Thank you for your interest in the Master of International Planning Studies (MIPS). The MIPS degree is a three semester, 30 credit program. The degree is offered only in specialized circumstances to individuals that hold either an advanced degree and seek knowledge about urban and regional conditions, and related areas such as real estate, economic development, environmental protection, and international planning; or to individuals that have significant experience in international planning and hold a bachelor's or equivalent degree. MIPS focuses specifically on economic development, real estate, environmental protection and international planning. The degree is designed to offer maximum flexibility so that students can design a program of study that best suits their professional needs. MIPS is most attractive to international and in some cases, domestic students. The degree is not intended to be a substitute for individuals without experience to receive the education necessary to become professional planners in the international planning arena.

The curriculum requirements for the Master of International Planning Studies may be found here.

How to Apply

1. Complete the MSU Online Application for Graduate Study.

   1. Apply for Major Code 7623– International Planning Studies
   2. Submit $50 Application Fee online

2. Submit Academic Statement – May be completed online in the application or submitted to SPDC directly with other application documents. See the Online Application for a description of what needs to be addressed in the statement.

3. Submit Personal Statement – May be completed online in the application or submitted to SPDC directly with other application documents. See the Online Application for a description of what needs to be addressed in the statement.

4. Submit Resume or Curricula Vita

5. Provide Official Transcripts from any colleges or universities attended. Transcripts MUST be in a sealed envelope from the institution.

6. Provide 3 Recommendations using this form.

   1. References may attach a letter to this form if they desire.
   2. Your reference should place the recommendation in a sealed envelope, place their signature across the label and return it to the applicant for mailing with application documents.

7. International Applicants must report scores from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

   1. For reporting purposed please use School Code – 1465 for Michigan State University
   2. If you have a copy of your TOEFL scores, you may include a copy with your application documents but an official copy still needs to be sent to MSU . 
   3. MIPS minimum TOEFL score is 550 paper-based.

After you have completed your online application, submitted the application fee, and gathered all the application documents required, please mail application documents together in one large envelope.

Submit ALL Application Documents at the same time to:

Michigan State University
School of Planning, Design and Construction
ATTN: MIPS Degree
112 Human Ecology Building
East Lansing, MI 48824-1030

NOTE: If you have academic questions related to the Internationl Planning Studies curriculum, please contact Dr. Herbert Norman at normanh@msu.edu

If you have application questions, please contact the Graduate Secretary at pdcgrad@msu.edu