Advanced Urban Design, M.S.
Ithaca, USA
MSc
DURATION
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The Advanced Urban Design M.S. at Cornell deepens understanding of urban environments to improve livability. It focuses on design theory, urban systems, sustainability, and community engagement via project-based coursework. Students complete projects with faculty and industry, build a portfolio, and tailor study. The program covers social, environmental, and aesthetic aspects and prepares students to tackle real-world challenges in resilient, equitable city-making.
Career Outcomes: Graduates enter urban design, city planning, landscape architecture, development, and urban policy. They can work as urban designers, city planners, design consultants, policy analysts, or in community engagement and sustainability roles across public agencies, firms, non-profits.
The program in Advanced Urban Design offers a focused Master of Science that aims to deepen students' understanding of urban environments and how they can be shaped for better livability. It emphasizes critical thinking about the design and planning of cities, with a strong focus on innovative solutions, sustainability, and community engagement. Students gain skills in analyzing complex urban issues and developing creative strategies that respond to real-world challenges. The curriculum includes coursework in design theory, urban systems, and project-based studies, all designed to prepare students for leadership roles in urban planning and design fields.
The program encourages students to explore the social, environmental, and aesthetic aspects of urban design through hands-on projects. Students work closely with faculty and industry professionals to develop a portfolio of work that reflects their skills and interests. It’s structured to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their learning experience based on their goals. The program recognizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive approach to urban design, aiming to prepare graduates who can adapt to different contexts and contribute meaningfully to shaping resilient, sustainable cities.
