Since 2000, each academic department in the College of Architecture and Planning (CAP) has achieved national distinction and ranking through interdisciplinary problem solving and innovation. Such is the tradition of creativity, real-world experience, and design thinking that exemplifies our master of urban design (MUD) program.

Located at the College of Architecture and Planning Indianapolis Center, located one block from downtown Indianapolis' Monument Circle, the MUD studios and classrooms demonstrate Ball State’s commitment to immersive learning. The college’s nationally acclaimed Community-Based Projects program is one of the three oldest in the United States and has assisted more than 300 communities since its inception in the 1960s. Building on this tradition while maintaining a global view, the MUD program uses the state capital and the nation’s 14th largest city as an urban laboratory to work on real projects in the community.

Degree Overview: Students in the MUD program come from universities around the world with degrees in urban planning, architecture, and landscape architecture. They are joined by working professionals who are adding to their academic and professional credentials.

All students participate in a studio-based and community-based core curriculum taught by an interdisciplinary team of instructors from the College of Architecture and Planning. The 30-credit-hour MUD requirement can be completed in three semesters or one year.

Each student is required to have a practitioner as studio advisor and mentor. This provides students a local professional who can act as a sounding board for their studio efforts and career opportunities. Mentors also will provide a connection to the professional communities in Indianapolis and added perspectives in studio jury events.

Applicants must be admitted to Ball State’s Graduate School and be accepted by the coordinator of the urban design program.

Admission is determined on the basis of your individual qualifications and satisfactory performance on all required materials. The program requires an undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 for the second half of your baccalaureate education. Graduate assistants must maintain a 3.0 GPA. If your GPA is below these requirements, you may be admitted with probationary status based on GRE scores and other criteria, and you must achieve a 3.0 GPA for unrestricted admission.

The following must be submitted directly to the urban design coordinator:

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Statement of Professional Intent: This required letter must express your interest in pursuing the urban design degree and profession.
• Portfolio of Professional/Academic Work: A portfolio is a collection of examples of previous professional or academic work and may include professional writing, drawings, photos of work, artistic work, publications, or awards. The purpose of this portfolio is to demonstrate your understanding of the built environment and is the most critical component of the admission decision process.
• Transcripts for all college-level course work
• GRE
• Letters of recommendation
• TOEFL/IELTS if applicable