Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Planning Program

The Master of Planning (MPlan) program is offered through the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) at the University of Guelph. This program is designed for individuals with at least two years of experience seeking to add key skills and capacities in rural planning and development.

Program Overview

The MPlan program provides the core competencies required for planning and development and facilitates flexibility to ensure students select options that build on their current skills and knowledge. The program explores the challenges and opportunities faced by rural communities to find approaches, solutions, and processes of change for rural communities. The program can be completed in 3 full-time semesters.

Program Delivery

Students may enroll in either full-time or part-time studies and may start the MPlan program in any semester. The program offers three delivery options:

• In-class on-campus learning
• Remote online learning
• Combination of in-class and remote online learning The MPlan program offers at least 1-2 online courses per semester.

Program Requirements

The MPlan program requires completion of 4.00 credits, as follows:

• 3.50 credits selected from the Rural Planning and Development course list
• Course selection will emphasize either the International or Canadian field

Career Opportunities

Sample careers that this program supports include:

• Planners with local, provincial, federal governments
• Policy and program analysts
• Consultants with Canadian and international companies
• International development agencies
• Community and economic development
• Community advocates
• Environmental/conservation planning

Funding

The MPlan program and the University of Guelph provide a series of scholarships and funding supports to graduate students. However, the MPlan program in Rural Planning and Development is predominantly a self-funded professional program. Available funding supports include:

• Entrance Scholarships
• Graduate Research Assistantships
• Graduate Teaching Assistantships
• University Scholarships

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to this program must meet the admission requirement of a baccalaureate in an honours program (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study from a recognized university or college with a minimal overall average of 70% (B-) in the last four semesters or 16 to 20 credits (typically the last 2 years) of study. In addition, applicants must meet one of the following two requirements:

• Obtained 2-3 years of relevant experience
• Generated from a professional program, such as but not limited to, in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or Engineering

Application Process

Application to this program is similar to the process of a job application. Applicants must provide:

• Transcripts from any institution where they have earned (or will earn) a degree
• Minimum B- admission average
• Two referee assessments
• A statement of interest in the program and/or career goals
• A current resume that gives a profile of their educational achievements, professional experiences, and voluntary experiences

Application Deadlines

• Domestic Application Deadlines:
  • September start: Apply by May 31st
  • January start: Apply by September 30th
  • May start: Apply by January 31st
• International Application Deadlines:
  • September start: Apply by April 15th
  • January start: Apply by May 15th
  • May start: Apply by September 15th

Information for International Students

International students are encouraged to apply eight weeks in advance of the posted deadlines to allow sufficient time to arrange any necessary documentation. If the first language is not English, an official English Testing score from an acceptable source is required.