Program History

Boston University was established with the motto, “In the heart of the City, In the service of the city,” reflecting a historic commitment to urban engagement and public service. This mission laid the groundwork for the University’s early and continued focus on urban affairs and city planning education.

Boston University’s commitment to urban issues began with the establishment of the Bachelor of Science in Urban Affairs in the 1968–1969 academic year, followed by the Master of Urban Affairs (MUA) in 1969–1970 at Metropolitan College (MET). Building on this foundation, the Master of City Planning (MCP) was launched at MET in the 1976–1977 academic year to meet the growing demand for professional training in urban and regional planning. Unlike the MUA, which focused more broadly on urban policy and management, the MCP offered an applied, interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizing the physical, social, economic, and regulatory dimensions of planning practice.

In 2006–2007, students formed the Urban Planning Association (UPA) to strengthen community connections within the program and with other institutions. The group earned official recognition as a Boston University student organization in 2015.

In 2021, Dr. Yesim Sungu-Eryilmaz was appointed Interim Program Director, and formally became Program Director in 2022. Under her leadership, the program has deepened its commitment to experiential learning, evidence-informed practice, and strategic preparation for PAB accreditation. Additional changes included changing the degree title from Master of City Planning (MCP) to Master of Science in City Planning (MSCP) and Master of Urban Affairs to Master of Science in Urban Affairs to better reflect the program’s professional, analytical, and evidence-informed orientation.

Today, the program attracts a diverse cohort of full- and part-time students, including many mid-career professionals from public, nonprofit, and private sectors. A constant feature of the program is its identity as a professional degree that bridges theory and practice. Its applied practice-based orientation has deepened in recent years through expanded partnerships with the City of Boston, neighboring municipalities, and local nonprofit organizations. These collaborations have supported client-based planning studios, applied research, and community-engaged learning opportunities that are central to student academic experience and professional preparation.