Students
STUDENT LIFE
SUPSO has provided program resources, tips, and tricks for SUP student life here at GW. Check out resources, tricks, and tips for living in the region, along with fun activities that you can take part in while living here. The greater Washington DC metro area is filled with exciting cultural activities, world-class museums, and amazing food. SUP students can take full advantage of the city to enrich their experience inside and outside of the classroom!
The Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning (MPS) program is a two-year, 48-credit hour, interdisciplinary professional degree open to students from a wide variety of undergraduate fields. The program prepares students to become professional planners who can address the economic, environmental, and social consequences of growth and change; to provide leadership in fostering just and sustainable communities through policy and advocacy.
THE BASICS
LOCATION
Classes are taught at the GW Arlington Education Center located at 950 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22203. Classes meet Monday through Thursday nights from 6 to 9 PM on the sixth floor. The Program Director’s office is located in Room 639.
STUDENT ADVISING
For academic advising, first year students should make an appointment with the Program Director. By the time a student has completed 21 credit hours, they should identify a faculty mentor. The faculty mentor’s role is to foster and encourage the student’s academic and professional development. Ideally, the faculty mentor’s professional and research interests will align with the student’s interest and together the student and mentor will determine an appropriate topic for the student’s capstone project. Students are expected to obtain the faculty member’s consent and email their selection to the Program Director copying the faculty mentor.
STUDENT ORGANIZATION
SUPSO envisions healthy urban landscapes that are socially equitable, economically resilient, and environmentally just. SUPSO’s purpose is to engage GW, the Washington DC Metropolitan Area, and the global community through advocacy and outreach to advance the overall field of sustainable urban planning. SUPSO’s engagement includes:
Advocating on behalf of students engaging with SUP Director and Faculty
Creating a welcoming community for the students of SUP
Public outreach through organized events
Coordinate student learning events with local organizations and agencies
Building connections with local institutions
INTERNSHIPS
Many SUP students are working or mid-career professionals and will not require an internship. For those students who would like an internship, for-credit and not-for-credit internship placements are highly encouraged.
SUP PROGRAM PLAN
48 credit hours are required for Master's student, whereas 18 credit hours are required for students seeking a Graduate Certificate. Students connect with the Program Director (PD) to develop individualized areas of interest using coursework offered by SUP and from across the university. In order to register for a class outside the SUP curriculum, students need the written permission of the PD. Students should send an email to the PD detailing the course (with syllabus if possible) and its relationship to their goals.
A detailed SUP Program Plan for Master's and Graduate Certificate students can be located below:
The Suggested Program Plans (Masters & Graduate Certificate) Google Doc below provides a potential path towards graduation over a 2.5-3 year track. This is currently recommended by the Program Director.
CURRENT SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
To view the current schedule of classes, please click here.
LIVING IN THE DC METRO AREA
FOOD
The DMV boasts a diverse food scene and thriving Brunch culture. Explore the region's cuisine through WAMU's Dish City podcast.
MUSEUMS
Visit the Smithsonian's 17 free museums, galleries, and zoo, America's first modern art museum, the world's largest collection of espionage artifacts, and more!
PEFORMING ARTS
Discover moving shows all year long at over a dozen performing arts venues in and around DC. Follow the Kennedy Center, Arena Stage, the National Theater, and Signature Theater to catch the latest shows.
MUSIC
Black musicians from Washington, DC invented go-go and played a critical role in developing the jazz scene. You can catch go-go in the Shaw neighborhood. The U Street Corridor remains a popular destination for music as well. If you like classical, the National Symphony plays at the Kennedy Center. Assorted concerts are regularly held at other venues as well, including The Anthem on the Wharf in DC.
SPORTS
From professional to college teams and recreational leagues to pick-up games, DC is home to a robust community of sports enthusiasts.
STUDENT PERKS
U-PASS METRO CARD
U-Pass provides full-time students with unlimited use of the Metrorail and Metrobus for a discounted, flat fee. Students must be enrolled in at least 9 credit hours during a semester and pre-pay a $100 non-refundable fee via GW Student Account eBill in order to qualify for the U-Pass.
Distribution dates vary by semester, and this section will be updated once those dates are released. For more information, check out the U-Pass Student Transit Program's website.
GWORLD CARD
GWorld cards are the official ID card used at GW and are used to gain access into buildings at the main campus in Foggy Bottom. Although GWorld cards are not required for SUP students, students may benefit from a variety of discounts at area restaurants.
*NOTE: SUP students do not need a GWorld card to access the Arlington campus.
To learn how you can get a GWorld card, visit the Getting Your Card page on the GWorld website.
To learn more on where you can use your GWorld card, visit the GWorld Card Program website.
STUDENT DISCOUNTS
ON-CAMPUS PRINTING CREDIT
All students are eligible for a $30 printing credit for on-campus printing at the start of each Fall semester. There are two kiosks available at the Arlington campus: one in the main lobby and one towards the restrooms near the computer lab. Follow these instructions to activate your credit.
UNIVERSITY POLICY
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
The academic calendar for each academic year can be found at https://www.gwu.edu/academic-calendar.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
To review GW's Code of Academic Integrity, visit the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities (SRR) at https://studentconduct.gwu.edu/.
ADMISSIONS
To review Graduate Admissions information, visit CPS Graduate Admissions at https://www.cps.gwu.edu/graduate-admissions.
ADVERSE WEATHER & EMERGENCY EVENTS
To review the policy on adverse weather and emergency events, visit https://compliance.gwu.edu/adverse-weather-and-emergency-events-policy.
CLASS WITHDRAWAL
Withdrawals are handled by the Office of the Registrar, visit https://registrar.gwu.edu/withdrawals-refunds.
CLASS REGISTRATION
A how-to process on registering for classes can be found at https://registrar.gwu.edu/how-register-0.
COMMENCEMENT
Information on commencement activities at GW can be found at https://commencement.gwu.edu/.
FINANICAL ASSISTANCE
The Office of Student Financial Assistance provides numerous sources for students, including scholarship information and payment options:
GRADING
For information on GW's grading system, visit the Office of the Registrar at https://registrar.gwu.edu/grading.
MILITARY & VETERANS SERVICES
Students who require military and veterans services at GW should visit https://military.gwu.edu/.
STUDENT POLICIES & PROCEDURES
A complete list of student policies and procedures can be found at https://www.cps.gwu.edu/student-policies-procedures.