Skip to content
University of Colorado Denver CU Denver
  • Webmail
  • UCD Access
  • Canvas
  • Quick Links
 

Tools

  • Webmail
  • UCD Access
  • Canvas
  • Campus Directory
  • A-Z Index
  • Campus Map

Resources

  • Events Calendar
  • Newsroom
  • Human Resources
  • Student Services
  • Auraria Library
  • CU Denver Police
  • University Policies
  • Public Health Resources

Schools & Colleges

  • College of Architecture and Planning
  • College of Arts & Media
  • Business School
  • School of Education & Human Development
  • College of Engineering, Design and Computing
  • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • School of Public Affairs

Campus Affiliates

  • CU Anschutz Medical Campus
  • CU Boulder
  • CU Colorado Springs
  • CU Denver
  • CU Online
  • CU System

Announcement: CU Denver is Celebrating 50 Years

Whether you’re an alumnus, current student, member of the faculty and staff, donor, or neighbor, you’re a valuable part of the CU Denver community. Help us celebrate the last 50 years and a future that works for all.

Learn More

  • Admissions
    • Apply Now
    • How to Apply
    • After Admission
    • Transfer Credits
    • Undergraduate Admissions
    • Transfer Admissions
    • International Admissions
    • Graduate Admissions
    • Non-Degree Admissions
  • Tuition & Cost
    • Cost of Attendance
    • Financial Aid
    • Scholarships
  • Academics
    • Degrees & Programs
      • Undergraduate Degrees
      • Graduate Degrees
      • Certificates & Continuing Education
      • Non-Degree Programs
      • Health Programs
      • Honors & Leadership Programs
      • High School Programs
      • Online Programs
    • Schools & Colleges
    • Research
    • Academic Help & Services
    • Computing
  • Life at CU Denver
    • Living On & Around Campus
      • Life in Denver
      • Health & Well-Being
      • Student Transportation & Parking
      • The Auraria Campus
      • Housing & Dining
    • Campus Resources
    • News
    • Events
  • About CU Denver
    • Visit CU Denver
      • Location & Maps
      • Transportation & Parking
    • Our Campus & Community
      • Anchor of Engineering
    • Our Impact
    • Our Leadership
    • Our History
    • Contact Us
    • Our History & 9th Street
    • 50th Anniversary
University Quick Links

Explore CU Denver Programs

Use the search tool below to discover degree and certificate programs offered by CU Denver. If you are unable to find a program that is right for you, please contact Admissions or a school or college for more information.

  • Home
  • Programs
  • Master of Urban Design

Master of Urban Design

Explore
Program Overview
Alumni Success Stories
Request Information
FAQ
Program Overview
Alumni Success Stories
Request Information
FAQ

Program Overview

The Master of Urban Design (MUD) is an advanced post-professional degree program for individuals who seek a career in urban design practice or for current planning and design professionals who want to enhance and expand their existing practice with urban design knowledge and expertise.

photo of Jodi StocK

Jodi Stock

Admissions Coordinator

Email:

jodi.stock@ucdenver.edu

Phone:

303-315-0082

The MUD program consists of nine courses. One studio and three  lecture courses in the fall (again in the spring), and either a travel studio or capstone project in the summer.  To earn the MUD degree, a student must complete all nine courses  totaling 36 credits.

The MUD program is designed to be accomplished in a single calendar year as a full-time, immersive  experience. Students with qualifying circumstances or those with a Overlapping Dual Degree option are offered a longer timeframe.

For acceptance into the MUD program, a master’s degree in architecture, urban planning, or landscape architecture is required. An accredited professional bachelor's degree in  architecture, urban planning, or landscape architecture is also sufficient.

Students in CU Denver’s M Arch, MLA, and MURP programs may apply to the MUD program and begin earning MUD credits before they have completed  their current requirements. This is done through the MUD Overlapping Dual Degree Option.

The MUD program trains students to become exceptional urban design practitioners. More importantly, it trains students to become leaders in their communities. MUD encourages collaboration to position thinking at the intersection of the  city-building disciplines. Students will engage with the community to create great places that are sustainable, inclusive, fair, and healthy.

Why Master of Urban Design at CU Denver?

 

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.

Program Description

The MUD program consists of nine courses. One studio and three  lecture courses in the fall (again in the spring), and either a travel studio or capstone project in the summer.  To earn the MUD degree, a student must complete all nine courses  totaling 36 credits.

