The Metropolitan Design Certificate at the College of Design prepares students with the essential knowledge and understanding of urban issues within the complexities of the twenty-first-century metropolis. As traditional cities evolve in response to the increased popularity of city living, there is a growing need for professionals who can bring an integrative approach to urban design challenges.
The Metropolitan Design Certificate program is open to graduate students in the College of Design or colleges with related urban-planning or urban-studies programs. There is no additional tuition charge to complete the certificate. The certificate has been designed to allow graduate students in architecture, landscape architecture, or planning to integrate it into their existing curriculums. With adequate planning, you should be able to achieve the certificate without any additional time if you enroll during the second semester (spring) of your graduate studies. We accept applications after that point, but completing the certificate may require extra semesters.
Application deadlines
To ensure that you achieve the certificate without adding time onto your primary degree, please apply to the program during the second semester (spring) of your graduate studies. We accept applications after that point, but completing the certificate may require extra semesters.
Minimum admissions requirements
In order to be pursue the certificate, you must already be admitted to a related graduate-level degree program at the University of Minnesota.
- This certificate requires a minimum of 12 credits.
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a related field is required.
Students are held to the course requirements in place at the time of their admission. As requirements may change in the future, students should refer to their GPAS for the requirements applicable to them.
Applicants must already be accepted into a related, graduate-level degree program at the University of Minnesota.
The following application materials can be dropped off in person at the Minnesota Design Center (MDC) in Rapson Hall or forwarded by email to [email protected].
- A two-page statement of interest in the program.
- University transcripts (unofficial copy is fine).
- A portfolio of design work (no more than 10 pages).
If you are accepted into the program, you will need to meet briefly with the MDC Director, Thomas Fisher, to review your course plan. For additional registration information and permission numbers, please contact Nicole Kennedy at [email protected].
