Master of Community Planning (M.C.P.) | School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation

Urban Studies and Planning at UMD

Shape Dynamic Cities

Tackle today’s most pressing urban and community challenges through hands-on learning, cutting-edge research and real-world community engagement. Our degree prepares you to shape meaningful policy, create vibrant communities and advance just places for all.

Leverage Our Location

Our program is just minutes from Washington, D.C., with access to Baltimore, Annapolis and innovative planned communities. Build your career through internships and networking at every level of government, plus nonprofit and private sectors.

Learn from Leaders

Work with expert faculty, practitioners and the National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education, the Environmental Finance Center and other research initiatives to advance sustainable development and urban revitalization.

Master of Community Planning

Our Master of Community Planning (M.C.P.) is a 48-credit, professionally accredited degree that prepares generalist planners with expertise in areas such as housing and community development, economic development, environmental planning and transportation. Through core courses, electives, a studio practicum and an internship, students gain a deep understanding of the political, institutional, and socio-spatial forces that shape both planning practice and meaningful places

Curriculum

Overview

The program offers courses in several subfields of planning. These areas include:

Housing and Community Development: Focuses on housing markets, policy development and community engagement to address local issues.

Economic Development: Covers urban and regional economic growth, market failures, location decisions and financial planning techniques.

Environmental Planning: Examines growth regulation, legal issues, sustainability, equity and impacts of land use policies.

Transportation Planning: Emphasizes multi-modal systems, infrastructure design, demand forecasting and links to urban form and social trends.

Curriculum

To view the degree's most updated curriculum, please visit UMD's Graduate Catalog.
To view current course offerings visit Testudo.

Preparing You for Practice

Research

Our faculty and research centers specialize in every facet of the built environment, with opportunities to work in transportation planning, economic and community development, environmental planning, and housing and community development.

Explore our research centers

Education Abroad

Learn about our three- and six-week global programs in Cuba, India, Italy, Japan and more. Alternatively, tackle real-world challenges and gain leadership experience through cross-continental collaborations with peers worldwide.

Explore where you can go

Professional Development

From experiences to support, our network of practitioners will help you get a foothold in the planning world.

Learn about mentorship and professional development

Admissions

Application Requirements

Apply for the Master of Community Planning program through the graduate application website. Use the code "CMPL" when prompted.

Application Fee:

A non-refundable $80 fee per program is required, payable online for submission.
To find out if you are eligible for an application fee waiver (only domestic students), please visit the Graduate School website.

Transcripts:

Attach unofficial transcripts from all institutions, including the University of Maryland. Official transcripts must be sent directly, if admitted.

Letters of Recommendation:

Submit three letters of recommendation online, assessing your potential for success in the program.

Statement of Purpose:

Submit a 1000-2000-word statement addressing the following two questions:
- What are your reasons for undertaking this graduate program at the University of Maryland, College Park?
- What life experiences have prepared you to pursue this graduate degree, and how can this degree support your career goals?

Resume:

Attach an updated resume online.

International Applicants

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must submit additional documents. Updated information is available on the Graduate School International Admissions web page. Please make sure to follow all the steps specified on the Graduate School International Admissions Page.

Deadline

The Master of Community Planning Program accepts rolling admissions.

Tuition and Fees

For current tuition and fees, please visit the Student Financial Services and Cashiering website.

Apply

Apply through the graduate application website. Use application code CMPL.

Dual Master's Degrees

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation offers fifteen dual-degree options for students who wish to explore professional formation beyond a singular discipline, capitalizing on the depth and breadth of offerings at the University of Maryland.

Below are dual degrees offered with the Master of Community Planning program.

Contact

Clara Irazábal, Director, Urban Studies & Planning Program ; Professor: irazabal@umd.edu.

Delaney West, Senior Program Coordinator: dmwest@umd.edu.