Urban Design

MUD

Why study Urban Design?

The Master of Urban Design degree will provide individuals with foundational knowledge about the art and science of cities through history to inform future visions for cities and places; introduce the skills and techniques to design livable, functional, and aesthetically appealing places in response to the current and future challenges of cities; and provide the ability to think critically, to encourage multidisciplinary solutions and appropriate sustainable design and management options that serve to promote harmony between the different facets of cities and places by considering them from a holistic perspective.

Admission Requirements

The application for the Master Program requires: 

  • UC Graduate Admissions Application 

  • An undergraduate or graduate professional degree in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, or other similiar fields of study

  • 3.0 GPA (minimum)

  • Two letters of recommendation

  • Professional résumé 

  • A portfolio of past and current works is required. It must include examples of urban design, urban planning, architectural works (or a combination of those) within a previous degree or professional realm. The candidates must clarify their role in the examples provided, particularly for activities developed by teams.

  • Unofficial Transcripts (to be uploaded with online application). Upon acceptance to the program, official transcripts, stating an undergraduate degree was conferred, must be submitted to complete the enrollment process. (For International Students: Official transcript evaluations from a NACES member organization are required.) 

  • Statement of purpose. This two-page paper should describe your broader goals within the field of urban design, and why pursuing an MUD degree is the right path for you. Please also describe your significant academic experiences and touch on why you believe that you can successfully undertake graduate study. 

  • International Students also need: TOEFL (Minimum score: 87), IELTS (Minimum score: 6.5), ELS (Minimum Level: 112), or Duolingo (Minimum score: 110) scores. 

  • GRE not required.

  • The Master of Urban Design (MUD) has been officially designated as a STEM degree program. The STEM designation, which refers to the academic disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, will further benefit highly skilled international students who want to continue to gain work experience in their field of study in the United States following graduation. This designation permits international students enrolled in the Master of Urban Design program and studying on an F-1 visa to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.

The Master of Urban Design degree prepares students for the professional practice of urban design within the private sector with urban design, architectural, planning, and landscape architecture firms. 

Dr. Vikas Mehta

mehtava@ucmail.uc.edu

513-556-2919

  • The city of Cincinnati, once called the "Queen City of the West" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, provides an excellent array of cultural resources for students who intend to pursue a degree in the visual arts. It offers the energy and assets of a larger city, along with quiet neighborhoods steeped in rich traditions. Cincinnati offers live music venues that range from top-notch symphony and opera companies to a growing pop and rock community. Home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Taft Museum and the Contemporary Arts Center, the city also enjoys the presence of numerous art galleries and a strong support system among practicing artists.
  • UC's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) is one of the most comprehensive colleges of its type in the country. A collection of nationally respected design and art programs is housed in a unique and educationally stimulating architectural setting. Students have opportunities to enroll in courses in a range of related disciplines and to participate in interdisciplinary studios or special projects.
  • Students learn creative and technical skills in the studio environment, taught by a passionate faculty who interact with their students on a daily basis. The goal is to guide students as they grow both intellectually and professionally.
  • Other educational opportunities include study abroad and certificate programs within the college and the university. Students are encouraged to share their interests in these opportunities with their academic advisor.
  • The Robert A. Deshon and Karl J. Schlachter Library for Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning has an outstanding collection of books, periodicals and visual resources supporting architecture, planning, design, art history, and related subjects. Access to library holdings is provided by an automated online catalogue, UCLID, which provides access to the University of Cincinnati Library information database, and through OhioLINK, the holdings of other academic libraries throughout Ohio.
  • DAAP’s multiple labs, centers and initiatives support our programs and the creative work and research of our faculty, staff, and students

Complementary Certificates

Master of Urban Design students may wish to complement their degree with a certificate.

This GIS Certificate Program is designed to meet the needs of both the novice, and experienced GIS professionals. Students who graduate from this program will have a solid understanding of the theoretical of GIS and rich hands-on experience with GIS software packages.

This program is designed to develop an appreciation for and a working knowledge of the issues and techniques involved in historic preservation. The Certificate is awarded upon the successful completion of a minimum 18 semester credit hours, including a core curriculum of four required courses and an internship, and other courses, studios, or projects required by particular departments.

Public spaces are vital contributors to the physical design and the social fabric of urban areas. For centuries they have been platforms for public gatherings, both social and political, and for leisure activities. Sometimes artwork enhances or defines public space. Historically that art has typically commemorated events or people. More recently, temporary and quasi-permanent public art installations occupy public spaces. The process and the practice of art in public space is the focus of this graduate certificate program. All stakeholders in the process are considered: artists, community members, city planners, public and private sponsors, municipal government officials, and final users, amongst others. Physical, historical and socio-political context is also addressed.

The Real Estate certificate is designed to provide students with a foundational knowledge of real estate financing and management while also allowing them to customize their course work based on their individual goals and interests, such as real estate valuations and/or real estate investing.

 

Application Deadlines

All application materials should be received prior to January 10 to ensure first consideration for a financial award from the School of Planning. Assistantships and scholarships are merit-based and extremely competitive. However, the School of Planning will accept applications not requesting financial consideration up to March 1 of each year. 

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

Danilo Palazzo
6210 DAAP
PO BOX 210016-0016
Cincinnati, OH 45221
(513) 556-4943
palazzdo@ucmail.uc.edu

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Program Code: 23MAS-URDS-MUD