Master of Arts - Sustainable Urban Development

Earn student's master’s in Sustainable Urban Development and explore how cities cope with the demand for environmental sustainability while supporting economic growth and social justice. The program is framed by a simple value—that a sustainable city is one that’s sustainable for everyone. Students will look at sustainability holistically, researching urban environments as an integrated system. Beyond theoretical knowledge, they will gain a technical foundation using industry-standard Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping software.

Courses are offered in the evening and the program can be completed in two years.

For international students: this is a STEM-designated program, which can qualify students to extend their post-graduation stay in the United States for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT provides an opportunity for international students to develop their careers while also helping meet the demand for STEM-educated professionals in the U.S. workforce.

​Students will be able to:

• Identify and describe the practical and theoretical links between sustainable urban development and issues of economic development, community development, social justice and the environment.
• Articulate details and apply critical insights about strategies being used to transform U.S. urban areas to make them more environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable.
• Define and describe contemporary urban issues and debates by citing and critiquing contemporary scholars and through employing either qualitative or quantitative methodologies using either primary (including fieldwork) or secondary sources.
• Articulate, research, and present publicly an assessment of critical social, environmental, and economic issues facing contemporary U.S. cities.
• Use with competence geographical information systems and/or other technology to assess and analyze sustainable urban development and design.