M.A. in Art History
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) program in A...
Master of City Design (MCD)
Chicago, Illinois
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The Master of City Design (MCD) program at UIC focuses on addressing the complex challenges of urbanization and urban development. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of urban design principles, sustainable development, and community engagement. The program emphasizes the integration of social, economic, and environmental considerations in urban design practice.
Curriculum:
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Core Courses: The MCD program offers a range of core courses that provide students with a solid foundation in urban design theory, urban planning principles, and design methodologies. These courses cover topics such as urban design theory and practice, urban planning processes, spatial analysis, urban economics, and sustainability in urban design.
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Design Studios: The curriculum includes design studio courses where students work on real-world projects and engage in hands-on design exercises. These studios provide opportunities for students to develop design proposals, collaborate with professionals and community stakeholders, and apply their knowledge to address urban design challenges. The design studios emphasize creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
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Interdisciplinary Approach: The MCD program takes an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating knowledge and perspectives from various fields such as urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, sociology, and environmental studies. This interdisciplinary approach enhances students' understanding of the complexities of urban environments and prepares them to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
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Elective Courses: Students have the flexibility to choose elective courses based on their specific interests and career goals. Elective options may include courses in sustainable design, transportation planning, historic preservation, urban informatics, public space design, and social equity in urban development. This allows students to customize their learning experience and deepen their knowledge in specific areas of city design.
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Urban Design Research: The program encourages students to engage in research projects related to urban design and planning. Through research, students have the opportunity to explore innovative design solutions, investigate urban issues, and contribute to the advancement of urban design theory and practice.
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Community Engagement: The MCD program emphasizes community engagement and participatory design approaches. Students learn how to actively involve local communities and stakeholders in the design process, fostering inclusive and sustainable urban development. This hands-on experience in community engagement enhances students' communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and understanding of the social dimensions of urban design.
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 34252
Application Fees : Waiver
Postgraduate Programs:
- Academic Qualifications: International students applying for postgraduate programs, such as master's or doctoral degrees, must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. The minimum academic requirement is a score of 60% or above in the qualifying examination.
- English Language Proficiency: The required scores are as follows:
- IELTS: A minimum overall band score of 6.5 is required, with no individual score below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 80 is required on the internet-based test (iBT).
Scholarships for International Students at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC):
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UIC Global Scholarship: The UIC Global Scholarship is available for international undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and contribute to the diversity of the university. The scholarship provides partial tuition waivers to recipients.
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Chancellor's Award Program: The Chancellor's Award Program is a merit-based scholarship offered to incoming undergraduate students at UIC. International students with outstanding academic records and achievements are eligible to apply for this competitive scholarship.
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UIC Distinguished International Merit Scholarships: The UIC Distinguished International Merit Scholarships are awarded to exceptional international undergraduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential. These scholarships cover a portion of the tuition fees.
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UIC International Tuition Waiver: International graduate students at UIC may be eligible for the International Tuition Waiver, which provides a reduction in tuition fees. The waiver is awarded based on academic merit and availability of funds.
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College-Specific Scholarships: UIC's colleges and departments offer a variety of scholarships for international students within specific academic disciplines. These scholarships are often based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and specific program requirements. Students should check with their respective college or department for available scholarship opportunities.
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External Scholarships: UIC encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities from governmental and non-governmental organizations, both in their home countries and in the United States. These scholarships may be specific to fields of study, nationalities, or other criteria. The Office of Special Scholarship Programs at UIC can provide guidance and resources for finding external scholarships.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application processes may vary each year.
Graduates of the MCD program have diverse career prospects in the field of urban design and planning. They are well-prepared for positions in both the public and private sectors, as well as non-profit organizations and consulting firms.
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Urban Designer: Work with urban planning departments, architectural firms, or design consultancies to create innovative and aesthetically pleasing urban design solutions. This role involves designing public spaces, streetscapes, and urban redevelopment projects.
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Urban Planner: Collaborate with government agencies, community organizations, and private developers to develop and implement urban planning policies and initiatives. Urban planners address issues such as land use, transportation, zoning regulations, and community development.
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Landscape Architect: Plan and design outdoor spaces, parks, and landscapes within urban environments. Landscape architects play a crucial role in creating sustainable and visually appealing green spaces that enhance the quality of life in cities.
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Sustainability Consultant: Advise organizations and government entities on sustainable urban design practices, energy efficiency, green building, and climate resilience. Sustainability consultants help integrate environmental considerations into urban development projects.
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Community Development Specialist: Work with community-based organizations and non-profit agencies to promote equitable development, community revitalization, and social inclusion. Community development specialists engage with residents and stakeholders to address community needs and implement sustainable solutions.
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Urban Researcher: Pursue research opportunities in academia, think tanks, or research institutes. Urban researchers contribute to the understanding of urban design principles, conduct policy evaluations, and explore innovative approaches to urban planning and development.
