What Is the Environment and Sustainability + Urban and Regional Planning Degree?
The MS/MURP dual degree is a formally structured program that combines an MS in Environment and Sustainability from SEAS with a MURP from the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. It allows students to study natural resources and environmental management alongside urban and regional planning.
Who Should Apply?
This program is a strong fit for students interested in planning, land use, environmental planning, housing, community development and sustainability-focused public decision-making. It is especially relevant for applicants who want to connect environmental management with urban planning practice.
What Will You Study?
Students complete core coursework in both schools and may choose focus areas such as land use and environmental planning, physical planning and design, housing, community and economic development, sustainable systems, or environmental policy and planning. The program also includes applied, integrative work through SEAS’ capstone requirement and Taubman’s Urban and Regional Planning capstone studio, with some projects able to satisfy requirements in both programs if they meet the topic and sequencing conditions.
How Long Does It Take—and How Does It Work?
The dual degree is designed to be completed in three years, or six full-time semesters. It is a 75-credit-hour program, with 15 credits double-counted. This reduces the total number of credits required compared with completing the two degrees separately. Students normally spend one full year in each school during the first two years, then take a mix of courses from both schools in the third year.
How Does This Compare to Getting the Degrees Separately?
Separately, the SEAS MS is a 42-credit-hour program and the MURP is a 48-credit-hour program, for a combined total of 90 credits. The dual degree reduces the total number of credits to 75 through permitted double counting, while still requiring students to meet the core requirements of both programs.
Signature Experiences at SEAS + Taubman
Students complete an applied capstone experience that may take the form of a SEAS master’s project or a Taubman planning studio. In some cases, one can satisfy the other when the topic and sequencing requirements are met. This gives the dual degree a practical, project-based focus that connects environmental sustainability with urban and regional planning.
How to Apply
Applicants must be admitted separately and independently to both SEAS and the Urban and Regional Planning program at Taubman. Students may apply to both programs at the same time, or apply to the second program after already being enrolled in the first. Graduates of one program may apply for dual-degree status in the other for up to five years after completing the first degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum credit requirements in each school?
Students must complete at least 25 SEAS credits and 30 Urban and Regional Planning credits. They must also complete the core requirements for both degrees.
Do I need to complete both programs’ core requirements?
Yes. Students must complete the required core courses for both degrees. Some approved courses may count toward both programs.
Can my capstone count toward both degrees?
The SEAS Capstone and Urban and Regional Planning capstone may overlap when the project meets both programs’ subject and sequencing requirements.
Are there shared courses?
URP 509 and EAS 570 are interchangeable, as are URP 520 and EAS 531. These course pairs may count toward both the MS and MURP degree requirements.
Can I complete the program part-time?
The program is designed as a full-time, three-year course of study. Contact SEAS and Taubman Admissions to discuss individual scheduling questions.
What careers does the program support?
Graduates pursue work at the intersection of sustainability and planning. Career paths may include climate resilience planning, environmental policy, land-use planning, community development, environmental justice, and public-sector or nonprofit leadership.
Who should I contact with questions?
Contact SEAS Graduate Admissions for questions about the MS degree. Contact Taubman College Urban and Regional Planning Admissions for questions about the MURP degree, admissions process or course requirements.