Hunter College is proud to recruit the inaugural cohort for its new Master of Urban Planning (MUP) Online program. As a public institution, Hunter is committed to expanding access to high-quality planning education and preparing the next generation of urban planning leaders. The program builds on the Urban Policy and Planning department’s long-standing legacy of advocacy planning, rooted in the work of Paul Davidoff. This tradition continues to guide our curriculum, which blends theory and practice to prepare future planners to design and create more just, equitable, and livable cities, while also equipping students with the practical skills needed to launch their planning careers.

With a total program cost of $22,560 for in-state students ($470/credit) and $27,120 for out-of-state students ($565/credit) for the 48-credit degree, the MUP online program maintains the rigor and reputation of Hunter’s in-person MUP program and Hunter College — the City University of New York’s "crown jewel" senior college and an R2 research institution — at a highly competitive price for in- and out-of-state residents. The out-of-state tuition is one of the best values in the nation for the degree.

The Curriculum

Our curriculum mirrors the strengths of Hunter’s accredited, in-person program while offering the convenience of a synchronous, participatory online environment. Students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle pressing urban challenges, such as expanding affordable housing, improving transportation systems, advancing climate resilience, fostering economic opportunity, and supporting healthier, more inclusive communities. The department is currently seeking accreditation for the online program from the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) through an expedited pathway.

Students may choose from three concentrations in the Master of Urban Planning online program at Hunter. The general planning concentration equips students with foundational knowledge across core areas such as housing, transportation, land use, geographic information systems (GIS), urban data analysis, climate resilience, social advocacy, and community engagement.

The urban informatics and visualization concentration exposes students to core theories and debates at the intersection of cities and data and offers hands-on training in programming and visualization tools used in contemporary planning practice.

The built environment concentration focuses on how planning shapes physical spaces and urban development. Through coursework in domains such as placemaking, sustainability, transportation, and real estate, students develop practical project management skills, including policy and site analysis, community engagement, financing, and environmental review. Across all concentrations, courses emphasize practical, career-ready skills essential for launching a career in planning.

Students also take a studio capstone, in which they collaborate with a real-world client on an applied planning project, which you can learn about here.

With small class sizes, one-on-one advising, and interactive course design, students build strong connections with faculty and peers. This curriculum map provides an overview of the course requirements, and this document outlines the student learning outcomes for the program.

Synchronous Learning

As a 100% synchronous program, the MUP Online program at Hunter College brings the energy and connection of a live classroom, but delivered online. By meeting in real time with faculty and classmates, the program offers a dynamic learning community where discussion, debate, and collaboration mirror the in-person experience. Through synchronous classes, students have the opportunity to develop relationships with faculty and peers and build out their professional networks.

Fully synchronous classes emphasize communication and presentation skills, which are key competencies for planners who often must engage diverse audiences, lead public meetings, and convey complex ideas to various stakeholders. Through live lectures, group work, and interactive exercises, students develop the soft skills essential for success in the planning field. Classes are offered on weekday evenings in either a 5:30-7:20 PM or 7:30-9:20 PM EST time slot.

The Student Experience

Online students are part of the Hunter planning community and are welcome to participate in in-person events held on campus. Students enrolled in the online program are encouraged to join the Graduate Urban Policy and Planning Association (GUPPA), the department’s lively graduate student organization. GUPPA regularly organizes panel discussions, field trips, movie nights, conferences, happy hours, and career preparation workshops, offering online students valuable opportunities to connect with peers and engage with the broader planning community.

Additionally, students in the online program are required to attend an in-person summer orientation in New York City prior to starting the program. This multi-day orientation—including a program overview, workshops with faculty, and team-building activities with students in the online cohort—helps students establish early connections with faculty and peers in the online program.

Career Support

Students in the Master of Urban Planning online program benefit from comprehensive career support designed to help launch and advance a career in planning. Through one-on-one advising, students have dedicated opportunities to define their career goals and identify pathways aligned with their interests. Students also regularly receive job and internship postings shared through the program’s Online Student Community, keeping them connected to planning opportunities in the New York City region and beyond.

Online students also benefit from connecting with Hunter’s extensive, highly engaged and distinguished alumni network, which is a valuable resource for mentorship, networking, and job leads.

Further, online students have access to Hunter’s Career Center, which offers a wide range of services, including one-on-one advising, résumé and cover letter support, and interview preparation. The Career Center also regularly hosts events to support students’ professional development, such as job fairs and career information sessions.

Admissions

To apply to the MUP online program, complete the core graduate application form, which will require submitting a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, your CV, and transcripts.