Program Overview
Urban Studies, BA
The Urban Studies major is designed for students interested in making a difference and connecting to real-world issues. To achieve this, students learn about urban history and current challenges, understanding how policy at the national level and global economic trends affect local and neighborhood levels. The central intellectual frame of Urban Studies is about understanding people and place at different spatial scales. Individuals, groups, and public officials make decisions and design policy that affects how people and resources are distributed in space, defining what kinds of places result. Urban Studies students take this understanding to explain the conditions of urban places and work towards creating places that foster equity, better health outcomes, environmental sustainability, and a better quality of life.
Program Requirements
- The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 34.
- Double majors may entail more course units.
- Urban Studies is a flexible major and requires conferring with an advisor to tailor a set of courses that fit the student's interests.
- All majors complete an internship for credit and carry out an original research project.
Course List
| Course List Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Methods | ||
| URBS 2000 | Introduction to Urban Research | 1 |
| or URBS 3300 | GIS Applications in Social Science | |
| Urban Internship Seminar | ||
| URBS 3000 | Urban Internship Seminar | 2 |
| Senior Seminar | ||
| URBS 4000 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| Concentration | ||
| Select 3 course units in a discipline or theme of interest with: Attribute ARDC | 3 | |
| Urban Studies Themes | ||
| Select 1 course unit in History of Cities | 1 | |
| Attribute ARHC - History of Cities | ||
| Select 1 course unit in Comparative and Theoretical Dimensions | 1 | |
| Attribute ARCT - Comparative and Theoretical Dimensions | ||
| Select 1 course unit in The Built Environment | 1 | |
| Attribute ARBE - The Built Environment | ||
| Select 1 course unit in Urban Economics / Finance | 1 | |
| Attribute AREF - Urban Economics/Finance | ||
| Select 1 course unit in Public Policy / Government | 1 | |
| Attribute ARPP - Public Policy & Governance | ||
| Select 2 additional course units in any theme | 2 | |
| Attribute ARBE - The Built Environment | ||
| Attribute ARCT - Comparative and Theoretical Dimensions | ||
| Attribute AREF - Urban Economics/Finance | ||
| Attribute ARHC - History of Cities | ||
| Attribute ARPP - Public Policy & Governance | ||
| Total Course Units | 34 |
Notes
- Urban Studies majors will fulfill the Humanities and Social Science sector as part of their overall requirements.
- A maximum of 3 study abroad courses can be counted in this major.
Honors
Requirement
Students in the major must be invited to participate in honors. A minimum grade of A- in URBS 4000 Senior Seminar.
Honors Course List
| Course List Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| URBS 4010 | Urban Studies Honors (or Honors Paper) | 1 |
| Thesis |
General Information
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.