Eligibility
We admit students from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds. While many of our students hold an undergraduate degree in the social sciences that is directly relevant to studying cities, including geography, political science, economics, sociology, and anthropology, we have also admitted students with academic backgrounds in the humanities, sciences, engineering, and fine arts, especially when they have urban-related academic, professional, or community-based experience.
Admission decisions will be based on candidates' undergraduate grades, their résumé/c.v., a one-page statement of interest in the program, and three letters of reference. Candidates' academic achievement, their urban-related professional and/or community experience, and the strength of their one-page statement are all considered by the admissions committee. An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 is required for application. Given the substantial demand for admission to our program, admission is competitive, with successful M.Urb applicants possessing a substantially higher GPA than the minimum requirement. Competition for our Graduate Diploma in Urban Studies is less intense and can offer a stepping stone for applicants who would not be successful in their M.Urb application.
Applicants whose post-secondary degree(s) have been awarded in a nation where English is not an official language must meet or exceed the minimum satisfactory score on a standardized English test acceptable to the University. The minimum scores and acceptable tests for graduate admission are available in the University Calendar. This requirement applies irrespective of the language(s) used in instruction at the applicant's university.
More information on how to submit an application.