Candidates for admission to the degree program are selected on the basis of academic transcripts, academic and professional references, and a statement of intent. The statement of intent should clearly outline the applicant’s interest and aspirations in the field. Applicants with an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) lower than 3.0 are encouraged to submit additional information to demonstrate their capacity to succeed in graduate school.

International students are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-Based Test (iBT). A minimum score of 100 is required for admission, though the minimum score may be lower for some admission cycles, depending on the average score of the applicant pool. Suggested scores in each section are as follows: Reading—25; Listening—25; Speaking—25; and Writing—25. International applicants are also urged to submit their Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, although these are not formally required.

There are no fixed application deadlines. The program allows for students to submit applications on a rolling basis, although all students are encouraged to submit a complete application no less than one month prior to the start of the semester in which they desire to commence studies. Admission decisions are announced promptly, pending receipt of all application materials.

The Master of City Planning (MCP) at Boston University’s Metropolitan College prepares students for a wide variety of professional roles in urban planning and management, including as city planners, city managers, community development directors, research analysts, and policy experts in federal, state, and local governments; nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations; corporations; and research institutions.

During the course of their study, MCP students can specialize in an array of complex issues and policy areas that include: environmental sustainability, land use, housing, and community development; infrastructure planning; public finance, transportation planning; and energy, climate, and urban design. The MCP is a professional graduate degree intended for those pursuing careers in planning-related fields, and can be completed within three semesters of full-time study. Students can also complete the degree on a part-time basis. All classes are generally offered during evening hours to ensure flexibility.