Mengdi Chi (MSUD 2021), “Landscape-Ecology System and Greenway System,” from LA 592 Urban Design Capstone Studio: Downtown Urbana Urban-Commercial Park
Overview
The Master of Sustainable Urban Design (MSUD) program provides a resiliency-based curriculum for the development of urban design skills. It aims to equip students with the expertise needed to help resolve complex, contemporary urban design and sustainability challenges.
The MSUD program is for students with at least one university degree in landscape architecture, architecture, environmental design, sustainable design, or urban design. The program welcomes recent graduates interested in deepening their understanding and skillset as well as mid-career professionals seeking new directions.
In providing a concise path through which to hone expertise in sustainable urban design, the curriculum is a springboard for pursuing professional opportunities in interdisciplinary design practices, planning and engineering firms, government agencies, and urbanism-based nonprofits.
Mengdi Chi (MSUD 2021), “Landscape-Ecology System and Greenway System,” from LA 592 Urban Design Capstone Studio: Downtown Urbana Urban-Commercial Park
Program Length
The 11-month program is completed in two semesters (Fall and Spring) plus one Summer term, undertaken in that order. Matriculation is for Fall semester only.
Curriculum
Fall Semester
| Course | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| Fall Graduate Studio: LA 433 Graduate Foundation Studio, LA 533 Planning & Design Studio I, or LA 537 Planning & Design Studio II. Students are placed according to their level of experience. | 5 |
| Design Communications Course: LA 280 Design Communications I or LA 482 Advanced Communications in Landscape Architecture. Students are placed according to their level of experience. | 4 |
| LA 589: Sustainable Urban Design Theory | 4 |
| Urban Design or Urban Systems Elective * | 3-4 |
| Total credit hours | 16-17 |
Curriculum
Spring Semester
| Course | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| LA 538 Urban Design Research Studio | 5 |
| LA 446 Sustainable Planning Seminar | 4 |
| UP 475 Real Estate Development Fundamentals | 4 |
| Urban Design or Urban Systems Elective * | 3-4 |
| Total credit hours | 16-17 |
Curriculum
Summer Term
| Course | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| LA 492 Urban Design Capstone Studio | 6 |
| Total program credit hours | 38-40 |
Application Information
The Graduate College at the University of Illinois provides extensive information about the application process and an FAQ section where you may find the answer to any question not addressed below.
GPA
The minimum required undergraduate GPA for admission is 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or a comparable GPA for international applicants. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA under 3.0 are rarely considered. Please include a cumulative GPA in your application materials following the scale used at your current or previous institution. The Graduate College at the University of Illinois will convert your GPA to a 4.0 scale. We do not accept World Education Services credentials.
English-Language Proficiency
Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score as evidence of English proficiency except if one of the following criteria is met:
- Completion of at least two years of post-secondary, full-time study, as defined by the home institution, in a country where English is the primary language and at an institution where English is the primary medium of instruction, within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment at the University of Illinois.
- Completion of at least two years of professional work experience in a country where English is the primary language within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment at the University of Illinois.
- Completion of a post-secondary degree in a country where English is the primary language and at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment.
The department minimum for admission is a score of 89 or higher on the TOEFL or a score of 6.5 or higher on the IELTS.
- Applicants with TOEFL scores between 89-96 are strongly encouraged to complete an intensive English course prior to enrollment.
- For full status admission, applicants must receive a TOEFL score of 103 or higher or an IELTS score of 7.5 or higher. Students with a TOEFL score lower than 103 or an IELTS score lower than 7.5 are admitted on “limited status.” Limited status will require completion of the English Placement Test (EPT) and, if indicated, one or more English as a Second Language courses during the first year in the program. These courses generally do not extend the time required to complete the program and do not increase tuition costs.
The Graduate College provides information about test score submission. Our institution code number is 1836. If asked to select a department code, please select the code for Landscape Architecture, if available, or for Architecture if not, but please note that all scores submitted using the University of Illinois’s institution code will be accessible to the Landscape Architecture graduate admissions committee. While waiting for official scores to be delivered to the University of Illinois, you may upload unofficial score reports along with your application materials, but official scores must be received before admission can be offered and accepted.
GRE
The GRE is not required for admission to the MSUD Program.
Application Fee Waiver
Click here for information about the Graduate College application fee waiver policy.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications for matriculation in Fall 2025 is January 15, 2025.
Questions?
