Hunter College, City University of New York

Program Overview

Hunter College is proud to recruit its inaugural cohort for its new Master of Urban Planning (MUP) Online program, which will launch in Fall 2026. 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.

Our online curriculum mirrors the strengths of Hunter’s accredited, in-person program while offering the convenience of a 100% 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.

Why pursue the MUP Online program at Hunter College?

• 100% Synchronous – Fully synchronous online classes enable students to have real-time discussions and build relationships with professors and peers.
• Affordable – With a total program cost of $22,560 for in-state students and $27,120 for out-of-state students for the entire degree, Hunter is one of the most affordable online Master of Urban Planning programs in the country.
• Rigorous Academics – The online curriculum maintains the same rigorous standards of the in-person Urban Policy and Planning Program at Hunter College.
• Social Equity Focused – Founded by social advocacy planner, Paul Davidoff, social justice and equity are in the DNA of the program. In the program, students will apply planning advocacy frameworks to become advocates for neighborhoods, cities, and regions and advocate for marginalized communities.
• Seeking PAB Accreditation – We are seeking accreditation from the Planning Accreditation Board.

Curriculum

The MUP online program consists of 48 credits and can be completed in 2 years of full-time study. These courses include:

• Core Courses (18 credits)
• Concentration Courses (12 credits – see below)
• Planning Studio (6 credits)
• Unrestricted Electives (12 credits)

Areas of Concentration:
Students may choose from two concentrations in the Masters of Urban Planning online program. 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 concentration focuses on data, technology, and spatial methods for analyzing urban data and systems. Across both concentrations, courses emphasize practical, career-ready skills essential for launching a career in planning.

Admissions

The MUP Online program is currently recruiting for its Fall 2026 cohort! Our next application review for Fall 2026 will be on June 15, 2026. Applications received after this deadline will continue to be reviewed. Applicants should submit the core application form, a personal statement, transcripts from all schools attended, and 2 letters of recommendation. The GRE is not required.

Meet Our Program Director

Jenna Davis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urban Policy and Planning and the Director of the Master of Urban Planning Online program. Prospective students to the MUP Online program are encouraged to schedule a time to meet with the Program Director to discuss the program.

Contact

Jenna Davis, Assistant Professor & Online Program Director

Mailing Address

Department of Urban Policy & Planning
Hunter College
695 Park Ave,
New York, NY 10065

Specializations

Urban Informatics
General Planning