For those who envision our future communities

Shape communities with Tufts’ graduate-level urban planning programs.

  • Combine policy research with real-world community development.

  • Choose from MA, MS, and specialized GIS or Spatial Analytics certificates.

  • Tufts is among the top 10 Graduate Urban Planning Programs according to Planetizen, an independent platform about planning.

  • No GRE is required, and generous merit- and need-based scholarships are available.

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At a Glance

PROGRAMS

MA in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning

MS in Environmental Policy Planning 

MS in Environmental Economics and Urban Planning 

Certificate in Geographic Information Science

Certificate in Spatial Data Analytics

 

ENTRY TERMS 

Spring, fall 

APPLY BY

Master's  

Priority fall: January 15, Regular fall: April 15

Priority spring: October 1, Regular spring: December 1 

See Certificate deadlines below

 

REQUIREMENTS 
No GRE required.

 

Financial Aid 
Generous scholarships are available.

Take the next step in your planning or policy career with a graduate degree or certificate from Tufts University.

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Turn Your Vision of Justice and Sustainability Into Practice

Whether you are shaping environmental policy, advancing social justice, or leveraging spatial data analytics, you’ll build the technical and practical skills to drive systemic change.  

Real-World Experience

Engage in hands-on field projects and internships with local municipalities, advocacy groups, and nonprofits across Greater Boston. 

World-Class Faculty

Work closely with faculty who are a diverse mix of scholars, change agents, and seasoned practitioners actively engaged in research and practice. 

Generous Support

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers merit- and need-based tuition scholarships for qualified, full-time applicants to our master’s degree programs, boosting the overall return on investment of your degree. 

By the Numbers

94%

overall satisfaction with Tufts graduate program

8%

projected growth for social and community service managers from 2021 to 2033.

130,000+

active Tufts University alumni connecting you to opportunities nationwide.

Tufts Urban Planning and Environmental Policy Graduate Degree Programs

Explore your options at Tufts and discover the next step in your career. 

Filter by Degree Type

Master of Arts in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning

A comprehensive master's degree program combining policy analysis, urban planning practice, and field projects. 

Entry Term: Spring, fall 
Apply By: Priority fall: January 15  
Regular fall: April 15  

Master of Science in Environmental Policy Planning

A graduate program focusing on environmental policy, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management. 
 
Entry Term: Spring, fall 
Apply By: Priority fall: January 15  
Regular fall: April 15 

Master of Science in Environmental Economics and Urban Planning

A joint master’s program blending quantitative economic analysis with professional urban planning credentials to tackle real-world environmental challenges. 
 
Entry Term: Spring, fall 
Apply By: Priority fall: January 15  
Regular fall: April 15  

Certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIS)

A credential providing essential skills in spatial analysis, mapping, and GIS technology. 
 
Entry Term: Spring, fall 
Apply By: Regular fall: May 15  
Priority spring: October 15  
Regular spring: December 1  

Certificate in Spatial Data Analytics

An advanced technical certificate combining spatial statistics and data science for urban and environmental decision-making. 
 
Entry Term: Spring, fall 
Apply By: Regular fall: May 15  
Priority spring: October 15  
Regular spring: December 1
 

Picture Yourself as a Graduate Student at Tufts

Who is This Program For?

The first step in your graduate school journey is choosing the right program. We’re here to make it easy to determine which path at Tufts is right for you. 

Master of Arts in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning

Ideal for prospective students seeking an accredited, comprehensive planning and policy degree focused on social justice, community development, and sustainability. 
 
  • Gain hands-on experience through a required Field Projects course, which includes working directly with community clients. 

  • Deepen your expertise in housing, transportation, economic development, environmental justice, and municipal planning. 

  • Prepare for leadership roles in local government, nonprofits, urban planning, and advocacy. 

 

Master of Science Environmental Policy Planning

Designed for professionals and scholars with a strong background in environmental science, policy, or engineering seeking advanced policy analysis skills. 
 
  • Bridge scientific inquiry with policy implementation and environmental management strategies. 

  • Collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge research in climate resilience, energy, and sustainability.  

  • Work with a faculty advisor to develop a coursework track and a thesis or capstone exam that focuses on your interests. 

Master of Science Environmental Economics and Urban Planning

Ideal for data-minded students who want to blend economic policy and urban planning to address critical environmental challenges. 
 
  • Develop a quantitative and analytical skill set to evaluate sustainability, climate change, transportation, and land-use policies. 

  • Earn a joint degree offered by the Department of Economics and the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning (UEP). 

  • Enhance your job market prospects and step into impactful roles across public policy, environmental advocacy, and applied economics.

Certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIS)

A flexible credential for professionals looking to master spatial analysis and cartographic design for urban and environmental applications. 
 
  • Develop technical expertise in industry-standard GIS software and spatial modeling. 

  • Apply spatial analysis tools directly to real-world planning, policy, and environmental challenges. 

  • Complete in three to four semesters with courses offered in the evenings, on weekends, and online. 

Certificate in Spatial Data Analytics 

Created for data-minded professionals who want to harness advanced spatial statistics, programming, and big data analysis for decision-making. 
 
  • Master quantitative spatial statistics, Python programming for spatial data, and web mapping.  

  • Translate complex spatial datasets into actionable policy solutions and community insights. 

  • Enhance your technical portfolio through flexible evening, weekend, and online coursework.

Hear From Our Students

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MA in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning

Jay Monty

“Tufts’ Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning (UEP) program helped transform my technical background as a civil engineer into an ability to turn transportation, development, and social policy goals into tangible and achievable projects.” 
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MA in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning

Nathalie Jean

“UEP gave me the foundation to thrive in any environment, whether it be nonprofit management, municipal government—or in my current position at a public policy and urban planning think tank.” 

What Can You Do With Your Degree?

A graduate degree or certificate from Tufts prepares you to lead across public agencies, nonprofits, urban planning consultancies, and more. 

Urban Planning and Community Development

Design equitable urban systems and lead community development initiatives across public and private sectors. 

 

Job titles include:

Urban Planner 
Transportation Policy Analyst 
Housing Program Manager 

 

Environmental Policy and Sustainability Leadership

Guide environmental governance, climate adaptation, and sustainable resource management policies. 

 

Job titles include:

Environmental Policy Specialist 
Sustainability Coordinator  
Community Organizer 

Spatial Data Analysis and GIS Consulting

Leverage spatial data analytics and GIS mapping to inform policy decisions and urban development strategies.

 

Job titles include:

GIS Analyst 
Spatial Data Consultant 
Urban Data Researcher 

The Tufts Graduate Student Community

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Our Programs

Flexible degree and certificate offerings are designed to align with your career goals in urban planning, environmental justice, and spatial analytics. 

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Our Resources

Access specialized computing labs, research centers, and the expansive academic assets of a top-ranked R1 research university. 

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Our Culture

Join a close-knit, passionate community deeply committed to social justice, civic engagement, and collaborative problem-solving. 

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Our Outcomes

Graduate with practical field project experience and connections to a vast alumni network across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. 

Frequently Asked Questions