Programs for International Students
Dual Degree Program (BS/BA + MS/MA)
Master of Urban Spatial Analytics
Program Profile: The Master of Urban Spatial Analytics (MUSA) degree program is the first Master degree in spatial analytics offered by an Ivy League institution. The MUSA degree is designed for future leaders who wish to apply spatial technology solutions to business and public sector decision-making. The MUSA degree provides an opportunity to learn the technical skills of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial statistics and to develop a customized program of study from Penn’s rich urban-related course offerings. Knowledge of geospatial, statistical, and data management techniques enables graduates to use the power of spatial analysis to advance solutions in the private and public sectors.
Student Profile: Students in the MUSA program combine solid quantitative and statistical skills and computer literacy with an interest in urban issues, business or policy-making. They represent a diverse background and have a wide range of personal and professional interests. MUSA students may be working professionals or recent college graduates seeking to work in an analytic position in health, education, criminology, welfare, planning, real estate, insurance, marketing, economic consulting, or other similar fields. They may also be researchers interested in continuing their studies to earn a Ph.D. in a related field.
Curriculum: Students complete nine course units, including: five required analytics courses, two urban content courses, one elective, and the completion of an independent research Capstone project. Required analytics courses are offered in areas such as Introduction to Vector and Rastor GIS and Statistics. Urban content areas include areas such as Criminology, Economic and Community Development, Education, and Urban Demography. The elective course is chosen from analytics or urban content areas. To earn the degree, students apply the spatial methods learned in the GIS and statistical coursework to their content area in an independent research Capstone project with a faculty advisor. The project involves a detailed research proposal, literature review, data collection, analysis and writing.
Program Length: The entire program may be completed within one full-time academic year with elective summer coursework.
Application: Applications must contain all of the following in order to be considered complete:
- Completed application form
- A current resume
- Non-refundable $70 application fee made payable to "Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania"
- Application Essays
- Transcripts of all previous post-secondary work (transcripts required from each academic institution attended)
- Score Reports from at least one standardized test, if applicable
- TOEFL scores (for applicants whose primary language is not English)
- Three letters of recommendation from close professional or academic associates.
Click here for more detailed information on these requirements.
Tuition: Approximate tuition costs for the 9 course units in this program are $39,000. Click here for more detailed information.