Overview

The Architecture - Metropolitan Design programme at the University of Minnesota offers a rigorous exploration of urban systems and systematic redesign. This curriculum transitions from traditional service-oriented practice to an inquiry-driven discipline focused on innovation and research. Students engage with complex challenges in transportation, housing, and governance to create sustainable urban solutions.

Why Architecture - Metropolitan Design at University of Minnesota?

Students benefit from a unique partnership with the Minnesota Design Center, providing direct access to interdisciplinary projects involving law, medicine, and economics. The university offers state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated fabrication shops and the Center for Sustainable Building Research. This environment encourages students to develop a personal research focus while working on active projects that address real-world issues like homeless housing and infrastructure design.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 35294 per year
National fee: USD 35294 per year
Local fee: USD 35294 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around three distinct pathways: Plan A (thesis-focused), Plan B (project-based), and Plan C (course-based). Modules may include:

Theories and Principles of Urban Design
Case Studies in Urban Design
Urban Design Studio
American Housing, Histories & Culture
Territorial City
Historic Preservation
Sustainable Design Theory and Practice
Metropolitan Landscape Ecology
Land Use Planning

Careers with Architecture - Metropolitan Design

Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in research, urban policy, and professional architectural practice. The programme's emphasis on adaptive thinking and systematic problem-solving equips students for careers in metropolitan development, community economic revitalisation, and environmental policy. By working alongside industry professionals during their studies, students build the necessary networks for leadership positions in both public and private design sectors.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Theory and Principles of Urban Design

Case Studies in Urban Design

Graduate Architectural Design

Theories and Policies of Development

Community Economic Development

Housing and the Social Environment

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

More details

The priority deadline for funding consideration is January 15.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

34 SCH

Plan A, B - 34 credits
Plan C - 30-36 credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Minneapolis, United States

Disciplines

Architecture Design View 447 other Masters in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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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

To pursue an MS in architecture a bachelor of arts or science in humanities, sciences, environmental studies, or engineering is required, and a GPA greater than 3.0 is preferred. International applicants must be proficient in English (see language requirements)

We also encourage individuals with professional degrees in architecture and landscape architecture, as well as current M.Arch or MLA students seeking a dual degree, to apply

Complete University of Minnesota Graduate School Application

Unofficial transcripts of all college or university coursework

A statement (up to 1,000 words) outlining specific interests in the metropolitan design area of study

Three letters of recommendation, preferably two written by faculty members who are familiar with your academic work

Portfolio

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores

Application fee of $75

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

35294 USD / year

≈ 35294 USD / year
Out-of-State

35294 USD / year

≈ 35294 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

35294 USD / year

≈ 35294 USD / year

Living costs

Minneapolis

United States

1130 - 2045 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 - Metropolitan 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

Minneapolis

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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