Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Is the program a good choice for me?

To help you make that decision, we encourage you to explore our program’s website to find out more about:

Faculty

Length of Program

Program Curriculum

What are the admission requirements?
2-year regular stream: Four year honors bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with minimum GPA of 3.00/4.33 (B) in the last two years of study from a recognized university. The undergraduate degree may be in a field other than planning. You are expected to have taken a university-level Statistics course before starting the program.

1-year accelerated stream: Four year or five year bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) in planning with minimum GPA of 3.00/4.33 (B). Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (non-Planning degree) who show evidence of a significant number of years of relevant professional experience in planning will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. Planning degree holders must have planning experience of no less than two calendar years. You are expected to have taken a university-level Statistics course before starting the program.

The program is very competitive. Meeting the minimum academic requirement does not guarantee admissions into the program.

How do I apply to the MPl in Urban Development Program?

You must complete the online application form available on the Admissions Information Page (“Apply Now >>” located in the right feature of the page) and pay the non-refundable application fee. Both the application and fee are processed through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). OUAC requires 1-2 days to provide Ryerson University with your application information at which point an online account is created for you in Ryerson Universities’ student information system. Also, complete instructions on submitting all documents are emailed to you. Required documents are: Application Submission Summary (including contact information for 2 referees, Statement of Intent (incl. information on Statistics course), Resume/CV, Transcripts, English Language Proficiency. Applicants for the 1-year accelerated stream will also need to provide a statement of your detailed work experience and its relevance to planning. Once all documents have been electronically submitted, your application will be reviewed by the Graduate Admissions and Recruitment Office.  

Contact grdadmit@ryerson.ca with questions related to Admission.

When should I submit my application?

The online application is currently open (as of November 2012). Application deadline for first consideration to the MPl in Urban Development Program is January 13^th, 2013. Can I apply after the first consideration date? Yes, we will continue to accept applications and documentation after the first consideration date until the program has filled all of its space for the Fall 2013 term. However, complete applications received prior to the date will receive priority consideration for admission, scholarships and awards.

How much is the application fee?

A $110 CND application fee is required for each application. This fee is non-refundable

How will I know if my application documents have been received? How do I check the status of my application?

Each applicant to the MPl in Urban Development Program will receive an automatic email acknowledging their on-line application and given them instructions on how to create a User Account to logon to Ryerson’s Student Administration System (RAMSS) so you can check the status of any outstanding documentation. It will be your responsibility to follow up with any missing documents. Make sure to check all junk mail as emails are sent within 2-3 business days from the time you submit your application payment.

If I don’t meet the minimum grade requirement for admission, how can I upgrade?

We suggest you take additional courses after completion of your degree to upgrade. The additional courses will be included in the assessment of your GPA.

Can I apply for more than one program? If so, do I have to pay for each application?

Yes, applicants can apply to a maximum of three programs. You are required to pay the application fee for each application submitted.

How do I pay the application fee?

Applications will not be processed unless the application fee is received. Payment is made at the time of application by credit card, cheque or money order. Please make all payments to:

Ontario Universities Application Centre
OUAC (Fees)
170 Research Lane
Guelph, ON, N1G 5E2

Please do not forward cheques to Ryerson University; this will delay your application.

I would like to re-apply. Do I have to pay and send all my documents again?

Your application is kept on file for one year. You will need to submit a new on-line application and pay the application fee (indicate on the application that you have previously applied). You may send any updated/new application material to be added to the documents which are on file to the Admissions Office.

Do I need to submit an English Proficiency Test?

If the medium of instruction during your undergraduate education was a language other than English, you will need to submit an English Proficiency Score that meets our minimum requirements (please see http://www.ryerson.ca/graduate/admissions/english-proficiency.html). This should be met prior to applying and must be met before an application is reviewed. If the medium of instruction was English, you will be required to submit proof such as an English medium Letter issued directly by the institution.

Can I receive a conditional Offer of Admission if my English proficiency score is too low when I apply?
No. We do not offer conditional offers of admission for English proficiency. You must submit a passing test score before your application will be reviewed.

Should I submit English translation of my transcripts/documents if they are in a language other than English?

Yes. You must submit notarized English translations along with the original document.

My transcripts are in French language, do I require English translation?

English and French are both official languages of Canada. We do not require English translations.

What is a 'To Do List' and are the listed items received or missing?

