Overview

The Sustainable Urban Environments MDes at Northeastern University provides a rigorous professional framework for students from any academic background to master the complexities of modern city design. This two-year programme integrates ecological principles with urban planning to create resilient metropolitan spaces. Students engage in a curriculum that balances theoretical history with practical implementation and advanced visualisation techniques.

Why Sustainable Urban Environments at Northeastern University?

This programme stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, blending the School of Architecture's design expertise with essential knowledge in earthworks, water systems, and plant ecology. Students benefit from a curriculum designed to address climate change and sustainability through the lens of urban systems. The programme also offers an optional graduate co-op, allowing students to gain professional experience in the field without impacting their academic credit requirements.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 2059 per credit
National fee: USD 2059 per credit
Local fee: USD 2059 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to build foundational skills in the first year before moving into advanced research and project work. Modules may include:

Sustainable Urban Sites
Sustainable Urban Systems
Design and the Resilient City
Cities, Nature, and Design in Contemporary History and Theory
Cities, Sustainability, and Climate Change
Issues in Designed Urban Environments
Implementation and Visualization for Urban Environments
Urban Ecologies and Technologies
Master’s Project

Careers with Sustainable Urban Environments

Graduates are prepared for professional roles that bridge the gap between traditional architecture, landscape design, and urban policy. The programme focuses on developing expertise in resilient city planning and sustainable development, equipping students for careers in environmental consultancy, urban design firms, and public planning agencies. By mastering urban ecology and technological implementation, alumni are positioned to lead projects that address the urgent needs of climate-responsive urban growth.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Master’s Research Studio: Design and the Resilient City
Master’s Research Studio: Master’s Project
Pro-Seminar: Issues in Designed Urban Environments
Urban Ecologies and Technologies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

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

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boston, United States

Disciplines

Sustainable Development Urban Planning View 152 other Masters in Sustainable Development in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

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

Application form
Application fee
Resumé
Transcripts for all institutions attended
TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo exam scores for international applicants

Personal statement
Three letters of recommendation
Portfolio

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

74124 USD / year

≈ 74124 USD / year
Out-of-State

74124 USD / year

≈ 74124 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

74124 USD / year

≈ 74124 USD / year

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 Sustainable Urban Environments.

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

Boston

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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