Community Planning and Behavioral/Community Health (CPMB)

Graduate Degree Program
College: Architecture/Public Health

ABSTRACT

A core element central to both community planning and public health is the built environment, which includes human-designed and built surroundings that provide the settings for all aspects of human life, ranging from buildings and homes to parks and recreation facilities. A well-planned community includes aspects of public health, while the public’s health requires healthy facilities and a built environment that supports and promotes healthy living. 

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Aside from student loans through the university, MCP students are eligible to apply for graduate assistantships with URSP and the National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education. 

CONTACT

Clara E Irazábal Zurita, Arch., M.Sc., M.Arch., Ph.D.
Program Director
Urban Studies and Planning Program
School of Architecture, Planning, & Preservation
1244 Architecture Building
3835 Campus Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.6290
Email: irazabal@umd.edu

Website: http://www.arch.umd.edu

Brit Saksvig, PhD, MHS
Clinical Professor
Director of Graduate Student Services
2316 School of Public Health Building
4200 Valley Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.2491
Email: bsaksvig@umd.edu

Katherine Sharp, PhD, MPH
Clinical Professor
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Behavioral and Community Health
1234V School of Public Health Building
4200 Valley Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.2464
Fax: 301.314.9167
Email: ksharp1@umd.edu

Website: http://www.sph.umd.edu/bch

The Master of Community Planning and MPH in Behavioral and Community dual degree program accepts standard-path applications through the Graduate School Application Portal; do not submit a SOPHAS application.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Statement of Purpose
• Transcript(s)
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Statement of Purpose. SOP should outline: 1. who you are (personal and professional experiences, interests, and accomplishments);  2. where you are going (educational, professional/career goals); and 3. how the dual-degree program will help get you there (include alignment with MCP and BCH courses and  competencies)
• Letters of Recommendation (3)
• CV/Resume
• Writing Samples (optional, up to 2)
• Essays (at least 1 out of 3)
• Portfolio PDF Upload (optional)
• Must be recommended for admission by both programs to pursue a dual degree

There are no restrictions on applicants’ previous field of study, and we encourage academic heterogeneity in all respects.

Note for applicants with foreign credentials:

Evidence of English Language proficiency is required if the applicant does not hold a degree from a U.S. institution or from one of the English-speaking countries listed on the Graduate School website
The Department of Behavioral and Community Health only admits students with English Language Proficiency test scores in the Full Enrollment range.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

RESOURCES AND LINKS:

Application Process: gradschool.umd.edu/admissions/application-process/apply-now
Admissions FAQ: sph.umd.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions/graduate-application-faqs
Program page: arch.umd.edu/programs/graduate-programs/interdisciplinary-dual-degrees/community-planning-public-health-eight-concentrations

Please visit the Community Planning and Behavioral/Community Health program pages for a list of current graduate faculty.