General Questions
What kind of students attend Hunter Urban Policy & Planning?
Our students come from diverse professions and experiences, all with the intention of exploring urban professions in a more concentrated manner. Our community comprises students from all over the globe, each bringing their unique experience to classroom seminars. Some students come to us directly from undergraduate institutions, while others find their way to our department via alternative paths, including environmental management, construction, finance, advocacy, art, publishing, and even fashion, as well as more traditional public sector careers. This unique blend enriches classroom discussions and adds a layer of complexity to workshops and studios.
How can I learn more about Urban Policy & Planning programs?
You can start by reviewing this website. Each program page has an in-depth explanation of the objectives and requirements for completion. We also feature student projects, such as Studio reports and the Urban Review.
Each semester, we host multiple Open Houses for our graduate programs. The dates and times will be listed on our events page. If you still have questions, contact our Program Coordinator, Marisol Otero-Morales, at aotero@hunter.cuny.edu.
Can I take classes as a non-matriculated student?
Urban Policy & Planning rarely grants permission for non-matriculated students to take our classes. Interested students typically need to go through the admissions process to enroll in our department’s courses.
Can I take classes in Hunter’s Online Master of Urban Planning program?
No, students enrolled in the in-person MUP program cannot take classes in the online MUP program.
What courses are offered?
The current semester schedule is available for viewing under the “Academic Programs” menu, specifically under Course Schedules.
When are Open Houses?
Application Process
What are your application deadlines?
MASTER OF URBAN PLANNING (MUP)
- Fall Admissions: March 1
- Spring Admissions: October 15
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN URBAN POLICY & LEADERSHIP (MSUPL)
- Fall Admissions: March 15
- Spring Admissions: November 1
What if my undergraduate GPA is low?
If you’re concerned about a low GPA, provide some explanation in your essay or as a supplement to your essay. You might also consider taking some planning classes at another school as a non-matriculated student and getting high marks that can bolster your application. If you’ve been out of school for a long time, emphasize in your essay how you’ve grown beyond what your GPA reflects. Your recommendations from work experience can be very important.
Taking the GRE is not required, but if you do take it and score highly, it will demonstrate to the admissions committee that your GPA doesn’t tell the whole story of your abilities.
How do I apply for the joint MUP/JD degree with Brooklyn Law School?
You’ll need to apply to both programs and be admitted to both to start the joint program. Doing the programs jointly reduces your overall course burden. See the joint-degree program offerings on the Brooklyn Law School website for more information.
What do you look for in prospective students?
The following are generally used to evaluate applications for admission:
- Undergraduate GPA (GRE is not required, but is advised when undergraduate GPA is below 3.0);
- Quality of personal statement, showing interest and prior experience in planning-related issues, and fit with our program.
- Letters of recommendation that can attest to work experience and/or prior academic achievements.
When will I receive an application decision?
Every effort is made to ensure that students receive a response regarding their application status by November for spring applications and before April 15 for fall applications. Depending on the size of the applicant pool, decisions may be sent out as early as the last week in March, but no earlier. Due to the high number of applications we receive each semester, we do not respond to inquiries until decisions have been made.
Why didn’t I get in and what can I do?
If you are not accepted, you are welcome to reapply. Review and revise your personal statement. Consider taking some planning classes at another school as a non-matriculated student and get high marks that can bolster your application. Finally, consider your recommenders and see if adding others to strengthen your application might make sense.
Tuition & Financial Aid
How much does it cost to attend Hunter College?
Tuition varies by enrollment status and residency. Please visit Hunter College’s Costs, Tuition, and Fees page for detailed information.
What funding sources are available for graduate school?
The good news is that being accepted to Hunter Urban Policy & Planning is, in itself, a fellowship. We take pride in providing quality education at the lowest tuition rate in the New York region. There is minimal internal funding available for scholarships at Hunter. Our department periodically offers research assistantships, but these opportunities are limited and contingent upon the college’s budget. When fellowships are available, students are identified through the admissions process to receive funds.
Programs
What is the difference between the MUP and MSUPL programs?
The Master of Urban Planning (MUP) program is an accredited program in urban planning that trains students in the management of the built environment through the study of social, design, political, and economic factors. Students in the MUP program focus on land use, infrastructure, housing, transportation, sustainability, and community and economic development. The Master of Science in Urban Policy & Leadership program is flexible, allowing students to concentrate on urban policy, neighborhood development, and nonprofit management. Both programs allow students to create custom concentrations.
What is the average class size?
Classes range from 10 to 18 students, depending on the topic/format. At Hunter, you will never be in a large lecture class!
Can Hunter Urban students take classes in other departments/CUNY schools?
Urban Policy & Planning students can take classes in other departments at Hunter or other CUNY schools, so long as they align with their program of study and/or concentration and are in person. Permission must be received from the Hunter department in which the outside class is offered. For courses at other CUNY schools, an e-permit must be filed through the CUNY portal. MS students can take up to 9 credits outside the department. MUP students can take 12 credits outside the department.
Can I transfer credits from other graduate work completed elsewhere?
Yes, with the program director’s permission. Once you are admitted, you will need to meet with the program director to complete a course equivalency form. You will need to provide a course description and course syllabus for each course you wish to transfer.
How do students find internships?
The department offers substantial guidance and timely listings to those seeking internships and jobs, with a strong track record of placing students in full-time positions. Many students turn their internships into full-time jobs.
What are the retention and graduation rates for the MUP program?
For more information on retention and graduation rates, view our PAB 2024-2025 Public Information Page — this document contains outcomes-related information required by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB), which accredits Hunter’s MUP program.