhance the built environment. Students learn how to understand, analyze, and influence the variety of forces-social, economic, cultural, legal, political, ecological, and aesthetic, among others-shaping the built environment.

MRE Master in Real Estate

The Master in Real Estate (MRE) is a 12-month degree program for individuals seeking to acquire or sharpen traditional real estate skills while learning how real estate can advance beneficial spatial, social, and environmental outcomes in cities and metropolitan areas worldwide.

MUP and MLA/MArch/MDES/MPA/MPP/JD/MPH Concurrent and Joint Degrees

Students in the Master in Urban Planning (MUP) program can undertake concurrent degrees with other departments at the GSD and joint degrees with certain schools outside the GSD. Concurrent and joint degree students must be in full-time residence for at least one additional year beyond the longer of the two degree programs.

Inside Urban Planning and Design

Composed of internationally experienced scholars and practitioners, the Department’s faculty explores the built environment from diverse disciplinary backgrounds and points of view. The Department’s pedagogically innovative combination of interdisciplinary studios, lecture courses, seminars, and independent study, coupled with a relatively small student size of roughly 180 individuals drawn from around the world, creates an intimate, engaged educational atmosphere in which students thrive and learn.

Students take full advantage of the curricular and extracurricular offerings of the GSD’s Department of Architecture and Department of Landscape Architecture. The Department of Urban Planning and Design also draws upon the significant resources of Harvard University as a whole. The Urban Planning program administers joint degree programs with the Kennedy School, the Law School, and the School of Public Health. Students often cross-register in courses offered by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Business School, the Kennedy School, the Law School, and the School of Public Health. Students also cross-register in courses offered by the neighboring Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Ann Forsyth , Chair of the Department of Urban Planning and Design

Please visit the official Department of Urban Planning and Design Facebook page.

“H.U.D., Sweat, and Tears” team is runner-up in affordable housing competition

Harvard Graduate School of Design student Avanti Krovi (MUP ’21) and teammates from the University…

May 3, 2021

Announcements

I decided that I needed to serve my neighbors and harness the skills I had learned in my first year as a transportation and public realm–focused master in urban planning student for a truly just cause.

David Bemporad

Apr 21, 2021

Stephen Gray talks “Shaping Equitable Cities” in Harvard magazine cover story

Back in his hometown: Stephen Gray in downtown Cincinnati. Photo: Aaron Conway/aaconn studio. Courtesy of…

Mar 11, 2021

Students, Faculty Receive 2021 Harvard Mellon Initiative Awards for Urban-Focused Research

The Harvard Mellon Urban Initiative recently awarded 29 grants for urban-focused…

Mar 29, 2021

Power and Justice in the Lone Grid State: Abby Spinak and Sarah Stanford-McIntyre on the crisis in Texas

Newspapers this week are swamped with headlines like, “What Went Wrong…

Feb 19, 2021

The African American Design Nexus’ Harlem StoryMap traces the neighborhood’s Black-designed places

Black Harlem, storied and resilient, has been chronicled from many perspectives. Missing until now has…

Feb 17, 2021

We can no longer continue to rebuild in the same way we always have. We have to take and learn from the failures of our infrastructures and begin to develop those in new ways now.

Toni Griffin

Dec 2, 2020

GSD students collaborate with Kabul University in Afghanistan to confront the most extreme conditions of urbanization

Design paradigms are best tested in extreme conditions, as Rahul Mehrotra…

Jan 29, 2021

Land for a City on a Hill: Alex Krieger’s iconic tour of Boston

  Watch as Alex Krieger, professor and former chair of the Department of Urban…

Dec 4, 2020

Urban Planning students win grand prize in affordable housing hackathon

A team of Master in Urban Planning students consisting of Zoe Iacovino (MUP/MPP ’23), Ryan…

This Land Is Your Land : Students interrogate why “urban” and “Indigenous” are cast as opposing identities

Until the last decade, Native American, First Nations, and other Indigenous architecture has been a…

Nov 27, 2020

There is a raison d’etre for cities not so easily dislodged. The human thirst for live engagement with people and place is not easily quenched. In the past, in crisis after crisis, urban resilience has proved the skeptics wrong.

Jerold Kayden

Nov 19, 2020

Hidden Territories: Uncovering the racist legacy of the American landscape

The term “landscape” historically referred to pictures of the world—vistas or views—and so it is…

Nov 20, 2020

With student advocates’ help, Cambridge set to build more affordable housing

Last month, the city council in Cambridge, Massachusetts, voted to…

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• Degree Programs

Master of Urban Planning (MUP)

Save the world, be a planner. The Master of Urban Planning is an accredited, professional degree oriented towards excellence for planning practice. A master's degree is the normal academic qualification for planning and planning-related positions. Our graduates excel in careers in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

Why urban planning at KU?

The urban planning program is an accredited, two-year master’s degree program within the School of Public Affairs & Administration. We have a long history of training planners for successful, rewarding careers.  Our combination of dedicated and knowledgeable professors and instructors, engaged and talented students, and real-world planning opportunities available in and around Lawrence, Kansas City, and Topeka make us confident you will have an empowering experience as a student at KU.

Urban planning will prepare you to strengthen communities and inspire hope for the future as you learn how to identify and solve problems related to people and nature living next to one another. A degree in urban planning will put you on track to make the world a better place with career opportunities in sustainability, transportation, housing, community building, environmental conservation, governance, non-profits, advocacy, and more.

Domestic Student Application Deadlines

Fall admission: July 1

Spring admission: Dec. 1

Summer admission: May 1

International Student Application Deadlines

Fall Admission: May 1

Spring Admission: Nov. 1

• KU graduate admissions
• How to apply - MUP
• MUP curriculum
• Professional program careers
• Public information and program data

Our program

• Focuses on full-time, in-person master’s degree students, pursuit of paid internships, real-world projects, and compassion for self and others. Part-time study is possible.
• Offers subject matter that reflects the state-of-the-art of policy planning and analysis, planning education, and planning practice.
• Provides a curriculum flexible enough to respond to the emerging needs of society and the planning profession.
• Gives students applied skills needed for entry-level professional positions, as well as the fundamentals of theory and methods that will enable them to move up to higher positions or pursue advanced study.
• Assists students in developing personal qualities essential to be an effective professional planner, such as creativity, judgment, integrity, initiative, and the ability to work amicably and effectively with others.

Specializations

• Housing and development planning .
• Sustainable land use planning .
• Transportation planning .
• You can specialize in a specific area of interest or choose a broader focus.
• Our curriculum results in graduates who are versatile and sought after by employers.

Housing and development planning

• Within the broad profession of planning, many planners choose to work in the area of housing and community development.
• They pursue careers in neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing development, and local economic development.
• They are employed in the private sector by real estate developers and real estate lenders, in the non-profit sector by community development corporations, and in the public sector by housing authorities and state housing finance agencies, plus many other organizations and firms.  
• The housing and development specialization prepares planners to contribute to the profession in this area with an array of courses that address the theories and policies that drive the many housing and community development programs administered at the federal, state, and local levels.  
• The courses also address the methods of market analysis and project feasibility pursued in the field.  
• Courses address what works and does not work in the field so as the better utilize scarce resources to achieve success.
• Students are prepared on how to achieve greater social justice in our cities and neighborhoods.

Sustainable land use planning

• Planners look out for the long term consequences of current decisions and sustainable land use planners do this by focusing on how we make use of land and other natural resources.
• Humans, other animals, and plants cannot help but occupy space and there is only so much to go around.
• Sustainable land use planning seeks to make the best use of that space balancing the competing values of equity, ecology, economy, and quality of life for today and tomorrow.
• Sustainable land use planners study human and natural systems to provide guidance and recommend policies and designs to decision makers for the long-term viability of communities.
• Common careers for sustainable land use planners include working for cities and counties creating visions for the future and managing day-to-day development based on long range plans.
• Those same sorts of skills are sought by consulting firms who hire planners to then work with public sector planners, developers, or property owners.  
• Sustainable land use planners also work for regional, state, or federal level agencies and governments often in the areas of air or water quality. In addition, they can work in the real estate development field.  
• Sustainable land use planning is a flexible specialization as it forms the foundation for transportation, housing, and development.

Transportation planning

• Transportation is an integral element of urban life.
• Transportation networks facilitate the movement of people and goods, while also having a considerable impact on urban form and the creation of socioeconomic spaces.
• Transportation occurs at the intersection of planning and politics, and resulting decisions can have resounding impacts throughout a city and region. Issues faced by transportation planners are increasingly complex and interdisciplinary, which require a diverse skillset to address.  
• Students in this concentration will develop skills in data analysis, technology, policy development, and design as it relates to transportation planning.
• The transportation planning focus area prepares students for professional work in transportation related entities at local, regional and national levels, and in private firms which are engaged in transportation planning.

