Overview

The City Planning MCP at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) provides a rigorous professional education for individuals aiming to secure influential roles in private, public, and international planning agencies. This programme emphasises the mastery of practical tools and specialised knowledge required to address complex urban challenges globally. Students engage in an intensive curriculum that balances theoretical policy analysis with hands-on institutional intervention strategies.

Why City Planning at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)?

The programme is distinguished by its focus on effective practice rather than a traditional liberal arts approach to urban affairs. Students benefit from a diverse cohort, with significant representation from international students and underrepresented groups, fostering a rich environment for peer learning. The department supports dual degrees with nearly any other department at the university, including architecture, transportation, and real estate development. Furthermore, the university’s location and partnerships allow for cross-registration at other prestigious area institutions, expanding the breadth of available expertise.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 32155 per semester
National fee: USD 32155 per semester
Local fee: USD 32155 per semester

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Gateway
Spatial Analysis
Quantitative Reasoning
Critical Qualitative Methods
Urban Design
Planning Economics
Microeconomics
Thesis Clinic

Careers with City Planning

Graduates from the programme are prepared for a wide array of professional roles across various industries. Many alumni secure positions in traditional city planning departments, while others transition into economic development, environmental policy, or social advocacy. The programme reports high employment rates, with graduates obtaining professional planning or planning-related positions within 12 months of finishing their studies. Common employers include municipal governments, international non-profit organisations, private consultancy firms, and housing development agencies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Gateway
Spatial Analysis
Quantitative Reasoning
Urban Design
Planning Economics
Microeconomics
Critical Qualitative Methods

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

30 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

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IELTS

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Online application
Statement of objectives
Three letters of recommendation
Transcripts
English proficiency exam scores
CV or Resume

Optional:

Design portfolio
Writing sample

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

64310 USD / year

≈ 64310 USD / year
Out-of-State

64310 USD / year

≈ 64310 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

64310 USD / year

≈ 64310 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

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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 City 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

Cambridge

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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