Overview

The Master in Urban Planning at Harvard University provides a comprehensive professional education designed to address the critical challenges facing modern cities and regions. This STEM-designated programme equips students with the analytical and creative skills necessary to influence the social, economic, and ecological forces that define our built environment.

Why Urban Planning at Harvard University?

Students benefit from an intimate and engaged educational atmosphere, with a cohort of approximately 80 individuals and a core faculty of distinguished scholars and practitioners. The learning environment is animated by four key concerns: managing change in complex environments, addressing multiple scales and systems, ethical engagement with future problems, and the implementation of active planning practices.

The programme offers unparalleled opportunities for interdisciplinary study. Students frequently cross-register for courses at the Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Law School, and the Harvard Chan School of Public Health. Additionally, the university maintains strong connections with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, allowing for further academic breadth. The presence of the Loeb Fellowship also brings mid-career professionals to the campus, enriching the peer learning experience.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 61510 per year
National fee: USD 61510 per year
Local fee: USD 61510 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a deep understanding of the legal, political, and aesthetic factors involved in planning. Modules may include:

Urban Planning and Design
Landscape Architecture
Real Estate
Design Engineering
Design Studies
Public Health
Public Policy
Law and Planning

Careers with Urban Planning

Graduates are prepared for leadership positions across a diverse range of sectors globally. The programme provides transferable skills that are highly valued in traditional planning practice as well as related industries. Alumni frequently secure roles within government agencies, non-profit organisations, and private consulting firms.

The university supports career development through the Community Service Fellowship Program, which offers summer internships in the United States and overseas travel grants. Graduates often find employment in higher education, public institutions, and international development agencies, leveraging their expertise to create resilient and equitable urban spaces. The STEM designation also provides international students with extended practical training opportunities in the United States following their studies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Environment, climate, and health

Housing, community, and economic development

International and comparative planning

Real estate and urban development

Transportation and infrastructure

Urban analytics

Urban design

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

104

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

80 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Urban Planning View 212 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

TOEFL^® IBT

104

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Gather Your Transcripts

Request Three Letters of Recommendation

Have your GRE Scores Sent to the GSD.

Have your TOEFL Scores Sent to the GSD

Edit your Resume

Write Your Essay

Prepare Your Portfolio (when required or optional)

Pay the Application Fee

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

61510 USD / year

≈ 61510 USD / year
Out-of-State

61510 USD / year

≈ 61510 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

61510 USD / year

≈ 61510 USD / year

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 USD / month

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

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

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Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

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.

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