The MUD program is designed to be accomplished in a single calendar year as a full-time, immersive  experience. Students with qualifying circumstances or those with a Overlapping Dual Degree option are offered a longer timeframe.

For acceptance into the MUD program, a master’s degree in architecture, urban planning, or landscape architecture is required. An accredited professional bachelor's degree in  architecture, urban planning, or landscape architecture is also sufficient.

Students in CU Denver’s M Arch, MLA, and MURP programs may apply to the MUD program and begin earning MUD credits before they have completed  their current requirements. This is done through the MUD Overlapping Dual Degree Option.

The MUD program trains students to become exceptional urban design practitioners. More importantly, it trains students to become leaders in their communities. MUD encourages collaboration to position thinking at the intersection of the  city-building disciplines. Students will engage with the community to create great places that are sustainable, inclusive, fair, and healthy.

Why Master of Urban Design at CU Denver?

 

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.

Program Features

36

number of credit hours

GRE Requirement/Option

only required if your GPA is below 3.2

Fall

starting semester

February 15

fall application deadline

Higher Learning Commission

accreditation

Useful Links

Program Details

The program curriculum features a mix of lecture and studio courses to cover the spectrum of urban design theory and practice. Learn more about the curriculum, course descriptions, travel study opportunities, dual degree option and more.

Admissions Process & Requirements

Learn more about admissions eligibility, process, requirements, and deadlines.

Attend an Information Session

If you are interested in learning more about our MUD program, please attend our in-person and virtual information sessions.

Tuition and Fees

The University of Colorado Denver has one of the most affordable tuition rates in Colorado. View the Master of Urban Design's tuition and fees.

Alumni Success Stories

photo of Andrew Cho

Andrew Cho found urban design through his studies and practice in landscape architecture.⁠ We caught up with Andrew, a recent MUD graduate, to learn more about his experience in the Urban Design program and what he's up to now at Dig Studio.

What is Urban Design?

To me, urban design is about thinking holistically and designing within the 'grey zone' that is the interstitial space between architecture, planning, and landscape architecture," he said. "It's exciting to be a part of a profession that brings together those disciplines to solve complex issues in the urban environment.

What were your biggest takeaways?⁠

My initial takeaway from the urban design profession so far is the ability to explore on a variety of scales. Jumping back and forth between regional, city, and site scales to analyze the systems influencing a place is as important as examining the constraints and opportunities from a site context. ⁠

What were the highlights of the program?

One program highlight was the opportunity to travel abroad to Barcelona this past summer. Spending the summer studio immersed in a different culture was an experience that had a lasting impact on how I see design as a whole and moving forward in my career. The program has provided a unique opportunity to study in one of the fastest-growing cities and has helped me build connections with the local professionals in and around Denver.⁠

What are you up to now?⁠

I recently joined Dig Studio as an Urban Designer and Planner. It’s been an exhilarating journey through the Urban Design program, and I look forward to taking what I learned and continuing on to my next chapter with Dig Studio!⁠

Andrew Cho

(2022)
Dig Studio, Urban Design/Planning, Landscape Designer

Scroll to request information form

Would you like more information about this program?

Request information

Request Information

Please fill the form below and we will reach out to you asap.

Loading...

Career Outcomes

CU Denver graduates earn more, build community, and make connections. Take the first step toward your future and join an inclusive community of learners while gaining the skills of tomorrow, today.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Students in CU Denver’s M.Arch, MLA, and MURP programs may apply to the MUD program and begin earning MUD credits before they have completed their M.Arch, MLA, or MURP program requirements through the MUD Overlapping Dual Degree option.

Sign up to attend an information session (in-person or virtual).

You must have a NAAB-accredited architecture degree, PAB-accredited urban planning degree, and/or an LAAB-accredited landscape architecture degree. These include a Master of Architecture, Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Urban Planning (MUP, MURP, MCP, or similar), Bachelor of Urban Planning (BSUP, BSURP, or similar), Master of Landscape Architecture, or a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA or BSLA).