Accelerated degree programs

The urban planning program offers accelerated master's degrees between planning and other University departments. These accelerated master's programs allow well-qualified students to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years, rather than the six years it would take to earn each degree separately.

Dual degree programs

The urban planning program offers dual degrees between planning and other University departments. Each of these dual degree programs allows a student to earn two KU degrees while reducing the number of hours required to complete each of those degrees.

Graduation Rates and Employment Information

Learn more about this program.

Get more info on admission, deadlines, tuition and financial aid, career paths, curriculum, and more when you fill out the form below. We’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started.

Questions about the MUP?

Program and admission information Derek Bixler, Graduate Program Coordinator [email protected] 785-864-6814 

Internship & professional development Cari Ann Kreienhop, Graduate Programming Manager [email protected] 785-864-3665 

Issues submitting application KU Graduate Studies [email protected] 785-864-3140

Offered by: College of Environmental Design, Urban and Regional Planning Department

Professionals in Urban and Regional Planning work to guide change in the natural and built environment. They address a wide range of issues ranging from habitat conservation to historic preservation, from transportation to recreation, from neighborhood housing to regional shopping centers. Planning students learn about economic, legal, political, ecological, and social aspects of urban problems as well as urban design, land use, and the growth of human settlements. Throughout the program, students study real-life issues and develop solutions to them, using cutting-edge technology such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS). By the time they graduate, planning students are ready to apply current planning theories and methods to improve communities around California, the nation, and the world.

All undergraduate students entering as College of Environmental Design majors are required to purchase a computer that meets departmental specifications. Applicants are invited to check with their department office or go to the department’s website to obtain these specifications. Financial aid assistance for this computer purchase is available to students qualifying for Federal Student Aid (requested via the FAFSA application). Please contact the University’s Office of Financial Aid (909-869-3700) for additional information.

The Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board. For information about the graduate program in Urban and Regional Planning, see the Graduate Studies section of this catalog.

www.cpp.edu/urp

Major Required Core: 51 units

• URP 1040 - The City in Context - History, Politics, Environment (2) (D3)
• URP 1040L - The City in Context - History, Politics, Environment-Laboratory (1) (D3)
• URP 1050 - Social Justice in Planning (3) (D3)
• URP 1200L - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Planning Laboratory (1)
• URP 2010 - Introduction to Urban Design Theory for Planning (1)
• URP 2010L - Introduction to Urban Design Theory for Planning Laboratory (2)
• URP 2020 - Tools and Graphic Communication for Planning (1)
• URP 2020A - Tools and Graphic Communication for Planning Activity (2)
• URP 3030 - Urban Design Site and Neighborhood (1)
• URP 3030L - Urban Design Site and Neighborhood Laboratory (2)
• URP 3050 - Social Context for Urban Change (2)
• URP 3050L - Social Context for Urban Change Laboratory (1)
• URP 3310 - Research Approaches to Planning (2)
• URP 3310L - Research Approaches to Planning Laboratory (1)
• URP 3320 - Demography and Statistics for Planning (3)
• URP 3320L - Demography and Statistics for Planning Laboratory (1)
• URP 3340 - Policy Analysis for Planning (2)
• URP 3340L - Policy Analysis for Planning Laboratory (1)
• URP 3350 - Plan Making History and Future (2)
• URP 3350A - Plan Making History and Future Activity (1)
• URP 3370 - Urban Systems Infrastructure (1)
• URP 3370L - Urban Systems Infrastructure Laboratory (1)
• URP 3380 - Urban Systems - Climate Change and Environment (2)
• URP 3510 - Planning and Land Use Law (3)
• URP 3510A - Planning and Land Use Law Activity (1)
• URP 4310A - Community Planning Studio Preparation Activity (1)
• URP 4320 - Community Planning Studio (2)
• URP 4320L - Community Planning Studio Laboratory (2)
• URP 4500A - Ethics Writing for Planning Activity (1)
• URP 4600A - Senior Project Preparation Activity (1)
• URP 4620 - Senior Project (2)
• URP 4630 - Professional Practice for Planning (2)

Subplan/Option Required Core: 12 units

• URP 4030 - Physical Design Applications (1)
• URP 4030L - Physical Design Applications Laboratory (2)
• URP 4040 - Placemaking: Theories, Methods, and Practices (3) (C3)
• URP 4510 - Land Use and Urban Design Policy (2)
• URP 4510A - Land Use and Urban Design Policy Activity (1)
• URP 4850 - Urban Design Principles and Techniques (2)
• URP 4850L - Urban Design Principles and Techniques Laboratory (1)

Subplan/Option Electives: 6 units

Choose a minimum of 6 units from courses listed below:

• URP 4220 - The Just City (3) (D4)
• URP 4330 - Affordable Housing Seminar (3)
• URP 4380 - Land Use Entitlements (3)
• URP 4840 - Neighborhood Development (2)
• URP 4840A - Neighborhood Development Activity (1)
• URP 4980 - Advanced Planning Studio (2)
• URP 4980L - Advanced Planning Studio Laboratory (1-3)

Restricted Electives: 3-9 units

• URP 4000 - Special Study for Upper Division Students (1-3)
• URP 4110 - Evolution of American Cities and the Planning Movement (3) (D4)
• URP 4120 - Urban Design in Europe (3)
• URP 4200 - Methods of Engagement; Participation, Negotiation, Mediation (2)
• URP 4200A - Methods of Engagement; Participation, Negotiation, Mediation Activity (1)
• URP 4210 - Planning Advocacy, Community Organizing and Social Change (2)
• URP 4210A - Planning Advocacy, Community Organizing and Social Change Activity (1)
• URP 4230 - Planning for Minority Communities (3)
• URP 4240 - Public Participation (3)
• URP 4340 - Community Development and Housing (2)
• URP 4340A - Community Development and Housing Activity (1)
• URP 4350 - Regional Transportation Policy and Planning (3)
• URP 4360 - Public Finance (3)
• URP 4370 - Planning for Infrastructure (3)
• URP 4390 - Infrastructure Finance (3)
• URP 4410 - Field Internship (1-2)
• URP 4660 - Environmental Assessment (3)
• URP 4750 - Planning in a Global Economy (3) (D4)
• URP 4760 - International Planning (3)
• URP 4780 - GIS Applications in Planning Studio (2)
• URP 4780L - GIS Applications in Planning Studio Laboratory (1)
• URP 4820 - California Water (3) (D4)
• URP 4830 - Development Processes (2)
• URP 4830A - Development Processes Activity (1)
• URP 4870 - Environmental Policy (3)
• URP 4880 - Local Transportation (2)
• URP 4880L - Local Transportation Laboratory (1)
• URP 4890 - Transportation Methods and Analysis (2)
• URP 4890L - Transportation Methods and Analysis Laboratory (1)
• URP 4900 - Advanced GIS (2)
• URP 4900L - Advanced GIS Laboratory (1)
• URP 4910 - Planning for Climate Change (2)
• URP 4910A - Planning for Climate Change Activity (1)
• URP 4990 - Special Topics for Upper Division Students (1-3)

General Education Requirements: 48 units

Students should consult the Academic Programs website  https://www.cpp.edu/~academic-programs/general-education-course-listings.shtml for current information regarding this requirement. Unless specific courses are required, please refer to the list of approved courses under General Education Requirements, Areas A through E.

For an alternative and interdisciplinary way to complete some of their GE requirements, students may choose the Interdisciplinary General Education program, see below. 

Interdisciplinary General Education: 21 units

An alternate pattern for partial fulfillment of GE Areas A, C, and D available for students is the Interdisciplinary General Education (IGE) program.  Students should see an advisor for specific GE coursework required by their major.  Please refer to the University Catalog General Education Program section for additional information.

How IGE fulfills General Education Requirements:

American Institutions: 6 units

Courses that satisfy this requirement may also satisfy GE Area D1 and D2.

American Cultural Perspectives Requirement: 3 units

Refer to the University Catalog General Education Program section for a list of courses that satisfy this requirement.  Course may also satisfy major, minor, GE, or unrestricted elective requirements.

Graduation Writing Test

All persons who receive undergraduate degrees from Cal Poly Pomona must pass the Graduation Writing Test (GWT).  The test must be taken by the semester following completion of 60 units for undergraduates.

Executive Master of Urban Planning

The Executive Master of Urban Planning online program merges urban planning and real estate development, building on decades of USC Price leadership and expertise in both fields. The program is tailored for seasoned professionals who are passionate about improving their communities and are ready to take leadership positions that will make our cities more vibrant, sustainable, and just.

