Apply to the
Master of Urban Technology
Admissions Overview
We’re looking for people who believe that a radically better built environment is not just a question of design ability but also requires sharp focus on how the work of architecture, urban planning, urban design, and real estate and operations are reimagined for the AI-era. If you’ve spent time working in one of these fields and found yourself asking why change, you’re exactly who we have in mind.
Most of our students arrive with 3-5+ years of professional experience. They understand the complexity, the inertia, and the caution that often characterize the industry, and they’re determined to find a better way forward. Others come directly after completing a professional degree (master of architecture, urban planning, or urban design, or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field), and are eager to understand what it really takes to bring transformative businesses and projects to life.
The Master of Urban Technology degree is a three-term degree offered 100% in the City of Detroit at the University of Michigan’s Center for Innovation (UMCI). No classes for this degree are expected to be taught in Ann Arbor.
Recommended Background Knowledge
We welcome students from all disciplines with rigorous academic training and a passion for systems challenges and innovation in the built environment. Applicants are recommended to have familiarity with:
- Design process (such as in studio courses or design sprints)
- Statistics
- Finance
The admissions committee may choose to recommend optional online learning opportunities to supplement your knowledge based on your undergraduate transcript and professional experience.
Apply
The application fee for U.S. Citizens or permanent residents is $75 (U.S.D.). The fee for international students is $90 (U.S.D.). The application fee is paid online, via credit card, before the application is submitted.
The online application for admission will open by early September 2026.
Admissions and Aid Timeline
While there are 3 application for admission deadlines for this degree, we recommend that all applicants apply by December 15 to maximize their consideration for merit scholarships.
| Early Action Deadline 1 Recommended | Regular Decision Deadline 2 | Regular Decision Deadline 3 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Deadline to Apply for Admission | December 15 | February 15 | April 15 |
| Scholarships Eligibility | Priority Consideration for Scholarships | Eligible | Eligible |
| Recommended FAFSA Filing Deadline Domestic Students only | March 1 | March 1 | March 1 |
| Expected Date for Release of Admission Decisions | Mid January | Mid March | Mid May |
| Enrollment Deposit Deadline | April 15 | April 15 | June 1 |
Minimum Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better.
- (Students with GPAs below 3.0 may still apply, as we consider the full range of your academic experiences, professional accomplishments, and personal circumstances in our holistic review process.)
- All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
Required Information
Essay
We are looking for two elements in candidates for the Master of Urban Technology degree: a clear-eyed understanding of why meaningful change in the built environment is difficult, and a sense of the role you want to play in driving it. Consider the following provocation:
The built environment does not lack critics; it lacks protagonists.
In 600 words or fewer, respond to this claim. You might agree, disagree, or complicate it. You might draw on your own professional experience, a project you’ve witnessed or participated in, a company or initiative that has shaped your thinking, or a persistent challenge in the built environment that demands attention.
Resume
A good curriculum vitae or resume will give us another view of who you are and elaborate 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, groups or organizations you are involved in, programming languages or other computer/technical skills you have and any community involvement or volunteer work that you do.
Transcripts
Applicants will scan and upload an unofficial transcript or certified credentials 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
Two (2) letters of recommendation are required and should testify to your academic and/or professional capacity and promise. Letters of recommendation may come from current/previous supervisors and/or faculty from the educational institution where you received your highest degree.
Test Scores Not Required
No GRE test scores are required.
Possible Virtual Interview
Select applicants may be invited for a virtual interview as part of the admissions process.
English Proficiency Requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency unless they meet one of the criteria for an exemption listed below. Please contact one of the testing agencies shown in the following chart and have an official score report sent to the University of Michigan at least 6-8 weeks prior to the application deadline. The scores must be received from the testing agency no later than the application deadline. Language test scores are valid two years from the test date. Photocopies and/or faxes of English proficiency scores will not be accepted. Please take note the minimum requirement is: 95 iBT.
| 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 | Before January 21, 2026 = 95 January 21, 2026 and after = 4.5 | 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. |
| MET | Michigan Language Assessments | Yes | 4-Skill test; minimum Overall score = 59 | Scores are mailed directly to Taubman College from the testing agency. Mailing address: Taubman College Admissions, 2000 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 |
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.
