City Planning

The Master of City Planning (M.C.P.) program at Boston University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of urban planning principles, policies, and practices. This rigorous program equips graduates with the skills necessary to address complex urban challenges, including sustainable development, transportation, housing, and environmental resilience. Students will engage with a multidisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, preparing them for careers in public and private sector planning agencies, non-profit organizations, and academia. The program offers specializations in areas such as land use, transportation planning, environmental planning, and community development, allowing students to tailor their education to their professional interests. Through a combination of coursework, studio work, and hands-on projects, students gain valuable experience in planning analysis, design, and implementation. The program also emphasizes the importance of ethical practices and social justice in shaping equitable and sustainable urban environments. Faculty members are experienced practitioners and researchers who bring real-world insights into the classroom, fostering an engaging learning environment. Collaboration opportunities with government agencies, community organizations, and industry partners enable students to work on real-world projects, enhancing their practical skills and professional networks. Graduates of the Master of City Planning program at Boston University are well-prepared to influence urban development policy, contribute innovative solutions to urban sprawl, and promote resilient communities. The program is committed to fostering leaders who can navigate the evolving landscape of urban planning and make meaningful contributions to creating livable and sustainable cities worldwide.

Theoretical and Methodological Required Courses (six courses/24 credits)

• MET UA 515 History, Theory, and Planning Practice
• MET UA 701 Urban Problems and Policy Process
• MET UA 702 Urban Analytical Methods
• MET UA 703 Urban Research Methods
• MET UA 704 Urban Economic Issues and Analysis
• MET UA 805 Boston Urban Symposium or MET UA 761 Planning Thesis

Electives (ten courses/40 credits)

Elective courses are selected with the advice of the department coordinator or faculty advisor.

Sample of City Planning Elective Courses

• MET UA 503 Housing and Community Development
• MET UA 505 Urban Management
• MET UA 508 Real Estate Development
• MET UA 510 Special Topics*
• MET UA 580 Boston Experience: The Role of Architecture in Creating a Sense of Place
• MET UA 610 Urban Environmental Issues
• MET UA 613 Urban Design
• MET UA 617 Actionable Sustainability
• MET UA 629 Urbanization and the Environment
• MET UA 654 Geographic Information Systems for Planners
• MET UA 664 Planning and Development Process
• MET UA 715 Planning and Land-Use Law
• MET UA 801 Graduate Directed Study in Urban Affairs and Planning
• MET UA 804 Supervised Fieldwork

*Sample of Special Topics Courses

• Transit-Oriented Development in the 21st Century
• Urban Land-Use Policy and Planning
• Affordable Housing Financing
• History of Metropolitan Boston

Requirements

Candidates to the degree program are selected on the basis of academic transcripts, academic and personal references, and a statement of intent. The statement of intent should clearly outline the applicant’s interest and aspirations in the field. Applicants with an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) lower than 3.0 are encouraged to submit additional information to demonstrate their capacity to succeed in graduate school.

International students are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-Based Test (iBT). A minimum score of 100 is generally required for admission, though the minimum score may be lower for some admission cycles, depending on the average score of the applicant pool. Suggested scores in each section are as follows: Reading—25; Listening—25; Speaking—25; and Writing—25. International applicants are also urged to submit their Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, although these are not formally required.

There are no fixed application deadlines. The program allows for students to submit applications on a rolling basis, although all students are encouraged to submit a complete application no less than one month prior to the start of the semester in which they desire to commence studies. Admission decisions are announced promptly, pending receipt of all application materials.

The Boston University Master of City Planning (MCP) program offers a variety of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Students can explore multiple funding sources including institutional scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and external financial aid opportunities. Boston University provides merit-based scholarships for outstanding applicants, which are awarded based on academic achievement, professional experience, and potential contributions to the field of city planning. These scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of tuition and are highly competitive.

Graduate assistantships are also available, whereby students can work in research, teaching, or administrative roles within the university. These assistantships often provide a stipend along with a tuition waiver, offering substantial financial support while gaining valuable professional experience. The availability of assistantships varies year by year and is typically awarded through a competitive application process.

In addition to university-based funding, students are encouraged to seek external scholarships and fellowships provided by governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and professional associations related to urban planning and public policy. Examples include state-sponsored grants or federal financial aid programs, which require separate applications and eligibility criteria.

Many students also choose to supplement their funding through part-time employment opportunities both on and off-campus, which can help manage educational expenses. Boston University’s comprehensive Financial Aid Office offers guidance on applying for federal student loans, including Direct Loans and Grad PLUS loans, which provide low-interest financing options consistent with federal regulations.

International students, in particular, may be eligible for specific scholarships and grants designed to support their studies at Boston University. International applicants should consult the university’s admissions and financial aid pages for details on available resources and application procedures.

To plan effectively, prospective students are advised to review the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, and living expenses, and to apply early for financial aid. The university’s website provides detailed information about application deadlines, eligibility criteria, and application procedures for financial assistance programs.

Overall, Boston University is committed to making the Master of City Planning program accessible through multiple funding avenues, encouraging applicants to explore all available financial resources and to prepare necessary documentation well in advance of deadlines.

The Master of Science in City Planning at Boston University is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in urban planning and development. The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating principles of architecture, transportation, environmental sustainability, and public policy to foster innovative solutions for complex urban challenges. Students gain theoretical knowledge alongside practical skills through coursework, workshops, and real-world projects in collaboration with local government agencies and community organizations. The program encourages critical thinking about urban issues such as housing affordability, transportation planning, land use, and urban resilience. It aims to develop professionals capable of designing and implementing sustainable, equitable, and intelligent city infrastructure. Students can specialize in areas like environmental planning, transportation planning, urban design, or geographic information systems (GIS). Our faculty consists of experienced practitioners and scholars actively involved in contemporary urban research and policy-making. The program typically requires completing approximately 45-60 credit hours, which can be achieved through a combination of coursework, a thesis or capstone project, and internship experiences. Boston University’s location in a vibrant urban environment provides students with unique opportunities for internships, networking, and exposure to diverse urban issues. Graduates of the City Planning program have gone on to successful careers in municipal planning departments, private consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and federal agencies, contributing to the development of smarter and more sustainable cities worldwide. The program is housed within the School of Planning.