Related Programs

Master of Landscape Architecture

Prepares students to design healthy and ethical environments. Globalization, population growth, heritage loss, and environmental decay factors all come into account. A bachelor's degree in any subject required. Advance standing...
College of Architecture and Planning On campus
MLA (Master's)

Master of Landscape Architecture

College of Architecture and Planning
Prepares students to design healthy and ethical environments. Globalization, population growth, heritage loss, and environmental decay factors all come into account. A bachelor's degree in any subject required. Advance standing available for those with a landscape architecture or undergraduate architecture degree.
Program Benefits

Civic Engagement & Hands-On Learning

Students have extensive opportunities for civic engagement, including paid internships at the college’s Colorado Center for Community Development (CCCD). It provides diverse opportunities to work directly with and in communities across the state.

Interdisciplinary Studios

The Integral Studio allows graduate students across the college to work as interdisciplinary teams with public agencies on real projects in our city. Facilitated by faculty across disciplines, the studio emulates a real-world office environment. It allows students to gain insight into the role of other parties involved in the planning and design process.

International Study

The practice of landscape architecture is now global, and this department is a leader in providing international study opportunities. Opportunities abound to develop international partnerships with our diverse body of international and domestic students and travel study courses offered annually.

Independent Research

Our students engage in research with faculty and on their own through optional independent studies and theses. They have presented at local, national, and international conferences and symposia, such as the National Park Service Western Region CESU Conference, Environmental Design Research Association, Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture, and International Green Roof Conference.

Certificate Programs

The certificate in Geospatial Information Science for Landscape Architecture offers an opportunity to develop knowledge, skills, and critical context through cross-disciplinary study in the rapidly evolving and progressively relevant platform of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Our Faculty

The program is led and taught by three licensed landscape architects and one licensed architect.

Explore
Program Overview Student Testimonials Alumni Success Stories Request More Information FAQ
Apply Now
Career Outcomes

Master of Architecture

The Master of Architecture program is fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The program is also STEM-designated. The M. Arch focuses on preparing students for entry into...
College of Architecture and Planning On campus
M.Arch (Master's)

Master of Architecture

College of Architecture and Planning
The Master of Architecture program is fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The program is also STEM-designated. The M. Arch focuses on preparing students for entry into the architecture profession and licensure.
Program Benefits

High-Tech Facilities

You will have access to a fully equipped design fabrication shop and a visual resource center to develop both digital and analog graphics skills. You will learn sketching and drawing as well as the latest parametric and digital fabrication design technologies. You will have opportunities to engage in LIDAR 3-D laser scanning technology to document structures through work in the CAP centers.

We Are STEM-Designated

The Master of Architecture is a STEM-designated program, officially approved by the Colorado Board of Higher Education. The STEM designation allows our students to apply for the optional practical training (OPT) extension program for F-1 students. Upon completion, students may extend their stay in the United States for an additional 24 months.

Interdisciplinary Educational Model

Through the College of Architecture and Planning, we offer courses and opportunities for our graduate students to earn dual degrees in architecture, urban and regional planning, urban design, or business. You also have the opportunity to pursue a certificate in integrated construction, management, and leadership; geospatial information science, design build, historic preservation, interior design, classical studies, and landscape architecture.

Sustainability Focus

You will have a broad range of courses in Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) and the opportunity to apply your thinking about carbon-neutral new buildings and renovations to the 2030 Challenge.

International Exploration

We encourage you to think, collaborate, and network globally by offering foreign study courses in locations such as Rome, Finland, Mexico, and Amsterdam.

In-State Tuition is Available to Western State Residents

The College of Architecture and Planning has WICHE-WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program) status. This means that students who are residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, and the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States are granted in-state tuition.

Explore
Program Overview Student Testimonials Alumni Success Stories Request More Information FAQ
Apply Now
Career Outcomes

Admission Information

Application Process

CU Denver

CU Denver

Student Commons Building

1201 Larimer Street

Denver, CO 80204


(303) 315-5969

Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram LinkedIn
Resources
  • Admissions
  • Campus Safety
  • Degrees & Programs
  • Events Calendar
  • News
Around Campus
  • Campus Resources
  • Housing & Dining
  • Location & Maps
  • Transportation & Parking
  • Visit CU Denver
Info For
  • Alumni
  • Current Students
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Families
  • Media & Press
  • Contact Us
  • Website Feedback
  • CU System
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility
  • Accreditation
  • Employment
  • Give Now
 

© 2023 The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate. All rights reserved.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. All trademarks are registered property of the University. Used by permission only.

CMS Login
  • Current Students
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Families
  • Alumni

Webmail

UCD Access

Canvas

Opens in a new window Opens document in a new window