The Master of Science in Urban Design is built around a three-semester advanced-level studio sequence. Studio coursework is focused on spatial synthesis and values transdisciplinary approaches to urban development, infrastructure, ecology, urban landscape, public space, and social justice and accessibility. The sequence commences with an investigation of cities in the Cascadia Region of the Pacific Northwest. The studio is taught in collaboration with faculty and students in the Master in Landscape Architecture (MLA) program. Subsequent option studios in the program are currently led by faculty working in London, San Francisco, Mexico City, Madrid, Bogotá, and Texas. The school and the program provide funding to support studio-based student travel.
The studio courses are supplemented with seminar and lecture courses from the many diverse programs in the School of Architecture: architecture, community and regional planning, landscape architecture, sustainable design, and real estate development. A wide range of opportunities is one of the school's strengths, and our elective course offerings are organized to provide a framework for students to expand their disciplinary foundation.
REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARD OF DEGREE
The program recommends a candidate for the Master of Urban Design degree after completing 36 credit hours of graduate-level coursework as prescribed in the Program of Work. Students receive their program of work upon admission to the program.
| DEGREE REQUIREMENTS | SAMPLE CURRICULUM |
HONORS TRACK
Students who wish to pursue advanced research may apply to the Honors Track. If approved, a student will be able to extend their degree program to a fourth semester and receive funding to pursue a nine-credit hour self-directed research project during their second year in residence. Recent program-funded student research has resulted in book publications by ORO Editions press.
| SAMPLE CURRICULUM |
HONORS RESEARCH
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FORTHCOMING
URBAN DESIGN STUDIOS
URBAN DESIGN STUDIO I
Urban Design Studio I is the core advanced studio for the post-professional urban design program. This required studio covers core urban design methodologies for students entering the program.
STUDIO AL-ANDALUCE
A transdisciplinary studio focused on the region of Andalucía, this Advanced Studio investigates the critical relationships between architectural production, urban situations, and the environmental implications of hot climates.
LATIN AMERICA STUDIO
Option studios are offered each spring, focusing on issues impacting Latin America's contemporary urban landscape in cities ranging from Mexico City to Quito.
TEXAS URBAN FUTURES STUDIO
The format of this applied research studio brings the collective energy of faculty and students to bear on each successive research project within the cities of the Texas Triangle.
PREVIOUS STUDIO INITIATIVES
CASCADIA CHRONICLES
This Urban Design and Landscape Architecture collaborative studio focuses on the landscape and morphology of cities in the Cascadia region of North America.
GEHL SAN FRANCISCO STUDIO
As part of an ongoing three-year program, partners from the San Francisco office of GEHL teach an option studio, appointed as the Sinclair Black Visiting Critics in Architecture.
LONDON STUDIO
The London Studio is an advanced integrated studio open to students from every discipline in the school that works with London communities in ethnically diverse city environments.
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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
