Overview

The Architecture and Urban Design programme at Columbia University offers a rigorous three-semester curriculum dedicated to the multidisciplinary study of cities, infrastructures, and ecosystems. This Master of Science degree positions the city as a primary agent of resilient change, tasking students with redefining the twenty-first-century urban landscape. By integrating public space with social justice, the course prepares graduates to address the complex challenges of rapid globalisation and the climate emergency.

Why Architecture and Urban Design at Columbia University?

Students benefit from the university's prestigious Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP), which provides access to world-class facilities such as the Avery Library and the Making Studio. The programme is led by distinguished faculty and practitioners who encourage an activist, tools-based approach to design. Participants engage in applied research across various scales, from the local New York metropolitan region to global city-regions, supported by robust partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organisations.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 35190 per semester
National fee: USD 35190 per semester
Local fee: USD 35190 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around a core three-semester studio sequence, requiring a minimum of 45 points for completion. Modules may include:

Urban Design Studio
Digital Techniques
Toward Resilient Cities + Landscapes
Spatial Data Narratives
Modern Building Technology
Climate Justice + Digital Reenactments
Modern American Architecture
Architecture Apropos Art
Urban Political Economy

Careers with Architecture and Urban Design

Graduates of this programme become catalytic alumni working globally across diverse disciplines, institutions, and communities. The course fosters the skills necessary for roles in urban design, planning, and environmental advocacy. Students are supported by dedicated career services and annual career fairs, connecting them with leading firms such as Buro Happold, SOM Chicago, and FXCollaborative. While not a professional architecture degree for licensure, it provides a critical foundation for leadership in creating equitable and robust urban environments.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Arch Elective Internship
Spatial Data Narratives
Methods in Spatial Research
Climate, Technology, and Society
Recombinant Urbanism
Digital Heritage Documentation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 18 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-05-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

7.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Architecture Design View 447 other Masters in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The M.S. AUD program is open to both pre- and post-professional students, and encourages applications from a range of backgrounds interested in exploring urban design.
All applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university by the time they start the M.S. AUD program.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

70380 USD / year

≈ 70380 USD / year
Out-of-State

70380 USD / year

≈ 70380 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70380 USD / year

≈ 70380 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Architecture and Urban Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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