Admissions Process


About

The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Planning & Design (BAEPD) is a major that focuses on social action that is grounded in community-based knowledge and values and knowledge about the built and natural environments. The goal is to prepare graduates to create vital communities, vibrant economies and resilient places. To become a BAEPD majors, UNM students can schedule an appointment with the School of Architecture + Planning Undergraduate Advisor and complete a major form.  The SA+P Undergraduate Advisor's office is located in George Pearl Hall, room #117.

If you currently are not a UNM student, you must first apply for UNM undergraduate admission at:  http://www.unm.edu/apply

Contact

School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Advisor
Bryn McCabe-Kelly
saapadvise@unm.edu 

Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Planning and Design (BAEPD) Faculty Advisor
Moises Gonzales
mgonzo1@unm.edu


About

The MCRP degree program is a 48 credit hour nationally-accredited planning program which takes full-time students four or five semesters to complete. Students complete at least one of four concentrations: Community Development, Indigenous Planning, Natural Resources and Environmental Planning, and Physical Planning and Design. Students can attend part time and complete the program over three or four years.

Applications

The priority application deadlines are December 1 (International Students) and January 15 (U.S. Residents). All materials must be received by 5PM. Applications received after January 15 and before April 1 will be considered in a second round of admissions. The December 1 date for International Students allows early notification for Visa purposes. Applications submitted after December 1 will be considered in the January 15 or April 1 admission pools. Applications received after April 1 will only be considered on a space available basis.

Spring admissions will be considered for special circumstances only (contact graduate advisor). Applications are not considered for the summer term. Prospective applicants should consult the Graduate Program section of the Catalog to review current policies and guidelines.

Many assistantship decisions are made after the first round of admissions (after Dec 1/Jan 15 deadlines). Students who would like to be considered for an assistantship are encouraged to apply by the priority application deadline.

Our online application will allow you to upload all your necessary documents for application to the program of your interest. Within the application, make sure to click the Application Instructions to see program specific requirements.

  • UNM Graduate Admissions Application
  • Application $70 Admission fee
  • Letter of Intent
  • Three Letters of Recommendation (one must be from an academic source, i.e. professor or advisor)
  • Curriculum Vitae (Resume)
  • Official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended (This will be submitted to the UNM Office of Admissions)
  • Unofficial Transcripts (To be uploaded to the online application)

International Students also need to submit the following:

  • An attested copy of your diploma
  • Official TOEFL scores that must meet the University of New Mexico minimum of 79 on the IBT TOEFL

Materials are evaluated based on the criteria below:

  • Quality as a writing sample: A clear statement of applicant’s academic and professional trajectory.
  • Recent personal growth and potential: Evidence of applicant’s personal growth and potential (this is a more subjective criterion, but is based in our desire for students who are committed and motivated, who have already begun their intellectual development and who have real potential to continue that development in this program, and beyond as a planning professional).
  • Fit with CRP program: The fit of applicant’s interests and background with CRP program (in terms of our community-based philosophy and community focus, natural resources, physical planning and/or community development content emphases, and our concern with issues of equity and social justice).
  • Relevancy of applicant’s experience and background: In terms of professional or volunteer experience in some aspect of community based planning; community and regional planning content in the applicant’s experiences.

The applicant’s transcripts will be evaluated for strong grade point average in relevant undergraduate course work.

In terms of applicant’s seriousness and capability as a student and as a future professional.

Contact

For questions about the MCRP admissions process, please contact Natalie Rowe, SA•P Graduate Advisor: (505) 277-2631, nrowe01@unm.edu

CRP Program Mailing Address:
Community + Regional Planning Program
ATTN:  Graduate Advisor
MSC04 2530
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001

Admissions Decisions

The Admissions Committee reviews and discusses each application. Applicants then are notified whether they are:

  • Admitted
  • Conditionally admitted pending receipt of formal contents of the application
  • Placed on the waiting list for admission should a space open up
  • Not Admitted

Those who do not gain admission are encouraged to contact the CRP Department Chair for an explanation and to discuss a successful reapplication.