Noah J. Durst
Associate Professor of Urban and Regional Planning in the School of Planning, Design, and Construction
Noah J. Durst is Associate Professor of Urban and Regional Planning in the School of Planning, Design, and Construction at Michigan State University. He joined the program in 2017, after earning a PhD in public policy from the Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. In his research, he uses quantitative methods to examine issues of land use and zoning, housing, infrastructure development, and municipal annexation. His work has been funded by organizations including the National Science Foundation and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, among others.
Program Overview
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.
Program Outcomes
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
Career Outlook
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).
A Top-Ranked Education
- 29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$750
$750
Cost of Attendance
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.