Masters of Urban Design

The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) welcomes international students and has specific entry requirements for postgraduate programs. 

1. Academic Requirements: For admission to postgraduate programs at CU Denver, international students are typically required to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent. This corresponds to approximately 75% and above.

2. English Language Proficiency: The accepted English language proficiency tests and their minimum score requirements are as follows:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum overall score of 6.5 is generally required, with no individual band (listening, reading, writing, speaking) score falling below 6.0.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based test (iBT) is typically required.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 60 is usually required.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 110 is generally required.

The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) recognizes the importance of providing financial assistance to international students and offers various scholarships to support their education. 

1. International Freshman Scholarships: CU Denver offers scholarships specifically for international freshmen students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements. These scholarships are merit-based and awarded based on the students' high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other criteria. The university provides partial tuition scholarships, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of attending CU Denver.

2. International Merit Scholarships: CU Denver provides merit-based scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria. The amounts awarded can vary and are renewable for up to four years for undergraduate students and up to two years for graduate students, depending on the specific scholarship.

3. International First-Year Student Scholarships: CU Denver offers scholarships to international first-year students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years and provide partial tuition coverage. The university considers factors such as high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other criteria when awarding these scholarships.

4. College/School-Specific Scholarships: Many of CU Denver's colleges and schools offer scholarships specific to their respective academic disciplines. These scholarships are available to international students pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, engineering, health sciences, arts and media, and more. Eligibility criteria and award amounts vary depending on the specific scholarship and college/school.

5. Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship offered by CU Denver to a limited number of international undergraduate and graduate students. It is a highly competitive scholarship that recognizes exceptional academic achievements, leadership skills, and a commitment to global engagement. The scholarship provides significant financial support to recipients.

6. Other External Scholarships: In addition to CU Denver's scholarships, international students can explore external scholarships and funding opportunities. Various organizations, foundations, and governments offer scholarships specifically for international students studying in the United States. The university's Office of International Affairs provides resources and guidance to help students explore and apply for these external scholarships.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and award amounts may vary each year.

Graduates of the M.U.D. program have diverse career prospects in the field of urban design.  

1. Urban Design Firms: Graduates can work in urban design firms, contributing to the planning and design of urban spaces, neighborhoods, and public realms. They may hold positions such as urban designer, design consultant, or project manager.

2. Architecture and Planning Firms: Graduates can pursue opportunities in architecture and planning firms, where they can contribute to urban design projects alongside architects, planners, and landscape architects. They may work on large-scale developments, urban regeneration projects, or transportation planning initiatives.

3. Government Agencies: Graduates can work in government agencies responsible for urban planning, city departments, or urban design divisions. They may contribute to policy development, urban design guidelines, and the implementation of public realm improvements.

4. Nonprofit and Community Organizations: Graduates can work in nonprofit organizations focused on community development, social equity, or neighborhood revitalization. They may engage in community-based design initiatives, participatory planning processes, or advocacy for inclusive urban spaces.

5. Research and Academia: Graduates interested in research and academia can pursue opportunities in universities, research institutions, or think tanks. They may contribute to research projects on urban design, sustainable cities, or urban policy, and teach urban design courses.

6. Urban Development and Real Estate: Graduates can work in real estate development companies or consulting firms, where they can provide expertise on urban design strategies, placemaking, and the integration of design principles into development projects.

7. Consulting and Freelance Work: Graduates with entrepreneurial aspirations can establish their own urban design consulting firms or work as freelance designers. They may offer specialized urban design services, such as design charrettes, design guidelines, or urban design workshops.

The M.U.D. program at the University of Colorado Denver equips students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities required for a successful career in urban design. The program's interdisciplinary approach, design studios, emphasis on sustainability, community engagement, professional connections, and STEM-designation prepare graduates for diverse roles in urban design firms, architecture and planning organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, research, and academia.