Overview

The Urban Affairs program offered by Boston University provides the theoretical, analytical, and practical foundations for understanding the complexities of the urban environment.

Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors in which they will assemble and analyze information for policymaking, identify community needs and resources, and administer effective service-delivery programs. MUA graduates work in the fields of housing, health and social services, economic development, transportation management, and environmental protection, among many others. Many students obtain the MUA degree in preparation for further study, or to seek advancement in their current job or field.

The Master of Urban Affairs (MUA), requires the completion of 32 credits (eight courses) of study. The MUA degree may be earned within one year of full-time study or year and a half of part-time study and must be earned within a maximum of five years. Students are encouraged to participate in the Directed Internship Program for course credit through MET UA 804 Supervised Fieldwork.

Learning Outcomes

Understand and apply knowledge of the history and theory of urban and regional development, the structure and functions of urban systems, local and national policy-making processes, and the role of planning to create sustainable outcomes.

Explain and assess the economic, environmental, political, social, and equity issues inherent in policy work and planning practice.

Apply quantitative and qualitative research skills to theory-building, data-gathering and analysis, and planning and policy-making processes.

Create relevant policy and planning solutions that incorporate the diverse perspectives of various stakeholders, including those of minority and disadvantaged communities.

Mediate and communicate effectively in public (community) and policy settings.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

History, Theory, and Planning Practice

Planning and the Development Process

Urban Research Methods

Urban Economics

Urban Studies Capstone
Urban Planning

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-06-29 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2026-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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125

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

32 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boston, United States

Disciplines

Public Administration Public Policy Urban Planning View 406 other Masters in Public Policy in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

GMAT

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

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

National

A completed Application for Graduate Admission

Three letters of recommendation

A personal statement

A current résumé

Transcript(s) from each college and graduate school attended

A nonrefundable application fee of $85

International

International Student Data Form

Authorized financial statement from a bank (original, shown in U.S. dollars)

Copy of current I-20 and I-94, both sides (if applicable)

Letter of financial support from a sponsor (firm, government, parents, etc.)

Notarized English translations of all documents not in English

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

66670 USD / year

≈ 66670 USD / year
Out-of-State

66670 USD / year

≈ 66670 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

66670 USD / year

≈ 66670 USD / year

Additional Details

Courses Numbered 100–599: $550 per credit for 1–12 credits
Courses Numbered 600–999: $975 per credit for 1–11.5 credits

Living costs

Boston

United States

1560 - 3239 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 Urban Affairs.

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

Learning Outcomes

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Boston

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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