Taubman College Fee Waivers
Taubman College is able to provide support to a limited number of Master of Urban Technology applicants. We offer waivers of the required application fee, upon request, to U.S. citizens and U.S. 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 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.
In certain circumstances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver administered by Taubman College.
- Review our list of fee waiver types administered by Taubman College, along with their criteria. If you do not qualify for a fee waiver, you will be required to pay the application fee at the time you submit your application.
- If eligible, only one fee waiver per applicant.
- Taubman College has a limited number of fee waivers, therefore requests are on a first come first serve basis.
National Organizations Affiliation Fee Waiver
Requirements for Eligibility
- You must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- You must be a member of one of the following organizations:
- Current Volunteer with Vista/Peace Corps or AmeriCorps
- Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair)
- National Organization Minority Architects (NOMA)
Instructions
- Request an official verification document or letter from the organization before you are ready to submit your application.
- Email the official verification document (proof of membership) to taubmancollegeadmissions@umich.edu. Do not mail or fax.
Need Based Waivers
Enrolled Undergraduate Senior or Graduate Student Currently Receiving Federal Financial Aid from a U.S. College or University.
Requirements for Eligibility
- You must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- An enrolled/current undergraduate college senior or graduate student currently receiving financial aid from an institution in the United States, Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.
- Student Aid Index listed on the FAFSA Submission Summary is $0 or a negative number. The Student Aid Index is provided after the FAFSA is submitted.
Instructions
- Email a copy of your FAFSA Submission Summary to taubmancollegeadmissions@umich.edu. Do not mail or fax the proof of eligibility to Taubman College Admissions.
- After your FAFSA form is submitted and processed, you can find the FAFSA Submission Summary on the Dashboard of your StudentAid.gov account.
American Indian and Alaskan Native
Requirements for Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Your race must be American Indian or Alaskan Native
Instructions
For more information, email Taubman College Admissions at taubmancollegeadmissions@umich.edu.
Undocumented or DACAmented Students
Requirements for Eligibility
- Applicant has Undocumented or DACAmented immigrant status.
Instructions
For more information, email Taubman College Admissions at taubmancollegeadmissions@umich.edu.
Holistic Review Process
The Value of Holistic Review of Application
Applicants to Taubman College are reviewed holistically by considering a combination of each applicant’s talents, interests, passions, experiences, and skills. Our evaluations look beyond grades to admit the most dynamic and talented group of students possible. A wide variety of backgrounds, intellectual passions, and interests make up the typical applicant. What they share is a drive to pursue academic excellence in a challenging and rewarding learning environment.
Factors we Consider in the Holistic Review Process
We know that great variation exists among our applicants’ personal circumstances, home communities, and undergraduate institutions. As a result, our admissions process considers all aspects of the applicant’s record and experience. We do not admit solely on the basis of any single criterion. Rather, we value the whole record — excellent grades in rigorous courses, participation in extracurricular activities, evidence of leadership, awards, and service.
International Student Information
Since U-M is not yet approved to issue I-20s for the M.U.T. degree program, prospective students requiring an I-20 for the F-1 international student visa are not eligible to apply to the M.U.T. program at this time. Domestic students and non-U.S. citizens who do not plan to study in F-1 status remain eligible to apply to the program for Fall 2027. We hope to welcome F-1 international students to the M.U.T. program once approval is in place, and we will update our online materials accordingly. Sign up to be notified when this changes.
Undocumented and DACAmented Students
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.
Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning is committed to supporting undocumented and DACAmented graduate students.
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 includes 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. Staff strive 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
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 early March. Notification letters will be sent via email. Any merit scholarship award decisions made by the Urban Technology Program will be noted in the letter of admission.
Enrollment Deposit Requirement
Students choosing to accept admission to the Master of Urban Technology 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.
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