The 'to do' list is on the right hand side of your "Student Centre", which can be found by clicking on the RAMSS tab at the top of the screen after you log into my.ryerson.ca. If there are NO to do's, then everything has been received. If your checklist is showing 'to do' items, this means that any listed items are still missing. Click on details for more information regarding the document listed.

Do I have to submit hard copies of reference letters?

No, an online referee portal system is offered. You will need to provide the names and active institution email addresses for two referees during the online application process. Within 5-7 business days your referees will be contacted electronically and given further instructions to complete an online form. They will be able to upload an additional reference letter if they choose to. You will still be responsible for making sure you have given the correct email addresses. Please follow up with your referees to check that they have submitted the references.

When will I receive a decision?

Decisions will generally begin in mid to late March and continue through the spring and summer.

Is the MPl in Urban Development available part-time?

No, it is only available on a full-time basis.

Can I apply to both streams?

Yes, you can apply to both streams.

Do I need to take the GMAT and/or GRE?

No, neither is required for the MPl in Urban Development Program.

How do I submit my TOEFL score?

Scores should be sent directly from ETS to Institution Code: 0886-02

Can I get transfer credits?

Where a candidate has completed appropriate graduate courses at an acceptable level from another academic institution, but has not been granted a degree using those courses, they may be considered in partial fulfillment of Ryerson's graduate degree requirements. Responsibility for assessing the appropriateness of such courses shall rest with the Director of the Program. Keep in mind that a transfer credit application form will only be accepted and processed once you have confirmed your Offer of Admission. Transfer credits will count toward the student’s graduation requirements. A student may not receive transfer credits for more than 50% of the MPl in Urban Development program course requirements. 

What can be counted as the Statistics course requirement?

If you have completed a Statistics course, the course will be recorded on your official transcript(s). If you are unsure, please submit the course descriptions, course code and name of the University of study for your course to be evaluated.

Can I apply without a Statistics course?

Yes, if you are accepted, you will be given a conditional offer which states that you have to complete the Statistics course before starting the program otherwise your offer is revoked.

How do you calculate my GPA?

Both your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) and the equivalent of the last two years of study for each degree granting institution you attended (GPA) are calculated when assessing your application. CGPA: Calculated using all courses that were completed for each degree. Two Year GPA: Graduate Admissions and Recruitment Office looks at the most recently completed courses and works backwards until they have the approximate equivalent of two years of full-time study. If either of two meets minimum requirement for admission consideration, your application will be forwarded to the Program Admissions Committee for evaluation and consideration. Degree in Progress: If your degree is in progress, the Admissions Office will calculate the two year GPA and CGPA based on the courses you have completed at the time of application (e.g. third year grades plus fall grades of fourth year). If granted an Offer of Admission, you will be required to submit an official final transcript to re-calculate the final CGPA and ensure that you have met the conditions of the offer. Internationally educated: If you have studies outside of Canada, your institution/country’s grading scale will be translated using Ontario Admissions guidelines, if a grading scale is not indicated on your transcript. 

Is the MPl in Urban Development Program accredited by CIP/OPPI?

Yes, the program is accredited by the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.

Do I have to have a supervisor at the time of application to the program?

No. The selection and assignment of a Supervisor will be determined when the student is ready to begin research on the Major Research Paper/Project (MRP).

If I don’t know how to use the software programs, will we get training on them?

Although you are not required to be proficient in using a specific software package, it is good to have working knowledge of MSOffice, AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite package including all components (PDF maker, Photoshop, Illustrator).

Do we get paid for the Planning Internship? How long is the placement? Does the program set that up for us?

Internships are not paid positions however, agencies may decide to compensate on their own. The placements are 6 weeks long. We do offer a few placements but students are free (are encouraged) to choose on their own.

What kinds of funding are there available to students?

http://www.ryerson.ca/graduate/funding/index.html

How much does the program cost?

http://www.ryerson.ca/graduate/fees/index.html

The fees for the program change every year but are around $3,200 per term.

How many students do you accept each year?

Our goal is to enroll about 30 students each year. This means that we have about 60 students at any one time. So not only will you get to meet students in your own year but you will get to watch as students in the year ahead of you finish up their program.

What is the typical class and studio size?

The typical class size for our required courses is 30 and our electives we try to cap at 25 or 30 as well. The typical studio class size of our program is 17 per section.

Is there a residency requirement?

Yes. A student must complete at least 50% of the Program’s degree course requirements and the major research paper/project while continuously registered as a graduate student at Ryerson.