The Master of Science in Urban Planning and Policy (MUPP) trains leaders interested in building just and sustainable solutions to today’s critical urban problems. The program combines the expertise in urban planning, policy analysis, and data analytics from the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs with expertise in physical planning, design, and data visualization from the School of Architecture. Its curriculum provides students with a solid foundation in research design and statistics, economic analysis, legal foundations planning, and the history of urban development and urban planning. Students also specialize in one of four concentrations: Urban Design and Physical Planning; Urban Analytics; Urban Sustainability and Resilience; and Urban Development Policy and Planning.
“The MUPP program focuses on addressing the pressing issues facing an urbanizing world. MUPP students learn in the classroom and by working closely with local communities through internships and class-based research and practicum projects. ” — Gavin Shatkin, Director, MS in Urban Planning and Policy; Professor of Public Policy and Architecture
MUPP students can take advantage of Northeastern’s signature cooperative education experience (“co-op”) either at the College of Social Sciences and Humanities or the College of Arts, Media, and Design. The co-op program offers full-time, six-month research and work experiences in nonprofit, public, and private sector institutions in Greater Boston and across the United States. Participating students apply the skills and competencies acquired in the program in a particular professional environment and then reflect on their professional experiences through the required one-credit Experiential Integration course.
MUPP Graduate students have participated in co-ops at:
- Boston Municipal Research Bureau
- MassDOT (Massachusetts Department of Transportation)
- MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority)
- Boston Housing Authority
- Metropolitan Area Planning Council
Students in the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs complete their degree requirements by participating in a group capstone project in conjunction with and in service to a public or nonprofit sector partner.
The Policy Capstone is a School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs graduate course where our partners and our students integrate research, policy, and practice in real-world projects. It is an opportunity for graduate students to use their skills and knowledge to support a local, community-led initiative. And it is an opportunity for our public service and non-profit partners to increase their networks and capacity to push a project forward.
Projects are proposed by public sector and non-profit organizations. Areas of focus span:
- urban and regional policy (e.g., transit-oriented development, housing, and sustainability);
- social policy (e.g., workforce development, community services, urban education, health);
- public and nonprofit sector management (e.g., strategic planning, budgeting, program evaluation).
Northeastern University students can opt for global opportunities with the option to transfer credits. International experiences encourage students to expand their interdisciplinary horizons and absorb inspiration from a variety of sources beyond their own localities.
Amsterdam Exchange
Each year, two students from the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs Masters programs can participate in a one-semester exchange program with the Universiteit van Amsterdam. Exchange students will be enrolled in the Urban Studies Research Master’s program. This is an academic, research-oriented program that will be complementary to our professionally-focused programs.
The semester abroad takes place during the second fall semester of a student’s matriculation.
At Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.
Below is a look at where our Urban Planning and Policy alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
Where They Work
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- City of Boston
- Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority
- Action for Boston Community Development
- Sustainable Energy Advantage LLC
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Harvard Kennedy School of Government
What They Do
- Community Development
- Economic Development
- Environmental Planning and Policy
- Transportation Policy
- Social Services
- Research and Consulting
What They’re Skilled At
- Data Analysis
- Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation
- Public Engagement
- Leadership
- Management
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Type of Program
- Graduate Program
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Program Director
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Graduate Certificates
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Helpful Links
