The Urban and Community Design major at USF is a rigorous “design-based” course of study (i.e., post professional degree for design students) leading to the Master of Urban and Community Design (M.U.C.D.) degree. The major focuses on the myriad physical, functional, visual, social and sustainable circumstances in contemporary urban contexts and stresses the amassing of knowledge, and the acquisition of design, research, analytical and other practical skills. The instructional scope of the M.U.C.D. major is both broad and diverse. The major builds on previous studies in architecture or landscape architecture as the foundation for involving students in crafting design interventions across the varied spectrum of scales of urbanism from the urban street and block, up to the metropolitan region. Support courses in the program's curriculum infuse an understanding of the fundamentals of urban and community design, the historical and theoretical foundations of the discipline, the methods of research and analysis used in urban and community design, the major determinants of urban form, the evolution of urban contexts, and the different modes of contemporary urban design practice. The major invites applications from prospective students who are interested in expanding their understanding of the physical dimensions of urbanism and the morphology of urban places, and amassing the skills necessary in crafting compelling design interventions that address the human experience and physical conditions of cities, towns and communities.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum Level of Education Required: 4-Year Bachelor's Degree
• Min GPA: 77.0% Convert grades
• English Proficiency Requirements:
  For direct admission, applicant must be from an English speaking country or meet either of the following English test scores:

  • Min TOEFL iBT: 79

  • Min IELTS overall: 6.5

  • Min Duolingo English Test Score: 105

  • Min PTE overall: 53

  This program does NOT offer conditional admission
• Other test requirements: GRE Test required
  • Min GRE requirement: (Min Verbal & Quantitative combined: 297.0, Min Verbal: 153.0, Min Quantitative: 144.0)

Other fees:

• Books and Supplies Fees: $900 per year
• Health Insurance Fees: $2,403 per year
• Other Fees: $4,100 per year

* Note: Additional fees may apply
** All fees are subject to change without notice