Overview

The Urban Planning and Public Policy programme at Harvard University provides a multidisciplinary foundation for students aiming to address complex challenges in the built environment. By integrating design excellence with rigorous policy analysis, the curriculum prepares graduates to foster resilient and just communities. Students engage with diverse perspectives to influence the future of global urbanisation and social infrastructure.

Why Urban Planning and Public Policy at Harvard University?

Studying at this institution offers access to the renowned Graduate School of Design, a global leader in architectural and urban research. Students benefit from world-class facilities such as the Fabrication Lab and the Frances Loeb Library, which houses extensive special collections. The university’s unique research initiatives, including the Just City Lab and the Joint Center for Housing Studies, provide an unparalleled environment for exploring sustainable materials and equitable urban development. Furthermore, the proximity to various research groups allows for collaborative work on climate change, healthy places, and responsive environments.

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 designed to bridge the gap between spatial design and public administration. Modules may include:

Urban Planning
Public Policy
Community Development
Design Technologies
Housing Studies
Sustainable Materials
Urbanisation
Landscape Architecture
Real Estate

Careers with Urban Planning and Public Policy

Graduates are prepared for influential roles across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Many pursue careers as urban planners, policy analysts, or community development directors within municipal governments and international organisations. The programme also supports paths into real estate development, environmental consultancy, and social advocacy. By leveraging the university's extensive alumni network and career services, students often secure positions in leading design firms and governmental agencies focused on infrastructure and social equity.

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
- 36 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

90 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Public Policy Urban Planning Community Development View 125 other Masters in Community Development 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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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 and Public Policy.

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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