Master of Urban Planning and Design in Athens United States | University of Georgia

The Master of Urban Planning and Design (MUPD) program at the College of Environment and Design is a two-year graduate degree focused on a studio-based, integrative approach rooted in environmental and ecological foundations.
This professional graduate program at the University of Georgia emphasizes a hands-on planning methodology that combines environmental stewardship with ecological awareness. Its mission is to enhance community well-being and ecosystem vitality in urban and regional contexts, blending cultural heritage, historical preservation, and design considerations while involving stakeholders in shaping long-term development visions. MUPD graduates pursue careers in public planning offices, private sector planning divisions, or nonprofit organizations, with options to continue toward doctoral studies in urban planning. The program attracts students from diverse academic backgrounds who aspire to collaborate with municipalities, civic organizations, government entities, and design professionals in participatory planning initiatives. Located within the College of Environment and Design—home to top-ranked landscape architecture and historic preservation programs—the MUPD fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and specialized focus areas. Students may also enroll in complementary courses across UGA's departments, including geography, real estate, social sciences, and environmental studies, broadening their expertise within an interdisciplinary learning environment.