Channel Your Passion for Policy and Planning into a Career

Tufts University Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning offers several degrees and certificates, designed to sharpen the skills of policy and planning professionals working toward inclusive, just, and sustainable communities. Earn your degree full-time—or if you’re a working professional, study with us part-time in the evenings, on weekends, or online. We have flexible study options to fit your schedule.

A nationally accredited urban planning program, the program is distinct from many other planning and policy programs by having a strong social justice focus.  UEP is a community of practicing scholars and experienced practitioners.  Our faculty, students, and alumni are public-spirited individuals committed to engaged processes and just outcomes for cities, communities, and ecosystems.

As a student in the program, you will learn to engage and confront the social and environmental challenges in today's world of rapid urbanization and changing climate. You'll gain the understanding of environmental science and necessary skills to work towards effective policy and planning solutions through academic coursework, applied fieldwork projects, work experience, and individual research. The program's flexible curriculum allows you to work with your faculty advisor to develop a coursework track and a thesis or capstone exam that focus on your interests in sustainability and environmental issues.

Graduates of the program typically pursue careers in policy, planning, science, and research in the environmental sector.  Alumni work in settings such as local, state, and federal government agencies; environmental and conservation organizations; community-based organizations; private consulting and research firms; and on corporate responsibility units in private firms; among others.