COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Sustainable Urban Development at DePaul University offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates theory, technical skills, and practical experience to address the complex challenges facing modern cities. The program requires completion of 13 courses (52 credit hours), including core, interdisciplinary, and elective components. Core courses introduce key concepts such as urban planning, policy, community development, applied environmental analysis, and urban design, along with a professional seminar and a capstone portfolio project.The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from fields such as public policy, geography, sociology, environmental studies, and real estate to provide a comprehensive understanding of sustainable urban systems. Students develop skills in data collection, analysis, planning processes, and implementation strategies, while also learning effective communication and evaluation methods for urban development projects. A significant component of the program is technical training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), where students learn spatial analysis and mapping techniques to support evidence-based decision-making in urban environments.In addition to core coursework, students complete interdisciplinary courses in areas such as public service, statistics, and GIS, along with electives that allow specialization in topics like urban ecology, sustainability science, transportation, housing policy, and climate adaptation. The program is structured over two years, with the first year focusing on theoretical foundations and technical tools, and the second year emphasizing advanced coursework, a required internship, and a capstone or portfolio project that demonstrates applied knowledge.Through a combination of academic study, fieldwork, and experiential learning, the curriculum prepares students to analyze and address environmental, economic, and social challenges in urban settings. Graduates develop the skills needed for careers in urban planning, sustainability, public policy, and community development, equipped to design and implement solutions that create more equitable, resilient, and sustainable cities.