COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Urban Design program requires a minimum of 34 credit hours and is structured to provide students with a strong foundation in urban systems, design practice, and community development. The core curriculum includes courses such as Professional Practice: Real Estate and Development, which introduces students to the economic and professional aspects of urban projects, and Forces That Shape Cities, which explores the social, political, and environmental influences on urban form. Students also complete a sequence of intensive design studios, Urban Design Studio I and II, where they apply theoretical knowledge to real-world urban challenges through hands-on projects. Additional courses such as Community Development Process, Urban Systems, and Urban Ecological Systems help students understand the complexities of urban environments, including infrastructure, sustainability, and community engagement. A special topics course allows for exploration of emerging issues in urban design.A key component of the program is the culminating requirement, where students choose between a research track or a practicum track. In the research track, students complete a master’s project in urban design, including preparation and final project work, which emphasizes independent research and design development. In the practicum track, students engage in a practical urban design project along with elective coursework in related fields such as architecture, geography, landscape architecture, or planning. These electives allow students to deepen their expertise in areas like climate change, transportation, geographic information systems, and urban planning. Overall, the program combines theoretical knowledge, studio-based learning, and either research or practical experience to prepare graduates for professional roles in urban design and city development.