Our students believe that cities are our greatest challenge and opportunity. They are experienced, mid-career professionals from fields as diverse as affordable housing development, architectural and engineering consulting, elected office and planning commissions, design professions, environmental sustainability, transportation, and technology and media jobs.

Not currently in the planning field? That isn’t a barrier. The program is tailored so that any professional from outside the planning field can emerge with expertise that matches their peers in this space. Students will be equipped with hands-on skills that can be used on the job, including the ability to:

• navigate between public and private sector planning goals
• innovate at the nexus of local public finance, private sector development and urban policy
• analyze the economics of urban planning and development projects
• leverage commercial and demographic data to improve decision-making
• lead teams in the industry effectively

Executive Master of Urban Planning Online At A Glance

The Executive Master of Urban Planning online program from USC Price is designed for working professionals and can be completed in as few as 16 months . It is a good fit for professional planners who would like to build the expertise to advance and become leaders in the public, non-profit, or private sectors.

• Price Ranked #2 for Urban Policy
• 24 units of course work
• Complete in 16 months
• Live online classes
• 2 in-person intensives
• Join the Price alumni network
• GRE/GMAT not required

Graduates from our Executive Master of Urban Planning program emerge with advanced knowledge in four main areas:

• Project and land economics
• Political, legal and regulatory process and stakeholder outreach
• Data analysis, visualization and communication
• Urban design and the built environment

Discover USC’s Executive Master of Urban Planning online .

Career Outcomes

The USC Price Executive Master of Urban Planning program is set apart from other master’s programs in urban planning because it is focused on the intersection of urban planning and real estate development.

Understanding what drives real estate and urban development decisions in your city — and being able to work fluidly between the public and private sectors — is a crucial knowledge base that can be applied to a variety of urban planning career paths.

Public Sector and Government Careers

Throughout the program, you will cultivate a deeper understanding of urban development policy, the economics of real estate and urban development and the political motivators behind community and advocacy organizations. You will also develop effective tactics for engaging with community residents and stakeholders.

These skills can apply to positions in sustainable urban development; city, town and regional planning and management; urban policy; and affordable housing. Public sector professionals who can benefit from this degree include:

• City managers
• Council members
• Public affairs managers
• Affordable housing professionals
• Public policy workers
• Nonprofit program managers
• Economic development professionals

Private Sector Careers

Throughout the program, you will study basic concepts of urban and land economics and, in programs like USC Price’s, you will build a background in the economic and financial aspects of real estate development.

These skills can apply to positions in law, consulting, real estate development and investing, engineering, civil planning and architecture. Private sector professionals who can benefit from this degree include:

• Real estate developers, financiers and investors
• Civil engineers
• Land use attorneys
• Smart city technologists
• Transportation managers
• Project managers

Other Jobs in Urban Planning

You will study the economic and financial aspects of real estate development, cross-sectoral collaboration, negotiation and team-building, and stakeholder engagement.

These skills can open you up to a variety of job opportunities in planning, such as:

• City planning professionals
• Urban designers
• Urban planning technicians
• Environmental planning professionals
• Landscape architects
• Principal planners

In-Person Intensives

To complete the Executive Master of Urban Planning online program, you will attend two four-day in-person intensives held at the end of the fall and spring semesters.

During these sessions, which are conducted on the USC University Park Campus in Los Angeles , you will immerse yourself in real urban planning projects, both in Los Angeles and in students’ home cities, and work with your peers and professors to analyze, propose and evaluate projects in a real-world context. A focus on both collaboration and community are key as students learn more about one another and the places they are from.

Learn more about the USC Price EMUP program’s student projects .

Master of Urban Planning

The world is becoming more urbanized, and cities are growing denser and more diverse. It's exciting—it's also challenging. From transportation to environment, and crime to education, urban issues are complex because they're interrelated. NYU Wagner gives you the unique opportunity to study urban planning in the context of these issues, within a school of public service. You'll interact with people from other disciplines who are grappling with these real-world social, cultural, and economic issues. And there's no better place than NYC to learn what happens when ideas meet messy urban realities. The skills and insights you'll gain here and the multidisciplinary toolkit you'll build with core courses in finance, policy, and management are what you need to design more livable and sustainable cities—anywhere in the world.

See an overview of the full MUP curriculum here Read profiles of our Alumni in Action See where our graduates are working

Program Highlights

• A unique blend of planning, management, finance, and policy that prepares you to address financial constraints and resource limitations, and also market realities and political hurdles—the difference between beautiful designs and real impact.
• A responsive program that adapts to evolving urban challenges and provides the full set of skills for you to grapple with them.
• A tight-knit and energized student community with the resources of a larger school.
• Flexibility for full- or part-time students , with options to switch between the two. Earn your degree in two years full-time, or 3-4 years part-time.

Request Information   Apply Now Attend an Admissions Event

Specializations

City and community planning.

Learn economic theories, the framework used to regulate land, and get the hands-on experience to visualize data and map planning.

International Development Planning

Effectively plan the world's cities with a deep understanding of the issues, contexts, and organizations at play in international development.

Our Faculty

Degree brochure and viewbook

Download program brochure

public information

NYU Wagner's MUP degree is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board ( PAB ).

Public information about the NYU Wagner Urban Planning Program

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• Master of Architecture (MArch)
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• 2024 Spring Courses
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• + About LAEP
• Minor in Landscape Architecture
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• + About DCRP

Master of City Planning

• Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies
• Faculty Work
• Studio Work
• + About IURD
• About MRED+D
• For Students

Since its founding in 1948, the Department of City and Regional Planning (DCRP) has grown into one of the largest and most respected graduate city and regional planning programs in the United States.

The Program

The MCP is a two-year nationally accredited professional-degree STEM program. We aim to provide our students with:

• Lifelong analytical, research, and communication skills;
• The knowledge and skill sets to successfully practice planning in a variety of urban, metropolitan, and regional settings;
• An understanding of the history and theory of planning and of cities and urban regions;
• Expertise in various fields and sub-fields of city and regional planning;
• Sensitivity to the human impacts of planning decisions, with particular attention to equity, diversity, and social justice.

The Master of City Planning (M.C.P.) degree combines a common core curriculum with the opportunity to specialize in one or more of the following concentration areas:

• Environmental Planning and Healthy Cities
• Housing, Community, and Economic Development
• Transportation Policy and Planning
• Urban Design
• Program Statements & Capstone Handbooks
• 2023-24 MCP Program Statement (PDF)
• 2022-23 MCP Program Statement (PDF)
• 2021-22 MCP Program Statement (PDF)
• 2020-21 MCP Program Statement (PDF)
• 2023-24 CR PR Thesis Handbook (PDF)
• 2022-23 CR PR Thesis Handbook (PDF)

