Master of Urban Design Admissions

The Master of Urban Design program seeks exceptional, engaged applicants who are passionate about urban design, are excited to study in Downtown Denver and experience life in Colorado, and who can enrich the program through their diverse perspectives and experiences.

Visit Us!


Each year, we host in-person and virtual information sessions to give you an opportunity to learn more about our programs, get a tour of our facilities and labs, and help you visualize yourself as a Master of Urban Design student. Attend an info session, meet with our advisors and program faculty, and get to know current students. 

Application Information


The Master of Urban Design at CU Denver is an advanced post-professional degree. In order to be admitted to the program, an individual must hold (or will hold by the start of their MUD studies) a professional degree in architecture, urban planning, or landscape architecture (minimum GPA 3.00) from an accredited program. Professional degrees in architecture, urban planning, and landscape architecture can be obtained at either the undergraduate or graduate levels.

Current CU Denver M.Arch, MLA, and MURP students, did you know you can complete a dual degrees through CAP? Learn more about our dual degree options.

Minimum Academic Requirements - Prerequisite Degree

Application Deadline


Fall 2024

Applications Open September 1

International Applicant: January 15, 2024

Domestic Applicant: February 15, 2024

 

Application Requirements


  • Application fee ($50 for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants)
  • Transcript(s): see also the qualifying degree information section above.
    • Domestic transcripts:Transcripts from each institution you have attended, except for study abroad courses, should be sent to the following:
      • Electronic Transcripts: cap-admissions@ucdenver.edu
      • Mailing Address:
        College of Architecture and Planning
        University of Colorado Denver
        Campus Box 126
        P.O. Box 173364
        Denver, CO 80217-3364
    • International transcripts: Do not submit transcripts from foreign (non-US) institutions to CU Denver. Instead, you must provide an international credential evaluation report from Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) or World Education Services (WES). You will send your transcripts to the evaluation provider of your choice, and the provider will send their evaluation report to CU Denver. After you submit your application, our International Admissions office will send you an email with a link to the specific landing pages where you can order your report for CU Denver’s use. ECE or WES will charge you for this service. The cost is $163 to $208, depending on your chosen service, plus delivery fees. If this cost is prohibitive, please contact us at intldocuments@ucdenver.edu. If you have questions about the international credential evaluation, please contact International Admissions at intldocuments@ucdenver.edu or read our FAQs.
    • Students who are admitted and enrolled in the program will be required to subsequently submit official college transcripts. Notifications will be sent out prior to the start of the semester.
  • A minimum 3.00 GPA is required to apply to the MUD program.
  • A portfolio that includes examples of student or professional projects that show your planning/design-related knowledge and skills, ability to graphically express planning/design and spatial concepts and processes, organizational and communication (written and graphical) capabilities, and competency in various planning/design computer applications
  • A statement of purpose that includes your educational and professional goals and a thoughtful explanation of how a MUD degree will allow you to achieve your goals
  • Resume describing your educational and professional background
  • Three letters of recommendation, at least one from an academic reference if your most recent academic degree was earned within the last five years. You will enter their contact information into your application and they will receive an email from CU Denver with a link to upload their letter directly to your application.
  • If you are a resident of any of the 15 western states (except Colorado) in the WICHE-WRGP region, please complete the WICHE-WRGP section of the online application.
  • International applicants must submit proof of English language proficiency. For more information regarding English Language Proficiency and international transcripts at the  International Admissions website.
  • Students admitted into this program must have completed a Bachelor’s degree before they will be able to begin this program. An official conferred degree transcript is required by the university.

Did You Know?

In-State Tuition is available to Western state residents.

CAP 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.

Learn more about WICHE-WRGP for Graduate Students >>

Contact Us!

Want to learn more about our Master of Urban Design program, have questions about applying, and/or want to visit us on campus? Meet Advising and Admissions team.
Profile Picture Name Contact Information
Ken Schroeppel headshot

Kenneth Schroeppel

Director of Urban Design, Assistant Professor CTT
_VRC1891

Jodi Stock

Manager of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment
for Graduate Programs