Urban Studies
Bachelor of Arts
About the Major
Urban Studies is an interdisciplinary major that equips students with cutting-edge tools and theoretical perspectives to understand the most pressing social, economic, and environmental issues facing cities today, including poverty, lack of housing, pollution, climate change, residential segregation, and social exclusion. The program provides students with valuable analytical and problem-solving skills to help design, manage, and govern sustainable, healthy, safe, prosperous, and inclusive cities.
Program Highlights
In addition to core courses, students choose a specialization in urban planning, design, and management; urban sustainability; urban political economy and public policy; or urban culture and society. They have the opportunity to do internships, study abroad, participate in undergraduate research and community-engaged learning.
Sample Courses
- Geography of Cities
- Urban Politics
- Contemporary Urban Issues
- Sustainable Cities
Career Options
The Urban Studies Program prepares students for a broad range of careers, including employment in urban and regional planning, public administration, community development, environmental management, social services, or related fields. It also prepares them for graduate education in urban planning, geography, law, public policy, and other disciplines. Students have taken jobs in public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private firms.
- Housing analyst
- Environmental coordinator
- Transportation planner
- Community relations specialist
Academic Experiences
Transferable Skills
- Critical thinking abilities
- Collecting and analyzing data
- Problem solving skills
- Understanding demography and statistics
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Working in teams
- Public speaking and presentation
- Technical writing and communication
Interdisciplinary Program in Urban Studies
College of Arts and Letters
