The Master of International Planning Studies is a one-year online degree program designed for students and professionals seeking to advance their knowledge and careers by focusing on contemporary international urban and regional planning issues.
MIPS provides the skills needed to address today’s challenges with emphasis on sustainability and the environment, economic and community development, transportation, health, housing and real estate, and disruptive technologies. The degree builds on the experience of students and enhances practical skills to better respond to the changing needs of society.
The MIPS degree is online, although opportunities to spend a summer at Michigan State University may also be possible. Participants are likely to be international practitioners seeking a US degree from a major research and professional university, as well as US based students planning to work in an international context. The MIPS experience will allow participants to accelerate their careers in planning and related fields, or to pivot to international applications of their skills. The program faculty have extensive international experience with most having studied and practiced planning in different countries in Asia, Europe, Australia as well as the United States.
Communities are facing a combination of challenges associated with urban growth, climate change, disruptive technologies, and adapting to a post-Covid way of life. The best way to prepare for change is through knowledge and experience, with MIPS graduates prepared to:
• Understand how societal change translates into planning action
• Lead community planning and community engagement processes
• Implement strategies to promote sustainability
• Facilitate change associated with online commerce, renewable energy sources, transportation, climate change, and equity needs
• Apply data-driven decision making to planning processes
• Recognize the role of diversity and equity in community development
• Develop projects based on current or future professional assignments or interests
Program participants will be able to leverage their experience and combine it with technical skills to advance their careers. Past MIPS graduates hold leadership positions in government agencies (housing, transportation, environment, international development), nongovernmental organizations (community development, environmental management) and business (real estate, transportation).
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.
You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.
As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will since 1855.
MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.
MSU has been offering online degree programs since 1998. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.
MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.
MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.
MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.
Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.
Complete one of the following courses
Complete (400-level or 800-level) electives tailored to each student's needs that may include the following