Architecture and Urban Design
The Architecture and Urban Design Master of Science program at Columbia University is an intensive one-year degree that explores the complex relationships between architecture, urbanism, and global systems of development. Designed for individuals with a background in architecture or design-related disciplines, the program focuses on contemporary urban challenges such as climate change, housing inequality, migration, and infrastructure planning. Students engage with advanced design methods, urban theory, and policy analysis while developing speculative and practical strategies that respond to real-world spatial conditions.
Housed within the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP), the program emphasizes research-based design and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students work on team-based studio projects that span global cities and diverse urban contexts, guided by faculty with expertise in design, planning, and environmental systems. Columbia’s location in New York City provides an unmatched setting for exploring urban form, offering access to governmental bodies, research institutions, and design firms. The program is ideal for professionals seeking to expand their understanding of urban systems and to contribute to shaping more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable environments through design leadership.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Architecture and Urban Design
- Degree Type: Master of Science
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Location: Columbia University, United States
- Field of Study: Architecture
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Urban Analysis and Design Frameworks
- Urban Design Studio I
- Critical Theories of Urbanization
- Mapping, Data, and Territorial Research
- Environmental Systems and Urban Performance
Semester 2 – Strategic Design and Global Application
- Urban Design Studio II
- Infrastructure, Policy, and Public Space
- Seminar in Urban Design Methodologies
- Final Project and Public Presentation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared for influential roles in urban design firms, architecture practices, public sector planning departments, and research institutions focused on sustainable and equitable urban development. Many alumni work in international development organizations, real estate consultancies, and infrastructure agencies, contributing to projects that address housing, mobility, climate resilience, and urban equity. Others pursue roles in academia, urban think tanks, or non-governmental organizations, where they engage in policy advocacy, spatial research, or community-driven design. Columbia’s strong reputation and New York-based network give graduates direct access to leading urban design professionals and platforms that support long-term career growth both locally and globally.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers a unique blend of design innovation, urban theory, and global relevance, ideal for architects and designers seeking to expand their impact beyond buildings to cities and territories. Columbia University’s Architecture and Urban Design program combines studio rigor with critical research, enabling students to confront the environmental, social, and political forces shaping urban life. The curriculum encourages exploration of complex systems through collaborative work, immersive field analysis, and speculative design. Located in one of the world’s most dynamic urban centers, the program connects students to real-time urban transformations and a vibrant professional ecosystem. For those aiming to lead transformative urban projects and contribute to shaping equitable urban futures, this program provides both the vision and the foundation to do so.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 212 854 1754
Email: admissions@columbia.edu
Address: University of Columbia, Admissions Office, New York, NY, United States
