Environmental Policy and Planning
The Environmental Policy and Planning degree prepares students for careers in policy, science, and research in the environmental sector.
Students can choose to study either full-time or enroll in the part-time track for working professionals, attending courses during the evenings and on weekends.

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Degree Offering
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Full-Time and Part-Time Tracks
- Faculty
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Application Requirements
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Contact the Department
Questions about your application?
Contact us:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Bendetson Hall
Medford, MA 02155
(617) 627-3395
gradadmissions@tufts.edu
M.S. in Environmental Policy and Planning
The M.S. degree in Environmental Policy and Planning, offered through the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning (UEP) at Tufts, prepares the next generation of leaders—‘practical visionaries’—who will contribute to the development and promotion of environmentally sustainable communities.
This nationally accredited urban planning degree offers students the opportunity to focus on environmental science, policy, and planning issues that are increasingly relevant in today’s world. Tufts UEP graduate students learn to confront current social and environmental challenges and gain the necessary skill set to work towards effective solutions.
Visit the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning
Related Programs:
- Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning M.A.
- Environmental Economics and Urban Planning M.S.
- Public Policy M.P.P. (mid-career)
- Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning Dual Degree M.A./Various
- Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning Joint Degree M.A./M.S.
Full-Time Track
Our accredited urban planning M.S. program usually takes two years of full-time study. The program requires completion of twelve or thirteen courses (36-39 credit hours) plus a thesis or capstone exam for a minimum of 42 credit hours.
Pathways to Tufts: Part-Time Track for Working Professionals
Using a trimester format for graduate coursework, the accredited part-time program allows working professionals to work full-time while attending courses during the evening, online, and/or weekends, allowing completion of the program in two to three years. Requirements are the same as full-time study.
Sample Part-Time Schedule*
Term | Courses | Offered |
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Fall Semester | UEP0250: Foundations of Public Policy and Planning UEP0252: Cities in Space, Place and Time |
Tuesday and Thursday, 4:30-5:45PM Wednesday, 6-9PM |
Spring Semester | Elective UEP0255: Field Projects |
Evenings Evenings |
Summer Session 1 | UEP0232: Intro to GIS | Evenings |
Summer Session 2 | UEP0191: Philanthropy and Fundraising | Evenings |
Fall Semester | UEP0254: Quantitative Reasoning for Policy and Planning Elective |
Alternate Saturdays 9AM-2PM Evenings |
Spring Semester | UEP0251: Economics for Planning and Policy Analysis Elective |
Alternate Saturdays 9AM-2PM Evenings |
Summer Session 1 | UEP0230 Negotiations & Conflict Resolution | Evenings |
Fall Semester |
Thesis Elective |
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Spring Semester | Thesis |
*This is a sample schedule. Course offerings and schedule are subject to change.
Faculty
Application Deadline
Fall: January 15
Fall Pathways Part-time Track: August 1
Spring Pathways Part-time Track: December 31
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts (unofficial may be uploaded to the application. If admitted, official transcripts must be sent)
- Personal Statement
Describe your reasons for wanting to pursue graduate study at Tufts in the program to which you are applying. Please limit your personal statement to a maximum of five pages (approximately 2,500 words). - Resume/CV
- In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the availability of standardized testing, GRE scores are currently waived for students applying to this program
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores, if applicable (for exceptions, see Requirements and Policies)
- Application Fee
For more information, visit the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at gradadmissions@tufts.edu, (617) 627-3395.
For questions about this program, including scholarships and assistantships, please contact Rebecca Shakespeare.
Students interested in part-time study should contact pathwaysgsas@tufts.edu.
Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning
97 Talbot Avenue
Tufts University
Medford, Massachusetts 02155
Tel: (617) 627-3394
Fax:(617) 627-3377