Frequently Asked Questions

How is   The Principles and Practice of New Urbanism  taught?

It is a self-paced, online course. Because it is self-paced, each student can complete the coursework when it is convenient for their schedule – there are no set times when you must be online. You may access and study for the course from anywhere in the world. The course is taught using Blackboard Learning System.

Who developed the course?

The course was developed by professors at the University of Miami School of Architecture, a world-leader in New Urbanism, based on years of classroom experience that has been adapted for online learning. Please visit the   Contributors  page to see a list of everyone who participated in the development of this course.

What is the course structure?

The course consists of eleven instructional units that students complete on their own time, within a twelve (12) week   period of registering for the course. Each unit includes required and supplementary readings in addition to the online content. There is an online exam that students take upon completion of the units. Students who complete the course and pass the exam receive a certificate from the University of Miami School of Architecture.

What supplementary materials are needed for the course?

Four books are required:

1. Charter of the New Urbanism,  Michael Leccese and Kathleen McCormick, eds. (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2000). This book is out of print, but can be downloaded as a PDF.
2. New Urbanism: Best Practices Guide, 4th Edition,   by Robert Steuteville, Philip Langdon, et. al. (Ithaca, NY: New Urban Publications, 2009).  We will send you a link to download upon registration.
3. Suburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and the Decline of the American Dream  by Andres Duany, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, and Jeff Speck (New York: North Point Press, a division of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2000)   Buy now  from Amazon.com.
4. Sustainable Street Network Principles  by the CNU. This book can be read online, or downloaded through the CNU website.  Download now from the CNU.

Is the course open for registration at any time?

No, there are specific times when students can enroll and take the course. The CNU follows the same registration dates, in other words, if you are interested in becoming CNU-Accredited, you must register for the CNU-A exam at the same time through the CNU. Upcoming dates are:

How much time will the course take?

We estimate that the course will take approximately 55 hours to complete, including supplementary readings, although this will of course vary by student.

Who can take the course?

Anyone who is interested in learning about New Urbanism, in the U.S. or abroad. The course helps with preparation for the CNU Accreditation Exam from the Congress for the New Urbanism. You do not need to be a University of Miami student to take the course.

I live outside of the United States, can I take the course?

Yes, the course is managed by an online system that allows you to logon anywhere in the world with web access.

Is the course eligible for university credit?

No, non-UM students are not eligible for university credit. If you are a current University of Miami student, you may speak to your advisor about possible credit opportunities.

Is the course eligible for AIA and/or AICP credit?

At this time, the course is not eligible for AIA or AICP credit.

Is the exam taken after each unit, or is there a final exam which encompasses all of the learning units?

There is one final exam for the entire course.

What is the format of the exam?

The exam is comprised of 90-100 randomly delivered multiple choice, true/false, matching and short answer questions. The questions and number of questions varies each session. You will have a 3.5-hour time limit to complete the exam. You should not need any more than three hours and will probably use less time. You will only be able to take the exam once and will need to set aside enough time to complete the exam in one sitting, i.e., you cannot stop in the middle of taking the exam and start again at a different time.

What is the cost of taking the course and exam?

Three payment options are described below:

Do I have to take the course in order to take the exam?

No, you can take the exam for Congress for the New Urbanism Accreditation Exam, without taking the course, for an additional $225 fee. The CNU uses the same registration period for the exam as we use for the course. In other words, you must register for the course and exam at the same time, if you are choosing to participate in both.   Click here for more information and to register. 

How do I register for the course?

Registration for the course is completed online, through the   Registration  section of this website. Registration for the exam is completed through the CNU website, http://www.cnu.org/accreditation.

How do I register for the CNU-Accreditation Exam?

Although the University of Miami administers the CNU-Accreditation exam, registration is required through the CNU website, http://www.cnu.org/accreditation.

I have additional questions.

Contact us at   nuonline@miami.edu  or 305-284-4420.

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