Overview

The Urban and Community Design programme at University of South Florida offers a comprehensive exploration of the built environment and the evolving contemporary city. This advanced course of study is designed for professionals seeking to master the complexities of urban morphology and ecological sustainability within global communities.

As one of only 25 national degree programmes of its kind, this curriculum provides a unique platform for students to engage with the dynamic Tampa Bay region. The university utilises this area as a living urban laboratory, allowing for deep practical application of theoretical concepts. Students benefit from a rigorous academic environment that stresses the importance of research, analysis, and sophisticated visualisation strategies.

Why Urban and Community Design at University of South Florida?

The university provides an exceptional research environment through the Florida Centre for Community Design & Research. This unit allows students to participate in faculty-led research projects and sponsored design studios. These initiatives have previously addressed community issues in diverse global locations, including London, Havana, and Bangkok, offering students unparalleled international exposure.

The School of Architecture & Community Design fosters a collaborative atmosphere where students can work alongside peers in related disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach is essential for understanding the myriad forms of human habitat and creating ecologically sound urban environments. The programme's focus on smart growth and sustainable urbanism prepares graduates to lead in the 21st-century landscape.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 16666 per year
National fee: USD 16666 per year
Local fee: USD 7840 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum emphasises design investigations at various scales, integrating empirical research with practical techniques. Modules may include:

Smart Growth
Sustainable Urbanism
Landscape Urbanism
Ecology of Cities
Human Behaviour and the Built Environment
Transit and Economic Development
Housing and Community Design
Development Regulations
Research, Analysis, and Visualisations

Careers with Urban and Community Design

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in urban planning, architecture, and community development. The programme's emphasis on practical engagement and research makes students highly competitive for positions in both public and private sectors. Alumni often find success in roles focused on sustainable development, urban policy, and the design of resilient community infrastructures.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Community Design Studio

Advanced Design

Special Topics in Urban and Community Design

Community and Urban Design

The Neighborhood

Special Studies in Architecture

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 18 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-05-17 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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110

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

45 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Tampa, United States

Disciplines

Design Urban Planning Community Development View 211 other Masters in Urban Planning in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

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

Professional undergraduate or graduate design degree (i.e. B.Arch., M.Arch., B.L.A., M.L.A.).

Portfolio of design and creative work (While work completed in a professional capacity is welcomed, academic work is preferred as the primary portfolio content).

GRE scores. The GRE will only be waived for applicants who have already earned a Master’s degree.

Letter of intent

Three letters of recommendation (At least one letter must be from a former instructor or faculty member).

English language proficiency

Minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale)

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

16666 USD / year

≈ 16666 USD / year
Out-of-State

16666 USD / year

≈ 16666 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

7840 USD / year

≈ 7840 USD / year

Living costs

Tampa

United States

1122 - 1951 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 and Community Design.

Available Scholarships

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

On this page

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

Tampa

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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