Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning

As the world becomes increasingly urbanized, societies face new and complex challenges arising from intense economic pressure, increased inequality, and environmental degradation. Beyond a traditional role of guiding land use and development projects, contemporary urban planners are responsible for promoting more competitive, inclusive, and ecological cities. Moreover, they are increasingly responsible for addressing the dominant challenge of the 21st Century: anthropogenic climate change.

In our master’s degree in Sustainable Urban Planning, you will study cities through the lens of economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The program’s world-class faculty delivers state of the art courses, personalized mentoring, and firsthand insight on projects they have conducted in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. By working with them and your peers – inside of the classroom, and out – you’ll learn how to leverage knowledge of cities into forward-looking policy and action for advancing the goals of societies across the globe.

The Sustainable Urban Planning Master’s Degree is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB). This is a high academic standard that recognizes professional planning programs in North America on the basis of performance, integrity, and quality. Successful completion of this program may reduce the time required to become certified through the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Program at a Glance

• The 48-credit program can be completed in as little as two years.
• We offer a cross-disciplinary curriculum in urban planning with an emphasis on sustainability and combating climate change.

Where You'll Study

You’ll take your classes on weekday evenings at the Graduate Education Center in Arlington, Virginia.

What You'll Study

Our 48 credit master’s program consists of a core curriculum of ten courses and a capstone, plus your choice of five electives. In the program, you will study cities through the lens of economic, social, and environmental sustainability – thereby gaining a skill set for promoting more competitive, inclusive, and ecological cities. The program has a unique focus on anthropogenic climate change, which is addressed throughout the entire curriculum.

Who You'll Study With

• The Sustainable Urban Planning Program is distinguished by the fact that nearly all of its faculty are based external to the George Washington University, in governmental, nongovernmental, and private sector agencies. This unique aspect of the program means that students learn from practitioners working at the leading edge of their respective fields - and have access to extensive professional networks within the Washington, D.C. region and beyond.
• Most faculty teach at least two classes, meaning that students have the opportunity to work with them repeatedly, and all serve as individual mentors for capstone projects and professional development. Our faculty model - coupled with our emphasis on the triple bottom line of economic, social, and environmental sustainability - forms a rarefied educational environment engineered to place our students and graduates at the forefront of the planning profession.
• In the Sustainable Urban Planning Program, you'll work with the following faculty - any of whom may serve as your primary academic advisor(s) and professional mentor(s).

Use What You Learn in Class Today at Work Tomorrow

About the College

At George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies, we offer more than just the credentials that will help working professionals get ahead; we prepare you to be a leader in your field.

Whether studying at our Virginia or D.C. locations or taking courses online, our students enhance their skills and leadership capabilities with firsthand insights from some of the most influential Washington insiders. The College’s faculty members not only bring academic rigour to the classroom but also teach real-time, real-world lessons that can’t always be found in textbooks. With faculty coming from the top levels of the government, corporate and non-profit sectors, as a College of Professional Studies student you are able to apply the knowledge you’ve gained immediately and are prepared to reach your personal and professional goals.

Programs

Beyond expanding your base of knowledge, all of the College’s innovative programs share another common thread: to provide you with a greater capacity to lead and get ahead in your career.

Our programs’ strong focus on practical experience taught by expert instructors provide you with an opportunity to apply your skills in real time in dynamic classroom settings or in your current position.

The College continually strives to respond to the rapidly growing and changing industries that have become ever more crucial to our world. GW’s innovative programs ensure that students like you will be the ones out in front leading it.

At GW, You Are Not the Only One

Career Services

GW’s College of Professional Studies is proud to offer a career services office designed specifically for professional students. You will soon discover how our personalized attention and focused resources give you a distinct advantage in fulfilling your professional goals.

Our office provides one-on-one coaching, programming and resources to assist students and alumni in exploring opportunities, developing job search strategies and sustaining lifelong career success.

Services for Students & Alumni

Career Coaching

• Develop Career Plan

• Career Assessments

• Job Search Strategies

• Resume/Cover Letter

Career Portal

• Handshake

• Search Jobs

• Interview Stream

• Virtual resume review

Networking

• LinkedIn Groups

• GW Career Connect

• Virtual Networking

Events

• Alumni Events

• Career Fairs

• Employer Visits