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MPH + Master of Community Planning (MCP) Dual Degree Program

illustration of buildings

Create healthy and sustainable communities

Students interested in combining the disciplines of public health and community planning will benefit from the Master of Public Health/Master of Community Planning dual degree programs. The 72-credit program can be completed in as few as three years of full-time study, reducing both time and total credits compared to pursuing both degrees separately. 

Perfect for...

  • Students looking save time and money in pursuing a Master of Public Health + Master of Community Planning.

Career Paths

  • Urban Planner
  • Economic Development Specialist
  • Environmental Interest Group Director
  • Master Planning Consultant
  • Non-Governmental Organization Manager

Program Overview

Created through a partnership between the School of Public Health and the School of Architecture (ARCH), Planning and Preservation, the 72-credit programs can be completed in as few as three years of full-time study, reducing both time and total credits compared to pursuing both degrees separately. 

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 and equitable community enhances public health, and the public’s health requires healthy facilities and a built environment that support and promote health equity and well-being.

33 Years
The difference in average life expectancy for people living in the Barry Farm neighborhood of Washington, DC SE (63.2) and Friendship Heights, Maryland (96.1), just 10 miles away.

In years 1 and 2 of the program, students complete coursework in SPH and ARCH, with the first year in one school and the second year in the other. With the foundations established, Year 3 is the integration year, with both an integrated internship and capstone/studio project experience with faculty advisors from both public health and community planning. Students will meet with faculty advisors and graduate directors from both programs throughout their time to ensure timely completion and thoughtful planning for the integrated experiences.

We work with each student individually to determine program advisors and a 3-yr program plan. Interested students will select a specific concentration within the MPH program and should reach out to the Graduate Director of the MPH program for more information. For more information about the MCP program contact the MCP Graduate Director


See the MPH/MCP program requirements on the UMD catalog