M.U.R.P. Masters of Urban and Regional Planning

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.R.P. program have diverse career prospects in the field of urban and regional planning.  

1. Urban and Regional Planner: Graduates can work as professional planners in government agencies, regional planning organizations, or consulting firms. They may be involved in land use planning, transportation planning, environmental planning, or community development initiatives.

2. Community and Economic Development Specialist: Graduates can pursue careers in community development organizations, non-profit agencies, or economic development departments. They may focus on revitalizing neighborhoods, promoting affordable housing, supporting small businesses, or attracting investment to local communities.

3. Environmental Planner: Graduates with an interest in environmental sustainability can work as environmental planners in government agencies, environmental advocacy organizations, or consulting firms. They may address issues related to environmental impact assessment, green infrastructure planning, or climate change mitigation.

4. Transportation Planner: Graduates can specialize in transportation planning, working on projects related to transit systems, bicycle and pedestrian planning, traffic management, or transportation policy development. They may find opportunities in government agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, or transportation consulting firms.

5. Land Use and Zoning Specialist: Graduates can work in land use and zoning departments, helping communities make informed decisions about land development, zoning regulations, and growth management. They may analyze development proposals, conduct environmental reviews, and engage in public participation processes.

6. Research and Policy Analyst: Graduates interested in research and policy analysis can work in think tanks, research institutions, or government agencies. They may contribute to research projects, policy development, or program evaluation related to urban and regional planning.

7. Consultant or Planning Entrepreneur: Graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit can establish their own planning consulting firms or work as independent planning consultants. They may provide specialized services such as strategic planning, sustainability consulting, or community engagement.

The M.U.R.P. program at the University of Colorado Denver equips students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities required for a successful career in urban and regional planning. The program's interdisciplinary curriculum, studio projects, community engagement, technology integration, and emphasis on policy analysis prepare graduates for diverse roles in government agencies, regional planning organizations, non-profit organizations, consulting firms, and research institutions.