Overview

The Urban Planning programme at University at Buffalo provides students with a comprehensive interdisciplinary foundation in the field of professional planning. This master's degree is designed to equip graduates with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to address complex challenges in modern urban environments.

Accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board, the curriculum places a significant emphasis on social justice and urban sustainability. Students engage with a diverse range of topics, including environmental planning, land use, and housing, ensuring they are prepared for the multifaceted nature of contemporary urban development.

Why Urban Planning at University at Buffalo?

This programme is officially registered with the New York State Education Department, ensuring high academic standards and professional relevance. The School of Architecture and Planning offers a robust learning environment where students benefit from a curriculum that balances core theoretical studies with practical application.

The teaching approach is deeply rooted in real-world experience, featuring two dedicated studios that allow students to apply their learning to tangible projects. This hands-on methodology is complemented by the university's strong reputation for research excellence and its commitment to fostering innovative solutions for global development.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 12870 per semester
National fee: USD 12870 per semester
Local fee: USD 5655 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to be completed over two years and includes a combination of core requirements, elective choices, and a final capstone project or thesis. Modules may include:

Urban Planning
Land Use
Environmental Planning
Housing
Transportation
Urban Design
Historic Preservation
Economic Development
Health and Food Systems
Global Development

Careers with Urban Planning

Graduates from this programme are highly sought after by a variety of organisations across the globe. The diverse skill set acquired during the course allows alumni to pursue successful careers in government agencies, where they contribute to public policy and infrastructure management.

In addition to public sector roles, many former students find rewarding opportunities within non-profit organisations and private consultancy firms. These professionals work on a wide array of projects, ranging from local community development to large-scale international urban initiatives, reflecting the global reach of the university's alumni network.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Evolution of Urban Structure

Planning Concepts and Controversies

Research Methods for Planners

Economic Concepts

Land Use and Physical Planning

GIS Applications

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-22 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

52 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Buffalo, United States

Disciplines

Urban Planning View 211 other Masters in Urban Planning 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

Duolingo English Test

120

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

Official transcript(s) from every institution you have previously attended.

500-word essay describing your interests in planning and your aspirations for the MUP degree. Please be specific about influential courses, instructors, books, personal or professional experiences, and goals.

Two recommendations (minimum). Please identify in your application the names of persons who will be writing recommendations. You are strongly encouraged to arrange for at least one from a person who knows your academic work. The individuals will receive an automated email message requesting a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

Resume that outlines your work and educational background and experiences.

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

25740 USD / year

≈ 25740 USD / year
Out-of-State

25740 USD / year

≈ 25740 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11310 USD / year

≈ 11310 USD / year

Living costs

Buffalo

United States

920 - 1560 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 Planning.

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

Buffalo

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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