Master in Urban Planning and Master in Design Studies

The Master in Urban Planning (MUP) may be taken as a dual degree with any Master in Design Studies (MDes) concentration, provided the student is admitted into both programs.

MUP/MDes Dual Degree with Emphasis on Physical Planning

In addition to the general combination of the MUP with any MDes area, it is possible to use a dual degree in MUP and MDes to pursue advanced training in physical planning, over the course of three years of study. Below are two sample academic schedules that a student emphasizing physical planning might choose, one a dual MUP/MDes in Risk and Resilience, and the other a dual MUP/MDes in Real Estate and the Built Environment. For general information on pursuing concurrent degrees, visit the Concurrent and Joint Degrees page.

MUP/MDes Risk and Resilience

This example potential course sequence includes two option studios and a thesis; one or both option studios could be substituted with 8 units of approved project-based courses. The MUP area of concentration met with this sequence is Environmental Planning. This sample schedule is indicative only; students will determine individual academic plans in consultation with faculty advisors.

First Term

8 units GSD 1121 First Semester Core Urban Planning Studio
4 units GSD 2129 Spatial Analysis and Representation
4 units GSD 4115 History and Theory of Urban Interventions
2 units GSD 5215 Analytic Methods of Urban Planning: Quantitative
2 units GSD 5216 Analytic Methods of Urban Planning: Qualitative

Second Term

8 units GSD 1122 Second Term Core Urban Planning Studio
4 units GSD 5103 Public and Private Development
4 units GSD 5203 Markets and Market Failures
4 units GSD 6322 Mapping: Geographic Representation and Speculation

Third Term

8 units Option Studio
4 units GSD 5210 Cities by Design I
4 units GSD 5469 Environmental Planning & Sustainable Development
4 units GSD 9663 Proseminar in Risk and Resilience

Fourth Term

8 units Option Studio
4 units GSD 5304 Transportation Planning and Development
4 units Course meeting MUP Implementation Methods requirement
4 units Elective related to physical planning

Fifth Term

4 units GSD 5204 Real Estate Finance and Development
4 units GSD 5495 Market Analysis and Urban Economics
4 units GSD 9204 Preparation for Independent Thesis Proposal
4 units Field study or project-based course
4 units Elective module related to physical planning

Sixth Term

8 units GSD 9302 Independent Thesis (must have strong research elements)
2 units GSD 5275 Advanced Real Estate Finance
12 units Elective module related to physical planning

MUP/MDes Real Estate and the Built Environment

This example potential course sequence includes two option studios and a thesis; one or both option studios could be substituted with 8 units of approved project-based courses. The MUP area of concentration met with this sequence is Real Estate and Urban Development. This sample schedule is indicative only; students will determine individual academic plans in consultation with faculty advisors.