Degree Requirements
The Urban Studies Program offers a B.A., a B.S., and a minor.
This cross-disciplinary major involves urban studies coursework, fieldwork experiences, and introductory work in disciplines that offer useful perspectives on contemporary urban and postindustrial society.
The program focuses on the conceptual and analytical frameworks and specialized skills needed for professions focused on urban change or development in public agencies or private business, or for graduate study in urban planning, law, social welfare, public affairs, or the social and environmental sciences.
Students are encouraged to incorporate field study into the major or minor. Urban Studies majors are required to complete one internship.
| Courses and Requirements | B.A. | B.S. | Minor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory Course: UrbS 1001 or 3001 | 3 cr. | 3 cr. | 3 cr. |
| Two Colloquia: UrbS 3101-2 | 2 cr. | 2 cr. | 2 cr. |
| Two Workshops: UrbS 3500 | 6 cr. | 6 cr. | One 3 cr. |
| Two courses from Track A: Urban Form & Society | 6-8 cr. | 6-8 cr. | |
| Three courses from Track B: Cultural Analysis, or Track C: Political Economy, or Track D: Infrastructure and Environment | 9-12 cr. | 9-12 cr. | Two courses from one of the Tracks |
| Skills and Methods Courses | Two courses | Four courses | None |
| One Internship: UrbS 3900 | 2 cr. | 2 cr. | None |
| Senior Paper: UrbS 3955 | 1 cr. | 1 cr. | None |
| Total courses required | 14 courses | 16 courses | 6 courses |
Preparing for the Major
Recommended Preliminary Coursework
Students interested in Urban Studies are encouraged to take courses that will provide an adequate background for the more advanced upper division courses that comprise the bulk of the major. Some of the following may be especially useful:
- Econ 1101/2 or 3101/2 (Macro and Micro)
- Soc 1001 (Intro)
- Pol Sci 1001 (American Government)
- Geog 1301 (Human)
Many students also take Geog 3371 (Urban) or Soc 3451 (Urban Community) to get an overview of the structure and organization of the modern city.
Students who lack an adequate mathematical foundation for the required coursework should try to remedy this as soon as possible. Some students may have to take Math 0009 (Preparatory), Math 1031 (College Algebra), or Math 1131 (Finite Math) to prepare for the more advanced quantitative skills courses.
Given that oral and written communications skills are vital to success in urban-related professions, all students should consider taking one or more writing and/or speech courses beyond what the College requires. Both the Composition Department and Speech-Communications offer many courses of special interest to Urban Studies students (i.e. Public Speaking).
General Notes for All Students
- All courses which fulfill program requirements must be taken "A/N" and must be completed with a grade of "C-" or above.
- Credits used for Urban Studies program requirements may not be double counted for other major programs within CLA. Students with double CLA majors may not double count credits toward both majors.
- Urban Studies minors may not double count credits from their Urban Studies minor toward any other major or minor.
- Students transferring into the Urban Studies Program from another college or university must consult with a College of Liberal Arts (CLA) advisor regarding the possibilityof transferring credits. Once credits appear on the CLA transcript students may petition the Urban Studies program to have previous coursework evaluated for inclusion in their Urban Studies program.
- Urban Studies Courses are open to all students at the University regardless of whether or not you intend to complete a degree program. However, many courses require permission numbers for registration. Please consult University class schedules carefully.
- If you have questions about any of the courses in the Program, or if you find others courses that you think are relevant to your particular program goals, please consult an Urban Studies advisor.
- Given sufficient advance planning it may be possible to complete most of the Urban Studies degree requirements through the College of Continuing Education. The schedules of the Urban Studies classes and of those from contributing departments vary from year to year, so it is impossible to guarantee that a student can fulfill all major requirements in this fashion. All courses offered from within the Urban Studies Program are available within the College of Continuing Education. Check with an Urban Studies advisor or with other departments to determine what other courses are available on this basis. For further information contact: College of Continuing Education, 101 Wesbrook Hall, 612-624-4000.
Preparing for the Minor
Form (PDF)