Master of City Design

Design image with railroad tracks, trees, buildings, and a grid at the bottom.
The Master of City Design (MCD) is a 10-month intensive graduate degree focusing on the built environment and addressing pressing racial, spatial, and climatic inequality issues. Hands-on field-based studio learning provides immersive exposure to integrated, interdisciplinary design approaches and professional practice in urban places across Chicago. Our diverse and interdisciplinary curriculum integrates urban design with climate science, community economic development, environmental planning, public policy, and transportation equity.

April MCD Info Session for Prospective Students

Student in an orange shirt at a table displaying design maps of a neighborhood with community members at the table as well.
Community driven design
Collaborative and immersive learning through field-based studios, design charrettes, and engagement with local place-based organizations, design and planning firms, and civic partners.
Topographical map of area south west of Lake Michigan.
Ecological systems change and climate justice
MCD students research strategies that reestablish healthy urban ecosystems and habitats, reconnect fragmented prairies and waterways, and pursue a balance of humans and nature.
A computer illustration of an outdoor community park like area with people walking on trails and sitting on cement benches on a fall day.
Affordable housing and inclusive communities
The MCD curriculum examines the affordable housing crisis and offers design and policy solutions for healthy and inclusive communities, collective land ownership, community wealth building, equitable transit oriented development, and development without displacement.
architectural drawing of large buildings surrounded by trees
Reparative planning
MCD approaches critical urban issues of racial and spatial inequality through a reparative lens that aims to redress harm of racist planning practices through racial equity, redistributive and just city design, spatial reparations, and cultural inclusion and curation.

Download the PDF MCD View Book.

May 26 2025

Memorial Day. Offices Closed. No Classes.

Monday, 12:00 am–11:59 pm
Jun 6 2025

Sparky’s Summer Kickoff

Friday, 6:00 pm–8:00 pm
SCE Millennium Lanes
Jun 19 2025

UIC Celebrates Juneteenth. Offices Closed, No Classes

Thursday, 12:00 am–11:59 pm