University of Maryland

About University of Maryland

The Urban Studies and Planning Program at the University of Maryland, College Park, offers a prime location for city and regional planning studies, with access to Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Annapolis. Nearby planned communities and examples of New Urbanism enhance the "hands-on" curriculum, which includes a community planning studio and internships. Students gain experience in various contexts, working with diverse stakeholders to address urban development issues. The program emphasizes understanding political, economic, institutional, and socio-spatial contexts, with emphases in housing, economic and community development, environmental planning, and transportation planning, led by expert faculty.

Points of Distinction

The Master of Community Planning (MCP) program, accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB), is uniquely positioned in the DC Metropolitan Area. This strategic location offers internships at various levels of government and with affiliated research centers like the National Center for Smart Growth (NCSG). The program also offers a unique global perspective through education abroad courses. With over a dozen dual-degree options, the program leverages the University of Maryland's extensive resources. Since its start in 1973, the program has seen hundreds of alumni making significant contributions to communities worldwide while nurturing the new generations of planning students.

Degrees & Programs

Master's Degree
Degree Name	Masters of Community Planning
Degree accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board:	Yes
Minimum GPA	3.0
Minimum GRE	Optional
Minimum TOEFL	96
Minimum IELTS	7
Year this program started	1973
In-state tuition per year	$24, 840 per full-time academic year (with fees included)
Out-of-state tuition per year	$54,150 per full-time academic year (with fees included)
Application deadline	Fall 2025: July 18, 2025 (Domestic) - March 14, 2025 (International) Spring 2025: December 13, 2024 (Domestic) - September 13, 2024 (International)
Students in program	58
Full-time equivalent student:faculty ratio	4.7: 1