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Requirements
• Additional Significant Application Elements
• Connect with Us
• Admissions Statistics (Fall 2022 Admitted Class)
• Bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution
• Advanced Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 3.0 or B or better (on a 4-point scale) for all coursework AFTER the first two years of UNDERGRADUATE study.
• If your undergraduate institution used a 4-point grading scale, please calculate your AGPA using our calculator: Download the Excel or Google Sheets version to your computer and enter your grades to determine your AGPA.
• Please enter your university’s GPA into the Other Scale GPA box.
• For all other GPA boxes (Advanced, Major, Courses Related to Field of Graduate Study), enter “N/A.”
• All applicants (domestic and international) who have completed a basic degree IN a country or political entity in which the official language is NOT English are required to submit official evidence of English Language Proficiency.
• This requirement applies to institutions from Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Latin America, the Middle East, Israel, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asian countries, most European countries, and countries in Africa in which English is not the official language.
• Applicants may email DCRP Graduate Student Services: [email protected] to confirm testing requirement.
• Please discuss (with clarity and focus) why you want to study urban planning, why you want to study at UC Berkeley, and how our program can help you achieve your academic and professional goals.
• The Present: What brought you to pursue graduate study in planning?
• The Past: What academic, employment experiences (professional work experience and/or internships) or activities (research, co-curricular activities, leadership roles, etc.) bear on your qualifications for this planning program? How do these experiences relate to your decision to study planning?
• The Future: What are your long-term career goals? In following the completion of your graduate degree in planning, what kinds of work and professional activities would you like to engage?
• Concurrent degree applicants (M.Arch, M.S., M.L.A., J.D., M.P.H.) will submit ONE comprehensive statement that addresses your interest in and fit with both programs.
• Please describe any experiences that give the faculty a sense of who you are as a unique individual and how you would contribute to the department’s mission to create a community of students with diverse perspectives, life experiences, and intellectual interests.
• If you have faced any obstacles or barriers in your education, sharing those experiences serves both for the admission recommendation process, and for your potential nomination for certain diversity-based fellowships.
• If one part of your academic record is not ideal, due to challenges you faced in that particular area, this is where you can explain that, and direct reviewers’ attention to the evidence of your promise for graduate education.
• Evidence of how you have overcome barriers to achieve academic excellence;
• Evidence of how you have come to understand the barriers faced by others by your own life experiences and educational background;
• Evidence of your academic service to advance equitable access to higher education for women and racial minorities in fields where they are underrepresented;
• Evidence of your leadership experience among students from groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education;
• Evidence of your interests, work and/or research focusing on understanding issues of equity, diversity or sustainability in urban planning;
• Evidence of who you are as an individual and how that may impact who you would like to be as a planner
• To view additional tips please visit Writing the Personal Statement .
• The most helpful and strongest letters are from individuals who have supervised your work in either an academic, employment (professional work experience and/or internships) or community service capacity.
• Your recommenders are encouraged to describe SPECIFIC EXAMPLES of your work that demonstrate your intellectual ability, creativity, initiative, leadership potential, and promise for graduate study in planning.
• Enter the recommender’s contact information
• Select your answer for the “access waiver” question
• Provide your signature
• Click “send”
• Thereafter, you should notify your recommenders that they will receive an email from UC Berkeley’s Graduate Admissions Office: [email protected] . The email’s subject line will be “Recommendation request from [Applicant Name] for the University of California, Berkeley” and the body of the email will outline the steps required to upload their letter to the application system.
• If your recommender has NOT received the email or they CANNOT upload their letter, have your recommender email their letter to DCRP Graduate Student Services: [email protected] and we will upload it for them.
• You may submit your application BEFORE your recommendations are in the application system.
• Please note that beyond 12 pages, your portfolio will NOT be reviewed.
• Title page and/or table of contents may be submitted, and will NOT count toward the 12 pages of content.
• The portfolio should showcase recent, high-quality work, and will be assessed on both content and overall design.
• Applicants to the M.C.P. – Urban Design track are NOT required to have intensive design training before admission.
• Shows evidence of visual creativity (studio art, photography, drawing, painting, graphic design, GIS mapping, construction/renovation, web-based projects, etc.) and demonstrates interest in and aptitude for urban design;
• Demonstrates the range of analog and digital methods and media that the applicant has worked with;
• Highlights work that is related to the scales, questions, and methods of urban design;
• Highlight how their work in visual/spatial media is related to broader questions of intellectual and social concern.
• Any material that is NOT entirely the applicant’s own work must be clearly identified (e.g. include information describing your individual contributions to a group project).
• The portfolio must be saved as a single file in PDF format.
• If your portfolio exceeds 10MB, try compressing it in Adobe Acrobat.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend a virtual information session to hear more about the MCP program and ask questions of faculty and graduate advisors. Dates and webinar links can be found below. If you have specific questions not answered by the Admissions FAQs , please email [email protected] . We are not currently scheduling 1-on-1 meetings due to a staffing shortage, but hope to offer them later this fall.

You are also welcome to contact our faculty directly to discuss the program (refer to the faculty directory section of our website for contact information). Faculty are available for fall-semester appointments during the months of September, October and November, and for spring-semester appointments during the months of February, March and April. Please note that faculty manage their own calendars and must be contacted directly for virtual appointments. Graduate advisors cannot set up meetings with faculty on behalf of applicants.

ADMISSIONS INFORMATION SESSIONS FOR FALL 2023

Learn more about earning a Master of City Planning at UC Berkeley!

Tuesday, October 17, 9–10 a.m. PDT on Zoom Passcode: 849453

Monday, November 6, 5–6 p.m. PDT on Zoom Passcode: 309953

Monday, December 4, 8:30–9:30 a.m. PDT on Zoom Passcode: 879802

To get MCP admissions updates via email, subscribe below:

All students are expected to complete a three-month internship in a planning-related position, usually between their first and second years of study unless exempted by previous work experience. Frequently, the work completed during a summer internship forms the basis for the the Professional Report, Client Report or Thesis. International students who hold an F-1 or J-1 visa must complete an internship during their two years of study.

DCRP and UC Berkeley offer multiple types of financial support to its graduate students. Details are available here .

The ASJC is a NEW fellowship program at the College of Environmental Design that offers significant debt-relief to select graduate students (current and new) who intend to do social justice work after graduation. Details are available here .

The M.C.P. degree is an approved field of study within the U.S. government’s official STEM fields list. Practical work experience in your field of study, typically after completion of a degree for a maximum of 36 months (12 months of “regular” OPT with a 24-month extension possible). For further details regarding STEM extensions , contact the Berkeley International Office (BIO) .

Concentrations

Charisma Acey, Stephen Collier, Jason Corburn, John Radke

The concentration in Environmental Planning and Healthy Cities (EPHC) is designed to give M.C.P. students the broad knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and plan for pressing urban environmental and health challenges, such as climate change, natural resource depletion, access to basic services and infrastructure, as well as ecologic and human health risks and mitigation, especially as they impact socially vulnerable people and communities. The concentration emphasizes the theory and practice behind the related ideas of urban sustainability, resilience, environmental justice and risk, political ecology and human health. Students will study urban and regional environmental and human health issues in a comparative perspective, with a focus on both US and international settings. The concentration introduces students to the relationships between natural, built and social environments in cities, as well as the local, regional and global impacts of urban ecosystems and the political institutions that aim to manage these environments. The emphasis on healthy cities engages in the practices of urban public health and inclusive community engagement recognizing that planners are increasingly required to work together with communities to analyze and act upon how the urban environment influences human well-being.

Concurrent degree programs with the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning  (M.C.P. & M.L.A.) and the  School of Public Health  (M.C.P. and Masters in Public Health, M.P.H.) are available for interested students.

Sai Balakrishnan,Teresa Caldeira, Daniel Chatman, Carol Galante, Zachary Lamb, Ben Metcalf, Carolina Reid

The Housing, Community and Economic Development (HCED) concentration focuses on the equitable development of neighborhoods, cities and regions.  From “housing as a human right” to addressing the systemic inequalities that produce segregated landscapes of poverty and wealth, this concentration is distinguished by its attention to issues of racial, social and economic justice.  It seeks to expose the linkages between land use, governance, capitalism, and inequality, and explore how communities chart varied development pathways. Berkeley’s program is distinguished by two strong strands of expertise among its faculty: a theoretically informed understanding of private property and land tenure, segregation, and the right to housing, and a practice-oriented approach to housing policy, affordable housing development, and inclusionary forms of land organization, both in the context of the United States and the Global South.

Faculty in this concentration work on topics such as:

• Housing and real estate development, including access to credit, the financing and construction of affordable housing, and housing policy
• Spatial segregation and social discrimination in both the United States and the Global South
• The politics of land ownership, tenure, and property rights
• Gentrification and displacement
• Forms of political participation and resistance
• International development, including the provision of housing, water and sanitation in informal settlements
• Community development and community organizing, including programs and policies designed to address longstanding patterns of residential segregation
• Planning for sustainability, including issues related to regional governance, resilience, affordability, and the linkages between land use and climate change

Faculty within the HCED concentration draw on multidisciplinary perspectives including anthropology, economics, history, planning, and sociology, and incorporate both qualitative and quantitative methods in their research.

Graduates in the HCED concentration go on to work in a wide variety of positions, including nonprofit and public sector agencies Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmBH, Living Cities, Metropolitan Transportation Commission/MTC, PolicyLink, San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, the City of Richmond, the Association of Bay Area Governments/ABAG, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), affordable housing developers (e.g., BRIDGE Housing, Eden Housing, Mercy Housing, and Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation/TNDC, as well as community-based organizations (e.g., East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation/EBALDC, East Bay Housing Organizations/EBHO,  Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. Local Initiatives Support Corporation/LISC and Mission Economic Development Agency/MEDA).

Daniel Chatman, Marta González, Daniel Rodríguez, Karen Trapenberg-Frick

The transportation planning concentration focuses on planning for urban transportation and land use systems, and interactions of transportation and land use with the built, natural, and social environments. In presenting the social, economic, and environmental implications of transportation and land use plans and policies, and promoting economic efficiency, green transport, resource conservation, and environmental protection, the courses in the concentration are focused around themes of equity, environmental justice, and social welfare. We emphasize the planning and policy challenges encountered by attempting to increase the use of environmentally sustainable travel modes such as walking, cycling and public transit, and the creation of environmentally sustainable land use patterns such as compact growth and transit-oriented development. Topics covered in the core courses include the impacts of transit and highways on urban form and economic development; the impacts of urban form, transit-oriented development and new urbanism on travel behavior; governance, finance, and implementation challenges in making sustainable transport investments; the importance of highway and transit finance, municipal finance, and development finance; the promises and pitfalls of innovative sustainability solutions such as congestion pricing, parking pricing, and master development plans; streets and pedestrian- oriented designs; transportation and land use planning in the developing world; and comparative international transportation and land use policies.

