Application and Admission Dates
The MUP program accepts applications once per year. All students begin in the fall. The system opens on September 15. Applicants who seek priority consideration for departmental, merit-based financial assistance should submit their application no later than December 15. All other applicants should submit no later than January 15.
- September 15: Graduate College Online Application System opens
- December 15: Deadline for applicants who seek departmental, merit-based financial assistance
- January 15: Deadline for all other applicants
Getting Started with Your MUP Application
- Submit an Online Application
Applicants to the MUP program should submit the Graduate College Application for Admission online along with the application fee (see Graduate College page regarding application fee waivers). We also require that you upload a resume, statement of purpose, recommendations, and transcripts. International applicants have additional requirements (discussed below).
- Resume
Your resume should look clean and professional. List all relevant experience with month and year.
- Statement of Purpose
The admissions committee places strong emphasis on the statement of purpose. Applicants should discuss their backgrounds, work experience, and professional goals—and how our program will enhance those goals. The statement of purpose should be no longer than 1,000 words.
- Recommendations
Use the online system to request three recommendation letters. Your references will submit recommendations online. If you have issues with the online system, ask your references to email their letters to Jennifer Kowalski. They should include your full name and the program to which you are applying.
- Transcripts
Upload transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions to the online application system. We require additional English translations.
- GRE Scores
As of Fall 2022, the department does not require and does not accept GRE scores as part of the MUP application. Any GRE scores submitted to the application system will not be considered during the application review process.
- International Applicants
Proof of Language Proficiency for Non-Native English Speakers: Submit TOEFL or IELTS scores with your online application. Send official scores to institutional code 1836 (we do not use department codes). Please see this page for the latest information.
For admission purposes, you may be exempt from the TOEFL requirement. However, please be aware that if you want to be considered for departmental funding, we ask that you demonstrate oral English proficiency prior to campus arrival via TOEFL or IELTS exams.
Proof of Financial Resources: International applicants submit proof of financial resources via the online application system.
International applicants can find useful resources for navigating the admissions and enrollment process through International Student and Scholar Services.
Joint Program Applicants
Joint Program Applicants
If you are applying for one of MUP’s joint programs, confirm that you satisfy all requirements for the second program. Follow the joint program instructions in the online application system. For the MUP/MARCH program, submit portfolios directly to the School of Architecture.
4+1 Program Admissions
4+1 Program Admissions
The 4+1 program allows for students completing the BAUSP degree in the Department to complete the MUP on an accelerated timeline. To learn more about this program and how to apply, see here.
The BSSD/MUP 4+1 program allows students completing the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design (BSSD) degree to complete the Master of Urban Planning (MUP) on an accelerated timeline. To learn more about this program and how to apply, see here.
Post-Submission Process
Post-Submission Process
After submitting, our department reviews your application for missing information and notifies you if we need additional materials.
The MUP Admissions Committee will review complete applications. They will share decisions regarding admission and merit-based financial aid by the end of February. The department invites admitted students to an Admitted Student Open House in early March.
Admitted applicants must notify the department of their decision to attend no later than April 15.
Questions?
We encourage you to reach out to:
Professor Andrew Greenlee
Department of Urban and Regional Planning
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
111 Temple Buell Hall, 611 E Lorado Taft Dr, Champaign, IL 61820
E-mail: agreen4@illinois.edu
Or
Jennifer Kowalski
Department of Urban and Regional Planning
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
111 Temple Buell Hall, 611 E Lorado Taft Dr, Champaign, IL 61820
E-mail: jakowal@illinois.edu