Explore CU Denver Programs

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Our program offers engaged learning, physical planning orientation, international learning, integrated planning technologies, professional development, and diverse faculty experiences.

International Learning Opportunities

The program provides the opportunity to study planning from an international perspective. By offering lecture courses that focus on global planning and development issues, studios that involve on-site coursework and engaged learning in other countries, and collaborations with universities and organizations abroad, we help students expand their personal and educational worldview.

Integrated Planning Technologies

We integrate into our curriculum key professional technologies in realms such as digital mapping, 3D modeling, data visualization, and spatial analysis. We capitalize on Denver's entrepreneurial spirit and tech-focused economy to provide students with state-of-the-art resources and numerous opportunities to learn a variety of technologies and applications used as critical tools in the planning process.

Physical Planning Orientation

We emphasize physical planning and design throughout our curriculum and connect them to policy, research, and the social sciences. We work closely with the College's Architecture, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, and Historic Preservation programs to explore and develop applied solutions to urban social, economic, and environmental issues.

Self-Directed Elective Curriculum

We empower students with the opportunity to craft a planning education suited to their career goals and personal interests. Students may choose any combination of elective courses, whether oriented toward one of our three curriculum pillars, a traditional or customized planning specialization, or a generalist survey of the planning field.

Professional and Career Development

We present students with instruction, guidance, and resources for understanding the many career paths within planning and allied fields and how to strategically position themselves to successfully achieve their professional and personal goals. We enable students to be prepared for not only their first planning job, but for a lifelong career.

Diverse Faculty Experience

We embody a planning faculty comprised of a mix of clinical professors and lecturers who bring to the classroom years of professional experience and expertise in planning-related fields, and tenure-track professors who bring experience in scholarship and research. All of our faculty make teaching a top priority.

Professional Engagement

The Master of Urban Design (MUD) program is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in urban design. The program covers various topics, including planning policy, zoning and development regulations, public realm design, mobility and transportation, economics, social equity and environmental sustainability, and community engagement. The curriculum balances theory and practice and includes input from practicing faculty members to ensure students receive a well-rounded education. By studying these topics and learning from experienced professionals, students in the MUD program gain a deep understanding of the role of urban design in city-building and how to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Community Engagement

The MUD program focuses on creating partnerships with local communities and organizations to advance its goals, as well as the goals of urban design practice and the broader community. This is done through the exchange of ideas and exploration of creative design concepts. The program prioritizes the people-centered approach to urban design, recognizing that to design cities effectively, urban designers must engage with and listen to the community. These partnerships aim to create lasting positive impacts for people and places.

Environment and Equity

The Master of Urban Design program focuses on the connections between urban form and various aspects of public life such as public space, social equity, ecological systems, and public health. Students explore the complex infrastructure, social networks, and ecosystems that affect the built and natural environment and work to develop design solutions that address environmental degradation, climate change, and social and racial inequities. The program emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches and the importance of addressing social, economic, and environmental sustainability and resilience in cities and towns. It also highlights the role of urban design in addressing climate change, disparities, and displacement in marginalized communities and promoting public health and wellness.

Interdisciplinary Leadership

The Master of Urban Design program aims to train the next generation of civic and design leaders. It focuses on teaching students how to communicate effectively, work well in teams, and tackle complex urban issues. The program recognizes that urban design involves multiple professions, including architecture, landscape architecture, city planning, civil engineering, and public policy. Therefore, it seeks to provide students with a broad understanding of these disciplines and the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams. The program is designed to advance the careers of those within the discipline and provide a comprehensive foundation for those starting a new career in urban design.