As concerns heighten over regional mobility, air quality, global climate change, energy, and equality of access, it is increasingly important that transportation and land use planners apply a multi-disciplinary approach to the field. Accordingly, students in the concentration are encouraged to augment the department’s transportation course offerings by designing a study program, in consultation with their advisor that involves course work in other fields and departments.

Students in the transportation planning concentration may seek to pursue the concurrent degree program in transportation planning and engineering (M.C.P. & M.S.). This option confers both the M.C.P. and the M.S. ( with Civil and Environmental Engineering ) upon students who complete 60 units of course work, normally over five semesters.

Zachary Lamb, Elizabeth Macdonald

Urban designers are concerned with how places look, how they feel, how they relate to natural processes, and how they work for the people who use them. The Urban Design concentration is structured to give M.C.P. students the knowledge necessary to design urban built form in relation to social, environmental, and economic concerns. “Design” is a key, operative word: urban designers shape built and natural environments both directly through their proposals for specific interventions and indirectly through their contributions to policies and plans that shape the actions of other city making actors. Urban design work ranges in scale from small public spaces and streets to neighborhoods, citywide systems, and regional strategies. The emphasis of much urban design work is on the public realm of cities, with central concerns being livability, identity, place-making, equity, environmental performance, the interface between the public and private realms, and the quality of everyday life. The concentration is equally concerned with conceptions of the “urban” and it draws on approaches from the disciplines of city planning, architecture, landscape architecture, as well as theories and methods from the social sciences with the intent of analyzing the urban condition and designing the urban realm. The studio experience is central to the urban design concentration. Working in teams and individually, students explore planning and design possibilities for urban places and learn to articulate and present their ideas through visual and verbal communication. Learning from local and global contexts, and how cities have been designed and inhabited in the past, students envision possibilities for the future. Graduates in urban design work for public agencies across scales, advocacy organizations, and private architectural, landscape, city planning, and community development firms whose clients are both public and private.

Students concentrating in urban design often have some prior design training or experience, typically in architecture, landscape architecture, environmental design, or urban planning with a design emphasis, but a design background is NOT required.

A three- or four-year joint degree program in urban design is available with the  Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning , where students receive both the M.C.P. and the M.L.A. degree. A joint degree is also available with the  Department of Architecture , where students receive both M.C.P. and M.Arch degrees.

To earn the M.C.P. degree, a student must complete:

• 48 units of in-residence coursework or 36 units in concurrent/dual degree programs
• Successful completion of the core curriculum
• Courses in at least one concentration area
• A capstone project consisting of either a client report, a professional report, or a master’s thesis

Review possible MCP+ Concurrent Degree options here . To apply for a concurrent degree, select the desired concurrent degree from the drop-down options in the UC Berkeley Graduate Application .

DCRP 2 Year Course Calendar

Students plan their individual programs with the help of their faculty advisor. All new graduate students are paired with an advisor, whose role is to help students structure their first-semester program. First-year students set up an initial meeting with their assigned advisors during the first three weeks of the fall semester.

Students declare a concentration at the end of the first semester by completing a Concentration Declaration Form and submitting it to the Graduate Student Affairs Officer (GSAO) . Advisors are chosen within the area of concentration.

Public Information

Student achievement.

The Department of City and Regional Planning administered a survey for 2020- 2021 M.C.P. program graduates one year post graduation, which included the questions below.

2022-23 TUITION AND FEES

For a complete breakdown of student tuition, fees, and charges please visit the Office of the Registrar's website:  Graduate Professional - College of Environmental Design .

• These figures may not be final; actual tuition, fees, and charges are  subject to change  by the Regents of the University of California Office of the President (UCOP).
• Accordingly, final approved levels and charges may  differ  from the amounts shown.
• The PDST will INCREASE by 3.5% over the next year as approved by UCOP.
• PDST is not covered by Fee Remissions associated with academic student employment (ASE) as a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI), Reader, Tutor or Graduate Student Researcher (GSR).
• DCRP is not able to provide aid to cover the PDST for all students for each semester in the program.
• For an estimated Graduate Student Budget, which includes tuition/fees as well as personal expenses (housing/utilities, food, books/supplies, and transportation), please visit the Berkeley Financial Aid & Scholarships website:  Cost of Attendance: Graduate Student Budget .

Urban and Regional Planning - BURPI

Urban and Regional Planning - BURPl

Is it for you?

Urban and regional planners employ land-use concepts and strategies to develop and enhance regional, urban, suburban and rural communities. You’ll develop applied research and analysis skills through drafting in studio practice, consult in teams, travel on week-long field trips and can choose to pursue an international exchange program. Upon graduation, you’ll understand communities’ needs, structures and rules, and be ready to advise on planning decisions related to social, economic, environmental, cultural, land development and transportation issues.

 Accreditations: 

• Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP)
• Ontario Professional Planners Institut (OPPI)
• Professional Standards Board (PSB) for the Planning Profession in Canada

Program info

Faculty:  Faculty of Community Services

Program format(s):  Full time: 4 Year 2-Year Post-Baccalaureate 2-Year Degree Completion

Degree:  Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning

Grade range:   Low 80s 1

Requirements:  Grades-Only

Experiential learning:  Optional field placement

• Tuition and fees

Your future

Tuition and fees .

For detailed fees information, visit tuition and fees by program.

Full-time format 2023-2024:

Ontario students fees range:  $7,280 - $7,753 Out-of-province students fees range:  $7,996 - $8,661 International student fees range:  $33,423 - $34,665

First-year courses

Here is a preview of first-year courses based on the available undergraduate calendar information.

1st Semester

• ECN 104 Introductory Microeconomics
• PLG 100 Intro to Urban and Regional Planning
• PLG 120 Understanding the Planning Process
• POL 123 Urban Government in Canada

LIBERAL STUDIES: One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies .

2nd Semester

• FCS 100 Working Toward a Just Society
• PLG 200 Planning Principles
• PLG 220 Planning Studio I
• PLG 240 Applied Ecology for Urban Planners

You’ll be prepared to address the complex needs, structures and rules of communities through progressive opportunities in:

• Municipal or provincial government
• Private real estate development
• Community social service or volunteer agencies
• Urban design technology
• Technical analysis
• Program and policy development
• Project management
• Graduate studies in planning and urban development

Thinking of applying? Make sure the program is still accepting applications .

Requirements

Requirements for full-time, 4-year program.

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent with a minimum of six Grade 12 U or M courses including the following program specific requirements.

Typically, a minimum overall average of 70% establishes eligibility for admission consideration; subject to competition individual programs may require higher prerequisite grades and/or higher overall averages:

• English/anglais (ENG4U/EAE4U preferred)
• Recommended: Grade 12 U or M courses in social sciences and the humanities (HFA4M, HHS4M, HHG4M, HSB4M, HZT4U) and/or economics (CIA4U) and U courses in Canadian and world studies (CGW4U, CGU4U, CHI4U, CHY4U, CLN4U, CPW4U), science (SBI4U, SCH4U, SPH4U, SES4U) and/or mathematics (MHF4U, MCV4U, MDM4U)
• Note: the minimum grade required in the subject prerequisite (normally in the 70% range) will be determined subject to competition

Academic admission requirements for all other applicants are available on the  admission requirements  page.

Find your requirements 

• Ontario secondary school students
• Out-of-province secondary school students
• International secondary school students
• University and college transfer students
• Other applicants

Requirements for 2-year Post Baccalaureate program (full-time)

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited English language university including a minimum of six liberal studies (liberal arts and sciences) courses.
• Qualified applicants must successfully complete a 75 hour, three week Spring/Summer intensive block course (CVUP 100) which is offered through  The Chang School of Continuing Education . Students must complete CVUP 100 prior to their entry into the program.

Requirements for 2-year Degree Completion program (full-time)

• Completion of the Urban and Regional Planning Technician - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Diploma from Mohawk College or the GIS and Urban Planning Diploma from Fanshawe College with a minimum ‘B’ overall average.
• Qualified applicants must successfully complete a 75 hour, three week Spring/Summer intensive block course (CVUP 100) which is offered through  The Chang School of Continuing Education . Students must complete CVUP 100 prior to their entry into the program.

