Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning

Master of Arts in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning at Tufts University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to prepare students for leadership roles in addressing complex urban and environmental challenges. This program integrates principles from public policy, urban planning, environmental studies, and social sciences to equip students with the skills necessary to develop sustainable, equitable, and effective solutions for cities and communities worldwide. Students engage in rigorous coursework that covers topics such as urban infrastructure, land use, climate change, transportation systems, social equity, and environmental justice, fostering a holistic understanding of the interconnected issues facing modern urban areas. The program emphasizes experiential learning through case studies, policy analysis, and collaborative projects with local governments, NGOs, and private sector partners, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Additionally, students have opportunities for internships, research, and fieldwork, which enhance practical skills and professional networks. Faculty members are active researchers and practitioners committed to mentoring students and advancing innovative approaches to urban and environmental policy. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in government agencies, international organizations, consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and research institutions. They are equipped to design and implement effective policies, lead community-based initiatives, and contribute to sustainable urban development efforts globally. With its multidisciplinary approach and strong emphasis on social equity and environmental sustainability, Tufts' Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning program aims to develop future leaders capable of driving positive change and creating resilient, inclusive communities.

• Five required core courses covering theoretical foundations and professional skills: 
  1. Foundations of Public Policy and Planning — A conceptual and critical overview of public policy and planning theory, process, and practice. Provides an introduction to basic elements of public policy formation and application involving a range of environmental, social policy, and planning issues. This includes methods for analyzing policy and planning decisions, strategies for developing alternatives, examination of the role of values and empirical knowledge in setting policy agendas, and implementation.
  2. Cities in Space, Place and Time — Introduces students to the history and theory of cities and metropolitan regions focusing specifically on the actions of planners and policy-makers and how these actions shape our communities, neighborhoods, cities, regions, and world. The focus will be on the US, but the course will include comparisons to other systems (e.g., UK, Western Europe, Latin America, and China). The course will examine the urban and metropolitan fabric through the lens of work, family, transport and communications, energy, environmental conditions, physical structure, economics and trade. Race, class, gender, immigration, and culture change will serve as cross-cutting themes throughout the readings, lectures, and discussions. Particular attention will be paid to institutional actors and their responses — governments, business leaders, and community leaders.
  3. Quantitative Reasoning — This course presents basic concepts of statistical analysis and research, and develops related skills that are indispensable to agency directors, policymakers, and advocates alike. Students learn to select among available data sources, measures and indicators, and statistical techniques in order to best answer questions of interest.
  4. Field Projects: Planning and Practice — Practical planning and research experience in a community or governmental setting. Students are exposed to the realities of urban and environmental planning practice by working in teams for actual clients. Focuses on the interplay of expertise, social and political values, and professional relationships.
  5. Economics for Policy and Planning Analysis — This course introduces economic concepts and tools of analysis relevant to public policy and planning. Microeconomic and macroeconomic approaches to understanding economic behavior and to generating solutions to economic problems are explored. Applications include policies related to the environment, housing, individual and family income, and community development.
• Seven or eight additional elective credits in theoretical foundations, policy and planning fields, and professional skills.
• An internship relevant to public policy or planning.
• A master's thesis (1 or 2 credits) or capstone exam (1 credit).
• Quantitative Prerequisite 
  Students admitted to UEP (both the M.A. and M.P.P.) are required to show evidence of basic algebra and graphing skills prior to registering for the department's quantitative courses (UEP 251 and UEP 254). This prerequisite must be fulfilled in one of the following three ways: (1) Score 150 or above (or 550 if taken prior to August 2011) on the quantitative section of the GRE; (2) Pass a college algebra or equivalent course (with a B- or higher) within the five years prior to entry into the UEP program; or (3) Pass a UEP math screening exam with a score of 80% or above (this exam must be taken in person at UEP). Please contact the UEP office if you have questions. 
  Cross-Registration 
  In addition to our course offerings, M.A. students may select courses from other Tufts departments and schools, and Boston-area consortium universities. To receive credit for a course toward their M.A., graduate students must attain a grade of B- or better.

1. Online application for admission
2. Scanned copies of all college transcripts
3. Letters of Recommendation: one for certificate programs, two for the engineering management program, and three for all other degree programs
4. Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
5. Personal statement elaborating on your reasons for wanting to pursue graduate study at Tufts
6. Application fee of $85 
7. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
8. Achieved competitive scores on both the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections of the GRE
9. Applicants who are not native speakers of English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum TOEFL score of 90 on the internet based exam is required for M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. applicants, and a minimum score of 85 is required for M.F.A. applicants. The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. 

At least seven years of significant, relevant professional work experience required. GRE General Test scores are optional.

Scholarships

For students who show scholarly promise, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering offer scholarships, fellowships, and research or teaching assistantships to full-time students in doctoral programs. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences also offers awards to full-time students in master’s programs. Certificate students are not eligible for these awards.

• Tuition Scholarships are available in most master's and doctoral programs for qualified students.
• Teaching Assistantships are offered by most departments.
• Research Assistantships are generally available in the science and engineering areas.
• Fellowships are offered to students who demonstrate outstanding records of achievement and a well-articulated plan of study.

The Master of Arts in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning at Tufts University is a highly interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for professional careers in urban planning, environmental policy, and related fields. This program emphasizes sustainable development, equitable urban solutions, and innovative environmental policies, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of urban and environmental challenges faced by modern societies. Students will engage with a curriculum that integrates policy analysis, planning techniques, environmental science, and community engagement, fostering a holistic approach to urban and environmental issues. The program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills through coursework, research projects, and fieldwork opportunities, often collaborating with local governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to address real-world problems. Graduates of this program are prepared to contribute effectively to policy formulation, urban planning initiatives, environmental management, and sustainable development projects at local, regional, and international levels. The program also encourages interdisciplinary research and critical thinking, empowering students to develop innovative solutions that promote social justice, environmental sustainability, and resilient urban infrastructure. With faculty members who are experts in their fields, students have access to a wealth of knowledge and mentorship, ensuring they are well-equipped to face the evolving challenges of urban and environmental policy-making. The program typically includes coursework in urban planning, environmental law, policy analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), and community development, among other topics. Career opportunities for graduates are diverse, including roles in government agencies, non-profit organizations, consulting firms, and international development organizations. Overall, the Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning program at Tufts University aims to create leaders who are committed to shaping sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments worldwide.