Community Planning and Environmental Health Sciences (CPMI)

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, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Student Services
2316 School of Public Health Building
4200 Valley Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.2
Email: xinhe@umd.edu
 

Paul Turner, Ph.D. 
Graduate Programs Director
School of Public Health
Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health
2351 SPH Building
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301-405-5509
Email: mieh-grad@umd.edu

Website: http://sph.umd.edu/department/miaeh

Courses: MIEH SPHL

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

  • Letters of Recommendation (3)
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (optional)
  • CV/Resume
  • Writing Sample (optional)
  • Portfolio PDF Upload (optional)
  • Must be admitted by both programs to pursue dual degree

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Type of Applicant Fall Deadline
Domestic Applicants
US Citizens and Permanent Residents March 6, 2026
International Applicants
F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas; A, E, G, H, I and L visas and immigrants March 6, 2026

RESOURCES AND LINKS:

Application Process: https://sph.umd.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions/graduate-application-process
Admissions FAQ: https://sph.umd.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions/graduate-application-faqs

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