Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Science, Advanced Urban Design program (M.S. AUD) is a post-professional degree that prepares graduates to engage with pressing urban, environmental, and social issues through the tools of design. The program is based in New York City and offers a specialized course of study at the intersection of urban systems, ecologies, technologies, and data.

Program Details

The M.S. AUD program is directed by Jesse LeCavalier and supported by faculty active in New York City and at the Gensler Family AAP NYC Center. Current and recent faculty include Vishaan Chakrabarti, author of A Country of Cities and founder of PAU; Damon Rich, MacArthur Fellow and cofounder of Hector; Jae Shin, Rose Fellow and Hector cofounder; Shachi Pandey, founder of MUD Workshop. Students have rich elective offerings at Cornell AAP NYC. Recent instructors include Peter Eisenman, Cynthia Davidson, James Lowder, Gina Morrow, Jessica Ngan, and others.

Admission Criteria

This intensive design research program in urbanism is open to individuals holding a professional Bachelor of Architecture degree, a professional Master of Architecture degree, or a professional degree in adjacent design fields (e.g., M.L.A., M.U.D). Students with professional or terminal degrees in related design fields (e.g., M.F.A.) will also be considered.

Research Areas

Students with design and research interests related to urban design, urban sustainability, infrastructure systems, community engagement, visualization, and data are encouraged to apply to the M.S. AUD program.

Program Structure

The M.S. AUD program is designated as a STEM program in Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology (CIP code 04.0902), making international graduates eligible to extend their F-1 visas for up to three years to work in the United States.

Curriculum and Requirements

• M.S. AUD Curriculum and Requirements
• M.S. AUD Policies and Rules

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be agents of urban change, equipped with advanced skills and with expanded knowledge to apply those skills in meaningful ways. Participants in the program deepen their understanding of a range of conceptual topics while developing abilities to uncover, visualize, and translate data into designs of material, spatial, and experiential consequence. The program supports citizen-urbanists interested in making a difference through design in pursuit of new forms of engaged spatial practice.