Apply to the
Master of Urban Design
Apply
The application fee for U.S. citizens and permanent residents is $75, and the fee for international students is $90 (U.S. funds). The application fee is paid online, via credit card, before the application is submitted. The application is submitted electronically to Taubman College.
Taubman College Fee Waivers
Taubman College is able to provide support to a limited number of Master of Urban Design applicants. We offer waivers of the required application fee, upon request, to U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents that fit one of the following criteria:
- Teach for America (current volunteer or alumni)
- Peace Corps alumni
- AmeriCorps alumni
- Active U.S. Military
- U.S. Military Veteran
- Significant financial need
- American Indian and Alaskan Native
- Undocumented or DACAmented Students
- National Organizations Affiliation
To request an application fee waiver, complete the Master of Urban Design Application Fee Waiver Request Form. After you submit your request, you will receive an email from taubmancollegeadmissions@umich.edu asking for a Letter of Verification or other documentation from your organization that includes dates of service. Upon receipt of the Letter of Verification, Taubman staff will confirm eligibility and determine if a waiver is available. If approved, you will receive a fee waiver code via email with additional instructions.
Eligibility
Applicants for the Master of Urban Design (M.U.D.) degree, should already possess one (or more) of the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Architecture (5-year), Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, or Bachelor of Urban Planning
- Master of Architecture, Master of Landscape Architecture, Master of Urban Planning, or their international equivalent.
Through their application materials, applicants must show evidence of excellence in the design of the physical environment, as well as a commitment to the study of advanced topics in urbanism. Professional design and planning experience will be viewed favorably.
Guidance and Policies Related to Use of GenAI for Graduate Architecture Degree Applicants
Required Information
Statement of Purpose
Please write a concise statement outlining your reasons for applying and why your application should be favorably considered. The essay should be 600 words and clearly communicate your past experiences and future goals to the admissions committee, preferably addressing the following topics:
- Personal Background (150 words): Overview of your personal background and how this impacted your academic and professional aspirations.
- Education / Professional Experience (150 words): Overview of your educational background and professional experience. It might answer the following questions:
- What are your current areas of study, emphasis and specialization and the reasons behind those interests?
- What experience (academic / research / professional work / volunteer work) had the most significant impact on your overall development?
- What strengths and weaknesses do you perceive in reaching your future goals?
- Intent to study Urban Design (150 words): Why you want to study Urban Design and how the program can support your further career objectives and long-term goals. It might answer the following questions:
- Why did you choose to apply to the MUD program?
- What do you want to learn / gain from the program?
- How do you anticipate the degree will support your career objectives and long-term goals?
- Intent to study at Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning (150 words): What led you to apply to Taubman College?
- What specific resources of the college are you most interested in and why? This can be specific courses, learning / working with specific faculty, or specific research opportunities.
Resume
Please upload an up-to-date resume with your online application. A good curriculum vitae or resume will give us another view of who you are and elaborate on your strengths and skills outside of the classroom, showcasing your accomplishments. In addition to your educational experience, your resume should contain professional experiences, other jobs you have held, a list of groups or organizations that you are involved in, programming languages or other computer skills you have, community involvement, or volunteer work that you do.
Transcripts
Applicants will scan and upload an unofficial transcript or certified credentials (scanned from original transcripts) from all universities, colleges, community colleges, study abroad, and summer programs attended. Taubman College only requires official transcripts from those students accepting our offer of admission.
Letters of Recommendation
Three (3) letters of recommendation are required and should testify to your academic and professional capacity and promise. If possible, two of these should come from former professors.
Portfolio
Master of Urban Design applicants are required to submit a portfolio. Slides, CDs, URLs, and hard copy materials will not be accepted.
The portfolio is required and is submitted through Slideroom. There is a $6 fee to submit your portfolio.
The first page of the portfolio (cover page-required) must include the following information
- Your last name, first name
- State you are a MUD applicant
- Email address
The portfolio must be formatted together in one Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF)
There are no specified page dimensions or formats, but please note that portfolios will be reviewed electronically on a variety of screens and devices. Please ensure that all text and images will be legible in a variety of contexts. Portfolios may be no longer than 30 pages total and no larger than 20 MB. Portfolios that exceed these sizes may not be reviewed. Your portfolio will not be reviewed if you upload individual pages. Application processing time may increase if your file is incorrectly titled or if a cover page is not included.
Please remember, the admissions committee will only review electronic submissions and will not accept:
- hard copy original work or portfolios
- actual physical models or other three-dimensional objects (photographs of 3-D work are acceptable)
- slides
- videotapes
- folded materials/blueprints
- Powerpoint or word files
- electronic media (CDs, DVDs, disks) other than those submitted as a PDF
Portfolio Submission:
Upload MUD Portfolio
File Name Format: LastName,_FirstName_MUD Portfolio
Generative AI
Generative AI is an emerging design tool used in architecture and other disciplines. Students may include work that was produced or aided by generative AI software (such as Dall-E, Firefly, Midjourney or others) but this work must be clearly labeled and identified.
