Posted on July 21, 2025
Post categories: Alumni & Industry Students Urban Design & Planning
At the University of Washington, students in the Master of Urban Planning (MUP) program come from a wide range of backgrounds but share a common goal: to help shape more livable, equitable communities. Their experiences in the program reflect the complexity—and the possibility—of that work.
Michelle, MUP ’21, describes the program as “dynamic.” She arrived with a background in planning and used her time at UW to deepen her knowledge in areas like public-private partnerships, climate strategy, and transportation.
“I was able to explore interdisciplinary courses while staying grounded in planning,” she shared. “My MUP experience allowed me to dive deeper into the areas I needed to strengthen for my professional growth. Now, I’m part of a team at Seattle Public Utilities working across many of those same issues.”
For Inonge, MUP ’25, the program stands out for its balance of theory and practice.
“The MUP program has provided an environment for interdisciplinary learning and professional training, as well as opportunities to work with leading experts within and outside the university,” she said. “The studio courses have been especially meaningful. Working with community partners helped me build confidence and apply skills in real time.”
Iona, a first-year student, spoke about her studio project focused on downtown revitalization in a small Washington town.
“The most rewarding part so far has been working directly with the community,” she said. “We’re presenting our ideas to the City Council, and they’ve already started exploring some of our suggestions.”
Markus, MUP ’22, pointed to the city of Seattle itself as a learning environment.
“There’s a lot of planning energy here—from transit expansion to public space and housing,” he said. “It’s a good time to study cities in a place where long-term advocacy is starting to take shape.”
Students also find meaningful connections across disciplines. For alum Meg Hamele (MPH/MUP ’23), the link between public health and planning was central to her studies—and now shapes her work with the City of Seattle’s Office of Emergency Management.
To hear more student voices and learn how the MUP program supports future planners at the intersection of policy, design, and community, visit the full program page: https://urbdp.be.uw.edu/programs/mup-graduate-degree/