Student spotlight

Redesigned courses explore black-led city-building efforts as well as historical and contemporary harm.

With innovative studio courses, students learn through community engagement and producing deliverables for client organizations. In one project, students collaborated with Black Futures Now TO, a Toronto-based collective of young Black community and city builders. They created mini-documentaries to amplify the collective’s work and to highlight Black experiences with planning in Canada.

Read more:  Black experiences with planning in Canada

Mural: "Remember Hogan’s Alley” by artist Ejiwa “Edge” Ebenebe Photo by Magdalena Ugarte

More ways to explore TMU

• Actual minimum grade ranges required for fall 2024 admission/wait list consideration will be determined based on grades and qualifications presented by the applicant pool as they become available. Required grade ranges may fluctuate from year to year (up or down) as a result of competition. Applicants not educated in Ontario may present the equivalent of the Ontario requirements. TMU reserves the right to determine equivalency at its sole discretion.

Disclaimer: 

While every effort is made to ensure accuracy on this site, in the event of a discrepancy, TMU's current Undergraduate Calendar is the official reference.

Browse Course Material

Course info.

• Prof. Anne Whiston Spirn

Departments

• Urban Studies and Planning
• Architecture

As Taught In

• Urban Planning

Learning Resource Types

Ecological urbanism.

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Scenario Planning for Urban Futures Course

May 20, 2024 - May 22, 2024

Offered in English

Faculty: Heather Hannon and Robert Goodspeed

In partnership with Nexus at Michigan Engineering , this course is available both in person in Ann Arbor and as a three-day remote live session via Zoom. Participants will learn to appropriately foster urban progress for future scenarios through effective planning methods and gain hands-on knowledge of techniques to analyze trends, construct scenario narratives, and model scenarios using GIS tools. Upon course completion, students will have concrete ideas for implementing scenarios in their communities.

Scenario Planning for Urban Futures is intended for a varied audience. Early-career planning professionals, experienced scenario planning practitioners, master’s level, and PhD urban planning students, applied researchers, and consultants are all encouraged to attend.

Heather Hannon

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Scenario Planning

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5 reasons to study Urban Planning

Passionate about creating and shaping the cities of tomorrow? Find out why you should study Urban Planning at UTS.

Whether you’re an established planning professional or keen to embark on a new career path, here are 5 reasons to study urban planning… 

1. Take advantage of growing industry demand 

With societies facing current challenges including growing populations, climate change, and limited resourcing, our urban environments need to be sustainably planned with the future in mind. As the need to design a resilient urban future grows, qualified urban planning professionals are more in demand than ever, with shortages in almost every state and territory. 

The industry is set to grow by 2,500 jobs by 2026, meaning an abundance of job opportunities for those with planning qualifications. This makes now the ideal time to build upon the skills and qualifications you’ve already achieved, or take the leap into urban planning. 

2. Progress or redirect your career 

For those who are already working in the planning sector without formal qualifications, undertaking urban planning education in a formal setting with recognised outcomes can help acquire the necessary skills, experience, and accreditation to progress in the field.  Postgraduate study qualifications open the door to higher level roles and can increase earning potential. 

Planning is also a great next step for bachelor’s degree graduates from related disciplines such as architecture, construction or real estate looking to refine their career pathway. Obtaining a degree in urban planning, particularly with postgraduate qualifications, positions graduates for high demand roles and leaves them ready to make their mark on the world around them.

Career changers are also drawn to planning, being a multidisciplinary study area open to entry from many pathways. For those with bachelor’s qualifications in environmental or social science, interest in the environment or even working in the arts, planning can be an excellent fit, as it is all about wanting to make a difference to our urban environment.

3. Contribute to the future of our world 

Australian cities are increasingly prioritising sustainability and resilience in urban planning initiatives. With a growing awareness of environmental issues such as climate change, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss, there is a strong emphasis on sustainable urban design, green infrastructure, renewable energy, and low-carbon transportation solutions. As an urban planner, you can contribute to creating more liveable, environmentally friendly cities that enhance the well-being of residents.

UTS's Master of Planning program places a strong emphasis on sustainability, equipping students with the tools and insights needed to address the complex challenges facing urban environments today. Through interdisciplinary coursework and practical projects, you’ll explore the impacts of climate change, population growth and growing inequality on the built environment, preparing you for the real-world challenges facing the global planning profession. 

Whether you’re already working in the urban planning field and wanting to increase the knowledge and skills you bring to the profession or looking to make the switch to a sustainability-focused career, studying urban planning at UTS will help you contribute to the future of our world. 

4. Be recognised within a professional industry 

Urban planning is a thriving industry full of passionate professionals who are keen to make a difference. For those wanting to experience success as an industry leader, accredited qualifications and strong connections are a must — with communities, governments, developers and other built environment professionals who are integral to the planning process. 

In order to practice as an urban planner in Australia, individuals typically need to obtain accreditation from the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), which is the peak body for urban planners in the country.  The UTS Master of Planning is accredited by PIA, meaning you’ll gain a nationally recognised, internationally relevant qualification that is held in high esteem within the profession, enhancing employability. The UTS School of Built Environment also works closely with the Commonwealth Association of Planners, which offers opportunities across the Commonwealth for UTS students, and welcomes a number of guest lecturers directly from industry, including from local governments and the NSW Planning Department. 

At UTS, you’ll study in the heart of a thriving urban city, combining core subjects in planning, sustainable development and urban design with the acquisition of uniquely human-centred skills like negotiation and community engagement. You’ll be ready to step into the profession as an industry leader, or take a leap forwards in your existing career, with an accredited qualification and strong industry connections. 

5. Experience the UTS difference 

No matter your entry pathway or career goals, at UTS you’ll engage with the latest international research, work with industry standard technologies, and immerse yourself in field work with site visits and guest lectures by practising planners and industry experts. Students have access to cutting-edge facilities and resources designed to support their academic and professional development. The university's modern campus provides state-of-the-art laboratories, research centres, and technology-enhanced learning spaces, enabling students to gain hands-on experience with the latest tools and technologies used in urban planning practice.

On-campus learning facilitates deep engagement with course materials, fostering a collaborative learning environment where students can exchange ideas and insights with peers and faculty members.  Additionally, studying in Sydney serves as a living laboratory for urban planning students. Students can engage with real-world planning projects, collaborate with industry professionals, and gain practical experience in addressing urban challenges such as transportation, housing, waterfront redevelopment, and public space design.

Studying urban planning at UTS offers students and built environment professionals a unique opportunity to position themselves at the forefront of a growing and dynamic industry. With a focus on industry relevance and connection, sustainability, and innovative learning methods, studying urban planning at UTS equips graduates with the skills, knowledge, and professional accreditation needed to thrive in today's rapidly evolving urban landscape. 

Ready to take the next step?  Find more course information and request an info pack here .   

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.

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8 Projects that Exemplify Moscow's Urban Movement

• Written by Marie Chatel
• Published on July 27, 2016

When it comes to urbanism these days, people’s attention is increasingly turning to Moscow . The city clearly intends to become one of the world’s leading megacities in the near future and is employing all necessary means to achieve its goal, with the city government showing itself to be very willing to invest in important urban developments (though not without some criticism ).

A key player in this plan has been the Moscow Urban Forum . Although the forum’s stated goal is to find adequate designs for future megacities, a major positive side-effect is that it enables the city to organize the best competitions, select the best designers, and build the best urban spaces to promote the city of Moscow. The Forum also publishes research and academic documents to inform Moscow’s future endeavors; for example, Archaeology of the Periphery , a publication inspired by the 2013 forum and released in 2014, notably influenced the urban development on the outskirts of Moscow, but also highlighted the importance of combining urban development with the existing landscape.

Concluding earlier this month, the 2016 edition of the Moscow Urban Forum focused on smart cities and the impact of technology on the ways we interact with people and use public infrastructure and civic spaces. The 2016 Forum invited city officials, urbanists, and architectural practitioners – including Yuri Grigoryan from Project MEGANOM ; Pei Zhu from Studio Pei Zhu ; Hani Rashid from Asymptote ; Reinier de Graaf from OMA ; Yosuke Hayano from MAD Architects ; and Kengo Kuma from Kengo Kuma Architects – to share about their knowledge and experiences in urban design. With the city looking forward to the built results of the latest Forum, we take a look back at some of the major developments in Moscow that have emerged in the past five years.

1) Gorky Park and Garage Museum

In 2010 the city government decided to improve Muscovites’ urban environment and create public spaces, and Gorky Park was the first project of note. The Russian equivalent of Central Park, it used to attract masses of tourists to its amusement park, but no residents would spend time there. Its reconstruction began in 2011 and featured infrastructure for strolling, sport, work, culture and leisure.

