Master of Science in Urban Design

Students pose in front of sheets with Professors

The world is at our doorstep, and the big challenges in the age of sustainable development transcend geographical, political, and disciplinary boundaries. World population is urbanizing with unprecedented speed, and urban designers are in high demand to help anticipate the consequences of growth, to envision strategic futures, and to design great places.

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2023 Fall MSUD Open House

Professors discuss the structure of the program and curriculum

The Program, Curriculum, and Facilities

Faculty Advisor provides information on Financial Aid

Application processes for the Program, Financial Aid, and Visas

Notable Alumni gives insight on experiences at MSUD Gatech

What Do Our Alumni Say?

Social Life at Georgia Tech

Students Work from ULI Hines Competition

Our Program

Georgia Tech has been a leader in urban design education since 1969. The emphasis of urban design at Georgia Tech is threefold: to build a culture of collaboration linking requisite knowledge and expertise across fields of architecture, planning, landscape, and engineering; to enable analysis of complex problem sets occupying nebulous zones beyond the limits of a single building, owner, or site; and to facilitate the design of integrated and implementable solutions, whether comprised of structures or systems; of policies, processes, or plans.

This year, the GRE will not be required for applications to the MSUD program.

Urban Design Studio Culture

The design studio at Georgia Tech's MSUD program is a vibrant and diverse space that showcases a range of creative talent and perspectives. As one enters the studio, the walls are adorned with an array of process sketches, concept diagrams, and vibrant mood boards, each representing the unique journeys undertaken by the students. The room is alive with activity as individuals huddle together, engrossed in passionate discussions and collaborative brainstorming sessions. The diverse backgrounds of the students are evident in the scenes unfolding before the eye, with individuals from various cultures, disciplines, and experiences contributing their distinct viewpoints. The atmosphere in the studio is one of excitement and camaraderie, as students support and inspire one another, fostering an environment where creativity thrives. The studio truly embodies the essence of diversity, where a multitude of perspectives come together to shape a sustainable and inclusive future.

Students sketch the initial ideas on a big drawing

Students engage with stakeholders to discuss further ideas

Students discuss process sketches with Professor

Students and Professors pose in front of final boards at the end of the semester

Your Opportunities

The MSUD Program offers an intensive and richly interdisciplinary experience, with required courses in urban design, architecture and city planning, with additional opportunities in civil and environmental engineering, real estate development, heritage preservation and other fields. Students in the MSUD Program are in daily contact with architecture and planning students and faculty throughout the College of Design and in our joint Sino-U.S. Eco Urban Lab; with practitioners and researchers both locally and internationally. Summer travel study programs in Europe and Asia provide enhanced opportunities in the dynamic realm of global urbanization by providing direct experience with the social and environmental challenges driving sustainable urban development.

Our Curriculum

The Master of Science in Urban Design (MSUD) Program is a STEM-accredited program, oriented to those who wish to expand upon their previous professional education and professional experience and to enter urban design practices either in private firms or public agencies. The one-year, three-semester MSUD curriculum equips students with the skills to practice urban design in today’s marketplace and the knowledge and vision to tackle global challenges in redesigning and adapting our cities and suburbs for the 21st century. Students with professional degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, city planning, and civil engineering bring their expertise to MSUD collaborative studio projects while learning the core historical, legal, environmental and dimensional knowledge fundamental to the practice of urban design.

MSUD Curriculum Plan