If the review committee comes across images or drawings that appear to be AI-generated and are not clearly identified, they will exclude this work from their assessment of the portfolio.
English Proficiency Requirements
All non-native English speakers must take either the TOEFL, or the IELTS. Scores must be no older than two years old to be valid. Non-native English speakers who have earned their degree from a university, where English is the primary language of instruction, are not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS. U.S. citizenship does not exempt applicants from taking the test if his/her native language is not English. Students only need to take one of the above listed tests. Taubman College does not admit students that have not met minimum score requirements.
| Description of Test | Assessment Provider | Speaking Test | Minimum Overall Score | Submission of Test Scores |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IBT TOEFL (ITP Plus and TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition) | Educational Testing Service | Yes | 95 | TOEFL scores are sent by ETS electronically to institution code: 1839 |
| Paper/Pencil TOEFL & TWE | Educational Testing Service | No | 600 | TOEFL scores are sent by ETS electronically to institution code: 1839 |
| IELTS | Cambridge, United Kingdom | Academic version | 7.0 | Official IELTS scores are sent electronically to the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. |
English Proficiency Exemptions
Non-native English speakers who have earned their degree from a university, where English is the primary language of instruction, are not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS. U.S. citizenship does not exempt applicants from taking the test if his/her native language is not English. Students only need to take one of the above listed tests. Taubman College does not admit students that have not met minimum score requirements.
ELI 530: Students who are non–native English speakers and do not have a four-year degree from an English-medium institution are required to take and successfully complete ELI 530, a two-credit hour architecture-specific English course offered by the English Language Institute (ELI) at U-M in their first fall term. ELI 530 is taken in addition to their regular architecture coursework and does not count toward degree requirements.
International Student Information
If you need an F-1 or J-1 visa, the University of Michigan is required by the U.S. government to obtain documentation proving that international applicants (non-U.S. Citizens) have adequate financial resources to provide for their expenses while in the United States. Taubman College Admissions is the U-M office that will prepare your I-20 or DS-2019 after you have provided the required documents.
Taubman College will request your Financial Certification form and financial documentation AFTER you have accepted your admission offer.
Undocumented and DACAmented Students
Tuition Costs and Funding
Can undocumented or DACAmented students qualify for in-state tuition at the University of Michigan?
In state residency is determined by the Registrar’s Office and may be granted if the student attended Michigan schools and graduated high school in the state of Michigan within the last 28 months, regardless of the student’s citizenship status. If you believe that you should be granted in-state tuition, you should file an application for Resident Classification or an appeal with the Appeal Committee.
Please Read: Information on legal developments regarding DACA as of January 11, 2018
In October 2015, the U.S. Department of Education released a Resource Guide Supporting Undocumented Youth: A Guide for Success in Secondary and Postsecondary Settings. Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning is committed to supporting undocumented and DACAmented graduate students. Below are resources available throughout the University of Michigan and answers to questions you may have.
Application Status and Evaluation
Checking Application Status
Applicants can verify application data and status online approximately 10 – 15 days after their application is submitted. The admissions office, will send an email to each applicant that include’s the University of Michigan Identification Number (UMID). You will need to use a login ID and password to confirm some personal data before viewing your application status. Student Service staff will try to keep all materials received current. However, please allow sufficient time for processing before contacting the office.
For Applicants Who are Current Students or Employees: Log into Wolverine Access using your existing University of Michigan Uniqname and password, click New and Prospective Student Business.
For Applicants New to the University:
About five business days after you submit your application you will receive an email confirming that Taubman has downloaded your application from ApplyWeb. This email will direct you to set up your friend account.
- Go to the Friend Account Request Form and enter your email address.
- You will receive a confirmation email with a link to create your friend account.
- For more information, see the Information and Technology Services website.
Please allow 10-15 business days for your application status to update.
Evaluation
Applications will not be evaluated until all credentials have been received and the application fee has been paid. Applications missing credentials cannot be guaranteed a review by the admissions committee. Eligible applicants are considered for admission on the basis of the following criteria:
- Quality and content of all previous academic education
- Evidence of professional commitment and direction, including statement of purpose, resume, letters of recommendation, portfolio, etc.
- IELTS or TOEFL test scores (if applicable)
- The number of openings available
- The suitability of the program to the applicant’s area of interest
Interview
As part of the competitive process of evaluation, the Admissions Committee will conduct personal interviews with each applicant. We will reach out after the deadline to arrange a skype interview once your application has been reviewed.
Using Wolverine Access
Through your Wolverine Access account you will be able to:
- Verify the application information you submitted, including, portfolio, test dates and scores, and letter of recommendation that are received.
- View the transcripts representing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and/or Doctoral degree that are received.
