Overview

The Urban Design programme at The City University of New York offers a transformative educational experience situated in the heart of Manhattan. This Master of Urban Planning degree focuses on creating resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsive solutions for the challenges of a rapidly urbanising global landscape.

The curriculum is built around a design lab-based model that encourages interdisciplinary research and ecological thinking. Students are challenged to move beyond outdated urban paradigms by integrating infrastructural planning with innovative vision. This approach ensures that graduates are prepared to navigate and redefine complex systems within modern cities.

Through collaborative research, the programme addresses critical issues such as spatial equity, environmental concerns, and the evolving role of technology.

Why Urban Design at The City University of New York?

The programme is officially STEM-designated, which provides significant advantages for international students regarding extended work authorisation in the United States. Teaching takes place within the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture, offering access to specialised facilities like the Robotics Lab and the Solar RoofPod.

Students benefit from a rich academic environment that includes the J. Max Bond Center for Urban Futures and the Architecture Library. The faculty consists of experienced professionals and researchers who guide students through participatory urbanism and advanced geospatial mapping techniques to solve contemporary urban crises.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 855 per credit
National fee: USD 855 per credit
Local fee: USD 470 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured over three sequential semesters to provide a deep dive into urban research and design. Modules may include:

Urban Design Lab
Urban Design Seminar
Urban Histories and Theories
Urban Ecologies and Technologies
Socially Situated Practices
Urbanism

Careers with Urban Design

Graduates are equipped to take on leadership roles across a variety of professional sectors involved in the built environment. Many find success within dedicated urban design and planning agencies or at multidisciplinary architecture firms where they lead large-scale development projects.

The programme also prepares students for influential positions within policy institutions and governmental bodies focused on housing and infrastructure. Additionally, the rigorous research component provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue careers in academia or specialised environmental consultancy.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Urban Design Studio
History of Urban Space
Reading the City
Urban Ecologies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-28 00:00:00

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Starting 2027-01-04 00:00:00

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Starting 2027-01-26 00:00:00

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Starting 2027-05-28 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

32 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, 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

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants to the Urban Design program should hold a professional degree in either architecture or landscape architecture. Students will be expected to start the program with an awareness of current versions of design software (AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop) and basic graphic design skills: color theory, fonts, and 2D layout.
A portfolio of creative work is required for all Spitzer School applicants. The portfolio should reflect your level of creative ability and creative process and can include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, graphic design, furniture design, garden design, photography, crafts, or other types of work.
Transcript(s)
Personal Statement/Essay
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Three Letters of Recommendation
Application Fee (US$75)
GRE (optional, in Standardized Tests section)

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

27360 USD / year

≈ 27360 USD / year
Out-of-State

27360 USD / year

≈ 27360 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

15040 USD / year

≈ 15040 USD / year

Additional Details

Resident:

Full-time - $5,545/semester
Part-time - $470/credit

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

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

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 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

Additional Details

Living costs

New York City

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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