Inside the park lies the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art , a landmark building from the Brezhnev communist era which was renovated and transformed by OMA in 2015. The Dutch firm kept the original structure “as found,” only repairing elements from its prefabricated concrete walls – often clad with brick and decorative green tiles. Instead, the redesign focused on a double-skin facade of polycarbonate plastic that enclosed the original structure and preserved it from decay.

2) Zaryadye Park, Diller Scofidio + Renfro

Due to open in 2018, Zaryadye Park designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro is probably one of Moscow ’s most cutting-edge projects. Located next to the Kremlin, the Red Square, and St Basil’s Cathedral, the project embodies what the architects calls “Wild Urbanism.” The project notably includes four artificial microclimates that mimic Russian landscape typologies: the steppe, the forest, the wetland and tundra. “It is a park for Russia made from Russia,” as Charles Renfro explains , in that “it samples the natures of Russia and merges them with the city, to become a design that could only happen here. It embodies a wild urbanism, a place where architecture and landscape are one.”

3) Moscow Riverfront, Project Meganom

Russian firm Project Meganom has also designed an ambitious project for Moscow ’s riverfront. Their masterplan also aims for a dialogue between the built and natural environment. A series of linear green spaces follow the river, and lines for pedestrians, cyclists, cars, and public transport are clearly delineated, improving the use of the public squares. River embankments are also transformed to function as areas for activities, communication, education and creativity nodes for public gathering.

4) Krymskaya Embankment, Wowhaus Architecture Bureau

Wowhaus Architecture Bureau recently transformed the 4-lane road at Krymskaya Embankment into a landscape park that connects Gorky Park with Krymsky bridge. The area used to be deserted, but is now reactivated with distinct transit and sport zones, as well as pavilions for artists’ exhibitions. Wave-shaped bicycle ramps, paths, and benches feature on the artificial landscape, which is also used for sledding, skiing, and skating in the winter.

5) Hermitage Museum and ZiL Tower in Moscow, Asymptote Architecture

New York architectural firm Asymptote Architecture are currently building two projects, a 150-meter residential tower and a satellite facility for St Petersburg’s well-known Hermitage Museum , where modern and contemporary art collections will be displayed. Situated in one of Moscow ’s oldest industrial areas, Asymptote’s buildings will lie in place of a Constructivist factory – which explains why the museum was reportedly inspired by El Lissitzky's "Proun" painting, as the terrace interior clearly shows.

6) “My Street”

“My Street” is the largest-scale program led by Moscow ’s government. The project aims to create about 50 kilometers of new pedestrian zones within the city center and periphery. The extensive program aims to solve parking issues, renovate street facades, and repair sidewalks and walkways with delimited areas for public transports, cars, cyclists, and pedestrians. “My Street” also requires a strong governance strategy and coordination; led by the Strelka Institute’s consultation arm KB Strelka , the project also involves 17 Russian and foreign architecture practices that were all individually in charge of one street, square or group of streets. Notable architects include the German firm Topotek 1 , the Dutch group West 8 , and the Russian firm Tsimailo , Lyashenko and Partners.

7) Moscow Metro

Moscow Metro is an architectural masterpiece that has been elaborated on since the 1920s. Its stations from the Stalin era are known for their unique designs with high ceilings, elaborate chandeliers and fine granite and marble cladding. To ensure that Moscow Metro remains an emblem of the city’s urban culture and powerful transportation system, the city’s government organized various competitions for the renovation of some Metro stations. Russian-based practice Nefa Architects was chosen to redesign Moscow’s Solntsevo Metro Station, while Latvian firm U-R-A will transform Novoperedelkino Subway Station . New stations are also being built, including two stations by Russian firms Timur Bashkayev Architectural Bureau and Buromoscow which should be completed by the end of 2018.

8) Luzhniki Stadium

Luzhniki Stadium is Moscow ’s main venue for sporting and cultural events. With Russia hosting the 2018 FIFA World Cup , the stadium should reflect Moscow’s intent to become a leading megacity, which is why $540 million has been spent on construction works. Its renovation mainly focuses on the roof and seating areas, and the capacity is planned to increase up to 81,000 seats. Works will be completed by 2017.

Find out more information and talks on Moscow’s urban development and the future of megacities on Moscow Urban Forum’s YouTube channel .

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'Things have started to improve': Moscow residents share thoughts on the city's changes

From cycling infrastructure to public spaces, how do Moscow’s residents feel about the city’s urban renewal projects? Here they share their stories

The ‘Moscow experiment’ has seen the city undergo renewal efforts over the last five years to improve liveability. But what do Moscow’s residents really think about the changes? We asked you to share your stories of life in the Russian capital, and reflect on whether Moscow is changing for better or worse.

The city centre may be seeing improvements in infrastructure and public space, but what about the suburbs? How involved have local citizens been in the changes? And what does the future hold for Moscow? We’ve rounded up a selection of your GuardianWitness contributions , comments and emails, which reveal the everyday experiences of Moscow’s transformations:

About pedestrians and automobilists

Moscow has undergone massive change in the last five years, but the most obvious developments concern parks, streets, and general navigation in the capital. Most of the developments are surely positive: the city has seemed to get more air. There have appeared more walking paths, pedestrian zones have been expanded, some streets have been closed for traffic altogether, parks are being renovated, and new bicycle lanes are being offered now to city residents and its guests. However, there are negative changes as well, which have largely affected car owners: extension of the paid parking areas, and the increase of the average price, the need to navigate a bypass route in order to drive round pedestrian zones. But this coin has another side too: fewer cars in the centre means less exhaust fumes and cleaner air. Muscovites look forward to the old parks being renovated, and the new ones being opened. New plans make excited everyone: new metro stations, new roads, new bicycle lanes and pedestrian footpaths.

It's changing for better

Moscow is definitely changing for better now. As I see it, the authorities are trying to make a city a better place to live in, especially in remote residential neighborhoods, which is very good. Many parks were renovated, cycle lanes appeared. Moscow has become a nice place for long walks and cycling. The city has a lot to offer now including museums, and different events like exhibitons, summer outside activities and others. It's a pity that it takes so long but taking into account the size of the city and its population I can say the situation has changed even if compared to what it was like 4-6 years ago.

I grew up in Moscow and lived here until two years ago. My general impression is that the people making the decisions are trying to copy some European practices like bike rental, parks, etc, but the general success is limited. The streets still belong to drivers, not to pedestrians, to an unbelievable extent. Another thing is that street retail was banned in an attempt to improve the city. It works for the city centre, where retailers really spoiled the overall impression of the scene, but 80% of Moscow is not a city centre. And there, this removal makes your life more difficult. The positive trend is all these multiple festivals, exhibitions, etc, but the best of all these events were initiated by citizens, so I would say that it is due to improving integration of Muscovites into the global world. Overall, I should admit that I love my homeland, but there is still a far way to go to make the city as comfortable as it could be, and the incentives of the people in charge in many cases do not have a lot to do with the wellbeing of Muscovites. - Ekaterina Ivanova

In the city

Gorky central park of culture and leisure

Better, definitely.

I was born in Moscow, emigrated to the UK ten years ago, and have been coming back at least once a year ever since. Although it's hard to tell from only a short visit, I can definitely see improvement in the capital: public transport operates better, local government services are better organised, the streets are cleaner... in my old neighbourhood (a very working-class, high-immigrant community), there are more 'high-street' shops appearing, less potholes on the roads, new playgrounds, new trees being planted and even the occasional fountain being built. These things may seem little and shallow, but I can certainly see improvement in this sense, at least.

It’s better on the surface, but still has inclusion and institutional issues. What do I mean? I mean that no one really asked us, Moscow residents, about the changes being made in the city (although we really welcome a big part of them). And lack of inclusion and mutual trust between the residents is in the end the main problem of Moscow as a city and a community (in my opinion). You can build as much fancy stuff as the money allows you to but if the Muscovites do not trust each other and don’t consider this city to truly belong to them, it will never become a real city and will continue to exist as “a big village” with fancy parks, craft beer and bicycle service. - Sergey Kurakov

When you smiling

Moscow is beautiful with the history, but it's even more beautiful when history meets modern cultural programmes. This installation is a part of one of them. Such things can be seen in the city when we have holidays

The transformation of Gorky park was nice but it is now overly popular which means it is not so pleasant to go to. The boulevard ring has in the main been transformed and makes for a pleasant walk. The banks of the Moskva have been transformed and the walk from Red October down to Gorky park is now interesting, however I always feel that Moscow does not make as much as it's river as other cities (Paris or London for example) do. The area around modern tretyakov could be transformed into an area more like the south bank.