- Receive your admission decision.
- Update your address, phone number, and e-mail address.
Allow 5 business days, after creating your account, to verify that your application and materials have been received in Wolverine Access.
Notification of Decision
Applicants will be notified of their admission status by late-February or early March. If you are admitted, you will be able to see that you have been recommended for admission by the Architecture Program via the online web application status. Notification letters will be sent via email. Any merit scholarship award decisions made by the Architecture Program will be noted in the letter of admission.
Admitted students are invited to Preview Weekend held in late March. Preview Weekend is an opportunity for admitted students to visit Taubman College, meet faculty and students, tour the facilities, campus, and Ann Arbor, and attend Taubman College events. Further details will be provided in the letter of admission.
Enrollment Deposit Requirement
Students choosing to accept admission to the Master of Urban Design must pay a $500 enrollment deposit. Payment may be completed online by echeck through Wolverine Access, credit card, or in the form of a check or money order (in US dollars) made payable to University of Michigan. This deposit reserves your space in the program. The $500 payment will be credited to your student account and applied toward your tuition. Deadline for receiving your acceptance and enrollment deposit is April 15th.
Residency Classification
Residency Classification Guidelines have been developed to ensure that decisions about whether a student pays in-state or out-of-state tuition are fair and equitable. Applicants for admission or enrolled students who believe they are Michigan residents understand they may be required to complete an Application for Resident Classification and provide additional information to document their residency status. Please see the University of Michigan Residency Classification Guidelines.
Making decisions about the next step in your educational journey is a time full of opportunity and potential; however, it may also be accompanied by concerns regarding paying for your degree. There are numerous financial resources to help you manage tuition and living expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am eligible to apply to the post-professional M.U.D. degree?
Applicants to the Master of Urban Design (M.U.D.) degree, should already possess one (or more) of the following degrees:
- 5-year Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, or Bachelor of Urban Planning
- Master of Architecture, Master of Landscape Architecture, Master of Urban Planning, or their international equivalent.
Do I need to submit GRE scores?
No. Effective for 2022 applicants and beyond, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are no longer required nor considered for admission to all graduate programs, at Taubman College.
Where do I submit my portfolio?
The portfolio is required and is submitted through Slideroom. There is a $6 fee to submit your portfolio. Slides, CDs, URLs, and hard copy materials will not be accepted.
What should I include in my portfolio?
Read more about the portfolio content guidelines.
Do I need an official transcript to apply?
No. Taubman College only requires official transcripts from those students accepting our offer of admission. Applicants will scan and upload an unofficial transcript or certified credentials (scanned from original transcripts) from all universities, colleges, community colleges, study abroad, and summer programs attended.
Is there an interview process?
Yes. As part of the competitive process of evaluation, the Admissions Committee will conduct personal interviews with each applicant. Interviews are arranged after the deadline and applications have been reviewed.
My English proficiency score doesn’t meet the minimum requirement, can I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply. However, Taubman College doesn’t provide conditional admission. We encourage you to retake the test until you receive the minimum score.
How much does the M.U.D. program cost?
Find a breakdown of the estimated cost of attendance on the Paying for your Degree page.
What do I include in my statement of purpose?
Please write a concise statement outlining your reasons for applying to Taubman College’s Master of Urban Design degree. Your ideas should be clear, well-stated, and specific.
Are there dual degree options?
Yes. There are two (2) formal dual degree programs:
- Master of Architecture/Master of Urban Design
- Master of Urban and Regional Planning/Master of Urban Design
Students also have the opportunity to pursue student-initiated dual degrees with a wide range of other programs. Students wishing to pursue a dual degree program other than those described are advised to contact the college registrar. Requests are approved on an individual basis. You can find more information on the Dual Degrees page.
What types of financial resources are available to me?
There are several different opportunities available to students including Taubman College merit-based scholarships, Taubman College need based grants, federal financial aid awards, and more. Learn more about financial aid and scholarships.
When will I receive my admission decision?
Applicants will be notified of their admission decision by late-February or early March. If you are admitted, you will be able to see that you have been recommended for admission via the online Wolverine Access web application status portal. Decision letters are sent via email. Any merit scholarship award decisions made by the Architecture Program will be noted in the letter of admission.
When do I need to enter my decision?
April 15th. Students choosing to accept admission to the Master of Urban Design must pay a $500 enrollment deposit. Payment may be completed online by echeck through Wolverine Access, credit card, or in the form of a check or money order (in US dollars) made payable to University of Michigan. This deposit reserves your space in the program. The $500 payment will be credited to your student account and applied toward your tuition.
Are there any resources available for International Students to support with questions related to visa application, health insurance or Life in Ann Arbor?
Yes. The Website of the International Center at the University of Michigan offers helpful resources for incoming international students related to topics such as Immigration and Visas, Health Insurance and Housing or Local Transportation.
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