About University of Massachusetts, Boston

Our program is committed to undertaking research that illuminates the structural causes of uneven and unsustainable patterns of development increasingly characterizing our metropolitan region while preparing the next generation of urban planning and community development professionals dedicated to building healthy, vibrant, equitable, sustainable, resilient and democratic neighborhoods, towns, and cities within the Greater Boston Region and beyond through redistributive plans/policies/designs and participatory and inclusive planning and design processes. Our approach to planning is heavily influenced by the advocacy planning ideals, methods, and practices of Paul and Linda Davidoff and the equity-planning principles of Norm Krumholz.

Points of Distinction

The UMB graduate planning program is unique in several important ways. First, it seeks to address the growing income, wealth, and power inequities characterizing the Greater Boston Region by promoting redistributive policies and participatory planning processes in the tradition of Paul and Linda Davidoff, Norm Krumholz, and Mel King. It is committed to addressing the shameful underrepresentation of people of color in planning through a high school program that introduces minority youth to the critical role planners play in creating the just city!. Finally, it make high quality planning education accessible to working professionals by operating as a "night" school.

Degrees & Programs

Master's Degree
Degree Name MS in Urban PLanning and Community Development
Minimum GPA 3.25
Minimum GRE Not applicable
Minimum TOEFL 600
Minimum IELTS 6.5
Year this program started 2015
In-state tuition per year $17,600
Out-of-state tuition per year $35,750
Application deadline July 1 - Fall Admission; December 1 - Spring Admission
Financial aid and scholarship deadline Same as above
Students in program 40
Full-time equivalent student:faculty ratio 6 to 1
Bachelor's Degree
Degree Name BA in Community Development
Minimum GPA 3.2
In-state tuition per year $15,275
Out-of-state tuition per year $37,475
Application deadline February 15
Financial aid and scholarship deadline Same as above
Students in program 20
Full-time equivalent student:faculty ratio 6 to 1
University of Massachusetts, Boston logo
Graduate Program in Urban Planning & Community Development

School of Environment
Boston Massachusetts

Address

100 William T Morrissey Blvd
Boston, Massachusetts 02125-3300

Department Email

Antonio.raciti@umb.edu

Department Phone

617-287-3848
Visit Department Website
Last Updated: October 9, 2025

Faculty Members

portrait of Luis Enrique Ramos Santiago

Luis Enrique Ramos Santiago

Assistant Professor

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no photo available for Balakrishnan Balachandran

Balakrishnan Balachandran

Visiting Assistant Professor

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portrait of Sowmya Balachandran

Sowmya Balachandran

Assistant Professor

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Charles DiMaggio

Visiting Professor

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John Duff

Professor

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Lorena Estrada-Martinez

Associate Professor

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Richard Hung

Associate Professor & Graduate Program Director

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Michael Johnson

Professor (affiliated faculty)

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Elizabeth Sweet

Associate Professor & Associate Dean, School for the Environment

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Jack Wiggin

Professor Emeritus

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