University of Miami

Want to shape cities that can thrive in a changing climate? The Master of Urban Sustainability and Resilience program at the University of Miami combines the strengths of the Department of Geography and Sustainable Development and the School of Architecture in a truly interdisciplinary curriculum. 

Our program uniquely integrates urban planning, design thinking, policy innovation, and emerging technologies to address complex urban and environmental challenges. We go beyond conventional planning methods, using scenario modeling, forecasting, and iterative design simulations to explore how communities, land use, and infrastructure systems can adapt to the realities of global climate change. 

Come, study with us in Miami—one of the world’s most dynamic urban development hubs—and at the forefront of climate change impacts. Leverage the serene frontline coastal setting of Miami and the broader Gulf Coast region as a living lab to design sustainable and resilient solutions for the future. 

With over 100 years of leadership in architecture and planning education, and as the seat of the New Urbanism and Smart Growth movements, the University of Miami provides an unparalleled environment for studying futuristic and trend-setting urban planning concepts and solutions. 

OUR STRENGTHS

• Fast-Track Program

Complete this 30-credit master’s degree in just 12 to 18 months—an accelerated, flexible program designed for working professionals and students ready to launch their careers faster.

• Small Student-to-Faculty Ratio

With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the smallest among peer institutions, we provide students with a personalized learning environment, direct mentorship, deeper engagement, and a strong sense of community.  

• Scholarships and Graduate Assistantships

We offer generous tuition waivers and research assistantships to deserving candidates, making graduate study affordable while providing valuable hands-on experience in applied research. 

• Unbeatable Miami Location

Study in the heart of Miami—a vibrant, picturesque coastal metropolis at the crossroads of the Americas—where booming real estate, creative industries, finance, and climate tech ecosystem create unmatched opportunities for growth and innovation.

• Interdisciplinary Learning Environment

Students in the MUSR program gain access to a wide range of courses across the Schools of Architecture, Geography & Sustainable Development, Marine & Atmospheric Sciences, Ecosystem Science & Policy, Data Sciences, and Global Health—building strong interdisciplinary skills to tackle complex urban challenges.

• Prestige and Recognition

A member of the elite Association of American Universities (AAU) and ranked on The Princeton Review’s 2026 Green Honor Roll, the University of Miami stands out for its excellence in sustainability education and environmental leadership.

Research Opportunities 

The MUSR program offers exceptional research and professional development opportunities for our students. Most of our students actively participate in funded projects as graduate research assistants, including those supported by the National Science Foundation, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Institute of Health. This research experience prepares the future leaders in the planning profession. 

At the core of our research agenda is a commitment to addressing the pressing challenges facing cities in the face of climate change. Through a systems-based approach, we examine the complex interactions between urban infrastructures, land use, and ecosystems, aiming to develop inclusive, data-driven strategies that promote sustainable growth, environmental justice, and social equity. By partnering with local governments, businesses, and community organizations, we ensure that our research translates into actionable insights and real-world impact.

Our faculty and students work collaboratively across the following centers and initiatives:

• Climate Resilience Institute
• Center for Urban and Community Design
• Resilient Smart Cities Planning Lab
• Global Environmental Health Research Group
• Coastal Resilience (CoRe) Lab 

Professional Internships and Career Development

Students enrolled in the MUSR program are provided with a range of opportunities for professional development, including paid internships and conference travel grants. Professional internships are prioritized for students who want to gain industry experience, mentorships, and build their resume while pursuing graduate courses. Our students have secured internships in leading organizations, including Miami-Dade County, the Knight Foundation, the City of Miami, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Planning & Building Inc., and the UM Office of Civic & Community Engagement. 

The program also offers a flexible career development grant to support students participating in national and international conferences, workshops, and design competitions. This fund can also be used for participating in Study Abroad programs (South Africa and Rome being the most popular), which incorporate components of professional development and urban international exposure. 

MUSR students work closely with the Miami-Dade County Planning Department 

MUSR students explore climate-adaptive master planning at DPZ CoDesign Studio

Life at UMiami

Set one foot on campus and you’ll feel it—a vibe that celebrates life, learning, and daily activities that are anything but routine. Capitalizing on glorious weather, sprawling green campus, and proximity to pristine beaches, nightlife, and two national parks, the University of Miami offers students an unparalleled academic environment, enrichment activities galore, sports and cultural offerings, wellness and fitness programs, and endless opportunities to explore, engage, and better the community and the world. 

When you have places like Miami South Beach, Wynwood Arts District, Brickell Downtown, Little Havana, and the Everglades National Park within a few miles from campus, you can embrace urban living while studying, indulge in new experiences every day, and use the city as a living lab.

Come, experience us at the U.