Master's in Community Planning & Development

Student Profile

"I wanted the chance to work closely with professors who are experts in national, state and local environmental policy."

For her internship over the summer, Molly Casto managed operations in a municipal planning department, helping to update the city's comprehensive plan and ensure compliance to ordinances.

This experience, along with her research into "smart growth" development while a graduate assistant, has provided her with a competitive advantage as she pursues a planning career with an emphasis in natural resources. Read More

The Community Planning & Development (CPD) program is for individuals who want to shape the environment and economy of cities and towns, and gain the necessary skills and knowledge for successful careers in planning and economic development. This field deals with the continuing attempt by society to strike a balance among community growth, environmental quality and human welfare.

Build Your Career. Build Your Community.

Graduates hold leadership positions in the private, public and nonprofit sectors at local, state and national levels. They include land trusts managers, environmental research fellows, city and town planners, elected officials and independent consultants.

Gain Real-World Experience.

Our students work one-on-one with faculty members who are at the top of their field in understanding how to meet the unique challenges and opportunities facing the communities of New England.

Students regularly engage in community projects that provide valuable professional experience. Four centers affiliated with the School provide ample opportunities for student research and assistantships:

Accessible Options for Working Professionals

Full and part-time study
Late afternoon and evening courses
Distance education at campuses across Maine

Many classes are open to qualified individuals without enrollment in the degree program, allowing prospective students to become familiar with the Muskie School and CPD program before applying.

Credit Requirements

The degree requires 48 credits of coursework. A core of 30 credits (including capstone) combines basic skills for planning with courses in economics and methods of analysis, including geographic information systems. Students choose an additional 18 credits of focused course work from among three specializations: land use and environment, community and economic development, and health planning.

For More Information

To learn more about the Community Planning and Development program, please contact Professor Charles Colgan, csc@usm.maine.edu or (207) 780-4008.

For more information on applying to the program, visit the masters' admissions page.