Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Planning Program

The Master of Planning program is a discipline that broadly encompasses the organization and development of cities and regions in a sustainable manner, economically, socially, and environmentally. Planners work on various projects, including developing urban design guidelines, reviewing development proposals, and creating community grants programs. The profession is regulated by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and its provincial affiliates, similar to engineering and architecture.

Program Overview

The Master of Planning (MPlan) program is an accredited program through the Professional Standards Board for the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP). The program consists of two academic years, including five terms: Fall and Winter course-based terms in the first year, a summer co-op work-term, and Fall and Winter course-based terms in the second year.

Program Structure

• The program is designed to be completed in two years.
• It includes a co-op term, which is a paid work-term with a minimum of 500 hours during the summer between the first and second school year.
• Some students may continue working part-time with the co-op employer after the summer.

Admission Requirements

• The number of students accepted into the program varies from year to year, but on average, about 25 students are accepted.
• Applicants do not need a Planning undergraduate degree to qualify for entrance into the MPlan program.
• The program accepts four-year bachelor's degrees in a wide range of disciplines.
• The skillsets and preparedness of applicants are assessed based on their previous degree, work experience, and other life experiences.

Eligibility

• Typical students have backgrounds more traditionally aligned with planning, such as geography, political science, sociology, architecture, and public health.
• However, students with backgrounds in other disciplines, such as English, Music, and History, are also eligible.

Tuition Fees

• The cost of the MPlan program for Canadian and International students is available upon request.
• International applicants are required to submit an official financial statement demonstrating their financial capacity to support themselves for the duration of their study.

Financial Assistance

• A limited number of departmental scholarships are available to MPlan students.
• Some students with high academic achievements may be offered a small amount of entrance scholarship by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
• Graduate students may also be employed as teaching assistants and research assistants.

Research and Projects

• The MPlan program is not thesis-based, but students conduct an independent project, which is similar to a thesis but allows for more practice-oriented research.
• The program has two Master's level degree programs: MPlan and MPS, with MPS being thesis-based and geared towards professional planners or students who want to deepen their understanding of planning practices and theories through extensive research.

English Language Requirements

• There is a minimum English Language test score required for applicants to the MPlan program.
• The program does not accept students whose language scores are below the required level, and it does not offer conditional admission based on future test scores.

Program Start and Study Options

• The program starts in the Fall, and students must take the first set of required courses in the Fall of the first school year.
• The program is intensive, and most students dedicate their full-time to the program of study.
• Students who wish to take the program on a part-time basis should discuss options with the School.