Masters in Urban Planning

Course details

What is distinctive about this course?
The AUS Master of Urban Planning at AUS program prepares individuals to become experts and leaders in the management and planning of urban development; in doing so, they will be guided by professional and ethical standards rooted in values of sustainability, local culture and social justice.

Course overview:
Urban planning is focused on creating pleasing and functional places where present and future generations can live, work, entertain and engage in their customary community, social, religious and cultural activities. 

Urban planning has roots in architecture, engineering, public health, law and the social sciences. Planners today combine design, analytical and communication skills to help communities manage change. Urban planning involves government, private enterprise and local communities taking concerted action toward achieving a common goal. 

The Master of Urban Planning at AUS provides a specialized and professional education that enables graduates to exert leadership in managing urban growth, developing urbanization policies and promoting social development. The program imparts to students ethical standards compatible with the values of local cultural settings, principles of social justice and concerns for environmental protection and sustainability.

Students must complete the following core courses:

• Planning Theory and Methods
• Environmental Planning
• Spatial Analysis for Planners
• Land Use Planning Principles and Practice
• Urbanism and Urban Form Analysis
• Urban Planning Internship
• Space, Society and the Public Realm

Students must complete the following foundation courses:

• Fundamentals of Urban Planning
• Research Methods and Analysis
• Urban Economics and Analysis
• Urban Transportation Systems Planning Techniques
• Theory and Principles of Urban Design

Who is this course for?
The AUS Master of Urban Planning program targets students from all around the world who are looking to exert leadership in managing urban growth, developing urbanization policies and promoting social development. 

How will I benefit from taking this course?
Master of Urban Planning graduates become leaders in managing urban growth, developing urbanization policies and promoting social development

Entry requirements:
The program admits students from all fields of study including, but not limited to, urban planning, architecture, engineering, business, the humanities and the social sciences. We admit students to the program with any recognized university degree, awarded after a minimum of four years of study. We require a 3.0 GPA and a 550 TOEFL score OR 6.5 IELTS. We conditionally admit students with a 2.5 GPA and a 530 TOEFL score OR 6 IELTS. Applicants must submit their most recent curriculum vitae (CV) with the application package.

What former student's have said
“I would recommend the Urban Planning program to anyone interested in working in an area with flexibility, choice, and most importantly, the ability to set your own goals to meet your aspirations. This program has made me a better person by elevating my way of thinking, exploring, critiquing, and discovering.”
Shaima al Harmoudi - Bachelor of Science, Biological Chemistry Zayed University 

“At the age of 44, I started looking for an education to consolidate my engineering background in urban rail systems. I made my choice [to join the Urban Planning Program] and I never regretted it.”
Taoufik Mounib - Professional Engineer École Supérieure d’Electricité, French Grande École

“After joining the Urban Planning program at AUS, my career became more challenging and rewarding.”
Hamza Badawi - Bachelor of Science in Architecture University of Khartoum 

“The program at AUS is an incredibly rewarding and enriching intellectual experience. It has helped sharpen my analytical skills and broaden my perspective, thus enabling me to become a well-trained critical thinker.”
Faysal Abou Dohn - Bachelor of Business Management American University of Beirut