Urban Planning and Design (M.A.U.D.)
Harvard University, United States
Master of Architecture in Urban Design (M.A.U.D.)
Harvard University – Graduate School of Design
Urban Planning and Design
Program Overview: M.A.U.D. at Harvard GSD
The Master of Architecture in Urban Design (M.A.U.D.) at Harvard Graduate School of Design is a post-professional studio-based program that combines intense design instruction, extensive applied research, and knowledge of urban history and theory. Taking advantage of the remarkable international makeup of the faculty and student body, the program establishes a common intellectual ground among architects who have a strong interest in engaging the practice and theory of contemporary urbanism.
Since the establishment of urban design as a distinct field of study at Harvard in 1960, the scope and ambition of urban design has significantly expanded. The M.A.U.D. program addresses the increasing formal, social, economic, and environmental complexity of metropolitan regions through trans-disciplinary and internationally varied processes that embrace complexity and anticipate change.
Students benefit from the significant resources of Harvard University as a whole, with opportunities to cross-register in courses offered by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Business School, the Kennedy School, the Law School, the School of Public Health, and the neighboring Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The program is designated as a STEM program, making international graduates eligible for extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States.
Key Program Highlights
- STEM-designated program offering international graduates up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligibility in the United States
- Studio-based pedagogy combining design instruction, applied research, and urban history and theory within a globally diverse cohort
- Cross-registration opportunities across Harvard schools including the Kennedy School, Law School, Business School, and MIT
- Part of the oldest urban planning program in North America, established at Harvard in 1923, with urban design added in 1960
Curriculum and Modules
Conceived as a two-year, four-semester program, the M.A.U.D. core curriculum integrates required studios, seminars, and distributional electives. Students must complete twelve units in two subject areas — Models of Development and Urban Systems and Forms — with at least four units in each category. In the second year, students declare one of three pathways and must complete at least one option studio.
Elements of Urban Design Studio
Core (Fall, Year 1)An introductory core studio that develops foundational skills in urban design analysis, site interpretation, and design intervention at the urban scale. Students engage with real-world contexts to understand the spatial, social, and environmental dimensions of cities.
Urban Design Contexts and Operations Seminar
Core (Fall, Year 1)A required seminar taken alongside the Elements studio, exploring the theoretical frameworks, historical precedents, and operational strategies that inform contemporary urban design practice and research.
Urban Planning and Design Studio
Core (Spring, Year 1)A spring core studio that builds on first-semester foundations, engaging students in more complex urban planning and design challenges that integrate multiple scales, stakeholders, and disciplinary perspectives.
Cities by Design Seminar
Core (Spring, Year 1)A required spring seminar that examines the design of cities through historical and contemporary lenses, analyzing how urban form, policy, and culture intersect to shape the built environment.
Option Studio
Required (Year 2)Advanced design studios offered by the Department of Urban Planning and Design, allowing students to pursue specialized topics in urban design. Students must complete at least one option studio in their second year as part of their chosen pathway.
Independent Thesis / Thesis Proposal Preparation
Elective Pathway (Year 2)Students pursuing the thesis pathway take ADV 9204 Preparation of Independent Thesis Proposal in the fall of their second year, followed by thesis completion in the spring. The thesis allows for in-depth original research on an urban design topic of the student's choosing.
Distributional Electives and Cross-Registration
Admission Requirements
The M.A.U.D. is a post-professional degree designed for individuals who have already completed a professional program in architecture. Admission is competitive, and two to three years of professional practice experience is strongly recommended. All applications are processed through Uni4Edu — contact us for guidance throughout the process.
Academic Requirements
- Prior DegreeFive-year undergraduate professional degree in architecture (e.g., Bachelor of Architecture) or its equivalent
- Professional ExperienceTwo to three years of professional practice experience is strongly recommended
- GRE ScoresOptional — applicants will not be disadvantaged for not submitting GRE scores
- PortfolioRequired — must demonstrate ability to pursue study at an advanced level, with individually authored projects clearly identified
- Letters of RecommendationRequired — from individuals familiar with your work who can speak to your academic potential
English Language Requirements
- TOEFLRequired for international applicants whose native language is not English. Contact Uni4Edu for current score requirements as TOEFL has transitioned to a new scoring scale.
- IELTSNot accepted — the GSD only accepts TOEFL as a test of English language proficiency
- ExemptionApplicants with a bachelor's degree including 3+ years of full-time, in-person study in English in select countries (e.g., US, UK, Canada, Australia) are exempt
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Harvard GSD offers financial assistance in the form of grants, loans, and employment awards to admitted students. The university's substantial endowment supports need-based and merit-based funding. Contact Uni4Edu for detailed guidance on available funding opportunities and the financial aid application process.
Harvard GSD Need-Based Grants
Varies based on demonstrated financial needThe GSD provides need-based grant funding to admitted students. Financial aid applications are available after submission of the graduate application and are typically reviewed alongside admissions decisions.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the M.A.U.D. program pursue careers across a wide range of sectors including consulting, planning, government, higher education, non-profits, and private institutions both in the United States and internationally. The STEM designation provides international graduates with extended work authorization in the U.S., with up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training eligibility.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Harvard University is consistently ranked among the top universities globally. The Graduate School of Design, home to the M.A.U.D. program, is recognized as a global academic leader in design fields, housing North America's oldest urban planning program and the oldest landscape architecture program in the world.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture / Built Environment | QS Subject Rankings | Top 5 |
| Arts and Humanities | QS Subject Rankings | #2 |
| Architecture (DesignIntelligence) | DesignIntelligence | #1 (10-year average) |
| Social Sciences and Management | QS Subject Rankings | Top 5 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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