However the biggest killer of Moscow life are simply the size of the roads. They are everywhere and take priority over pedestrians. To really improve Moscow life would be deal with the massive structural change required for dealing with traffic. And that, unfortunately, costs more than plants.

I was born in Moscow and truly love it. And this city inspired me to take an urban planning course: I honestly just couldn’t figure out how one of the wealthiest cities in the whole world could experience such a plethora of problems ranging from car invasion to banal low visual and urban design culture. Many things have changed for the better. A lot of new creative things emerged, such as anti-cafes, high-quality bars and famous Moscow art-clusters. These all influence the city and make it somewhat more democratic. On top of that, there are more direct influences on its physical fabric due to new urban design studios like StrelkaKB, Wowhaus and many others. However, the overall system is still underdeveloped. Moscow is not really clean, it is over-reliant on cars and it seems not much action is taken to improve that; it’s incredibly unfriendly to wheelchairs and people of similar mobility. We still get enormous unnecessary shopping malls planted close to the centre. Moscow is a wonderful city and sure enough it is gradually developing, however, only in a discrete, tactical way, largely and mostly driven by private interests. The public sector, in turn, seems to provide no clear strategic policy to turn Moscow in a healthy modern democratic city with all its problems tackled in one way or another. - dmitryBooM

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An introduction to Urban and Peri-urban Forestry

Certified course.

Topic outline

This course introduces the concepts of urban and peri-urban forestry. The course considers the important ecosystem services provided by urban forests, which help countries to achieve their Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets, and the challenges that must be navigated during their planning, design and management.

This course is primarily intended for individuals responsible for planning, designing or managing urban forests, including those working in public or private organizations and those in the voluntary sectors. They may include:

• Policy-makers.
• Development organizations and the voluntary sector.
• Planners, researchers and practitioners.
• Landowners, trusts and foundations.

You will learn about

• Key terms, concepts and processes associated with urban- and peri-urban forestry.
• How urban forests contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The ecosystem services that urban forests provide through their biotic and abiotic processes.
• The professions with responsibility for urban forests, and the importance of collaboration with citizens and communities.
• The challenges that must be considered when planning, designing and managing urban forests.

Course structure

The course consists of four lessons, ranging from approximately 30 to 45 minutes duration each:

• Lesson 1 - Introduction and basic concepts
• Lesson 2 - The importance of urban forests
• Lesson 3 - The planning, design and management of urban forests
• Lesson 4 - Urban forestry challenges in a changing world

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Inside Vanuatu’s Resilience Revolution: A Blueprint for Small Island States

Meriam Nemeriango, a teacher at Nuakwanapou Primary School in Vanuatu, stands in front of a World Bank supported school cyclone shelter.  (C) Hamish Wyatt/World Bank

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Vanuatu faces some of the most severe risks from climate change in the world. Increasingly frequent cyclones pose serious threats to lives, infrastructure, and the economy.
• Over a decade of partnership, the World Bank and the Government have worked together to build resilience by strengthening skills and building institutions. This has focused on geohazard monitoring, establishing a national multi-hazard warning center, and investing in resilient infrastructure such as schools that also serve as life saving shelters.
• Now Vanuatu has become a leader in geohazard monitoring and with World Bank assistance has created a world class National Advisory Board for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change. Future work between the Government and the World Bank include initiatives to integrate disaster risk management into urban planning and enhance resilience by improving services in informal settlements.

Over the course of 10 years of partnership, the World Bank has supported efforts by the government of Vanuatu to build the skills and institutions it needs to deal with the many volcanic eruptions and earthquakes it is prone to as well as the increasingly frequent and severe cyclones. This collaboration and institutional strengthening with one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries could serve as a model for other small island states as climate impacts worsen around the world.

Committed local experts leading the way

The World Bank has been working in Vanuatu since the 1980s. Over the past decade, much of its work there has focused on disaster risk management, including building on the geohazard monitoring work that Dr. Esline Garaebiti began back in 1997.

Dr. Garaebiti, one of the first female geoscientists in the Pacific and a recipient of a Women’s International Network for Disaster Risk Reduction Leadership Award, is the Director General of Vanuatu’s Ministry of Climate Change. Born on a volcanic island, Esline discovered her passion for earth science as an undergraduate. In 1997, she joined a French organization implementing Vanuatu’s first geohazard monitoring. She then become the geohazards manager for the government of Vanuatu before assuming her current post, in 2020.

Tevi Obed is the World Bank’s Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist in Vanuatu. Like Director General Garaebiti, he was born in Vanuatu and has spent his life living through disasters and working to reduce their impact. His relationship working with government officials spans back to his school days, when he studied with many of the people who now hold government positions. “What I can offer to the partnership with the government is to be relevant, trusted, and strategic over the long term,” he explains. “I will always be here.”

Obed has worked with Director General Garaebiti to improve Vanuatu’s monitoring network. “The World Bank helped develop Vanuatu’s seismic monitoring network and link it to a national multi-hazard warning center. These stations around the country transmit real-time data to the national center, which killed Vanuatu analysts and forecasters interpret,” he explained. As a result of these efforts, Vanuatu is now a leader in geohazard monitoring. It has helped establish a regional network within the Pacific to share data with other countries.

Seismologists in Vanuatu detect up to 100 earthquakes every day. In 2017, a huge eruption on Ambae Island was recorded, triggering the evacuation of 11,000 residents. “It was one of the biggest volcanic eruptions we have ever seen on that island,” said Dr. Garaebiti. “It was the first eruption with recorded data.”

In addition to the risk of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, Vanuatu is facing increasingly frequent and severe cyclones. In 2015, the most severe storm ever recorded in the South Pacific struck. “Our weather forecasters tracked Tropical Cyclone Pam every hour. Their desks flooded—but they moved everything to the other side of the partition and kept working, even though the cyclone was on top of them,” she said.

In response to Tropical Cyclone Pam, the World Bank invested US$50 million in Vanuatu, building and repairing 50 kilometers of roads and reconstructing 42 schools and 26 buildings across 20 islands. These stronger, more climate-resilient schools have been used as community shelters in the subsequent cyclones Vanuatu has faced.

Students walk down a road in Roau, Vanuatu, that was reconstructed under a World Bank/Government of Vanuatu project ensuring students had better access to education following devastating tropical cyclones. (C) Hamish Wyatt/World Bank

A National Advisory Board for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate is helping policy makers address climate challenges

The government is ambitious in meeting the challenges climate change presents. In 2012, it took the innovative step of combining climate change and disaster management into one joint committee, called the National Advisory Board for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change (NAB). The World Bank helped establish the NAB by building the capacity of staff and helping to create governance structures. 

Director General Esline chairs the NAB. “The NAB makes my life easier,” she says. “Climate change and disasters are everyone’s business. When we get the heads of all relevant departments together, we can be aware of all climate projects. It’s easy to allocate funding with one body overseeing everything. We don’t leave anyone behind with our funding.” 

Caroline Mailalong, a kindergarten teacher at Nuakwanapou Primary School stands in front of her class. Nuakwanapou Primary has benefitted from the World Bank's support to the government to rebuild cyclone destroyed schools. (C) Hamish Wyatt/World Bank

The World Bank is committed to strengthening institutions and expanding climate-related efforts into urban planning

Leisande Otto is the World Bank’s Liaison Officer in Vanuatu. She is seeing more and more opportunities for the World Bank to support institutional strengthening in areas identified by the government. “As a result of our partnership with the government, a disaster recovery team has been trained and established within the Department of Planning. It conducted its first post-disaster needs assessment following the twin cyclones Judy and Kevin in 2023. A National Disaster Recovery Framework has also been developed to help guide Vanuatu’s response to disasters,” she said. 

The next phase of disaster risk management work in Vanuatu is likely to include applying a disaster risk lens to other sectors, such as urban planning. “The World Bank helped us develop our first ever multi-hazard risk maps. This was so valuable to Vanuatu,” said Director General Garaebiti. “In the future, I hope to work with the Bank to build a combined risk map to assist with urban planning.”

The World Bank’s disaster risk management and recovery efforts continue to grow.  A US$25 million project approved in 2022 is improving resilience and services in select informal settlements around the capital, Port Vila, for example.  “Planning with disaster risk in mind will help keep communities safe,” notes Tevi Obed.

Students in schools across Vanuatu now have new classrooms that double as community cyclone shelters, providing them with a safe and lasting place to learn. (C) Hamish Wyatt/World Bank

Learn more about the World Bank in the Pacific

World Bank East Asia and Pacific

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