Community Planning and Health Administration (CPHA)

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. MCP applicants who are also Peace Corps veterans are eligible to apply for the Shriver Peaceworker fellowship program that is administered by the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Please note that competition is high for these financial awards. The program also maintains a list of internships, and many of our students work in part- or full-time jobs while completing the program. Program classes are scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to accommodate our working students.

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

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: 301.405.2491
Email: bsaksvig@umd.edu

Melvin Seale, PhD
Assistant Clinical Professor & Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Health Service Administration
School of Public Health
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.6125
Email: mseale@umd.edu 

Website: http://www.arch.umd.edu

Website: https://sph.umd.edu/academics/masters-degrees/mha-master-health-administration

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Statement of Purpose
• Transcript(s)
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Letters of Recommendation (3)
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• CV/Resume
• Must be admitted by both programs to pursue dual degree.

The application process consists of the following:

• First, fill out the on-line application for the University of Maryland Graduate School. Select "Dual Degree". The administrative code for the Community Planning program is "CPHA."
• Second, submit all transcripts, three professional letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume, official GRE test scores, and portfolio as part of the application.

All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. There is no restriction on the applicants’ previous field of study, and indeed we encourage diversity in all senses.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

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 Health Administration program pages for a list of current graduate faculty.