Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies

The bachelor of arts (B.A.) program is an interdisciplinary course of study in which students gain a firm grounding in knowledge about cities and metropolitan areas, their history and spatial patterns, social, economic, and political life, and their greatest challenges and opportunities.

We study cities around the world as well as in our own backyard to understand city life and find solutions to urban problems. Classes examine cities and their regions in historical context and in an international and comparative manner. Students will examine economic, political, and cultural concerns, and explore practical solutions to current urban problems. As a highly interdisciplinary program, students are required to take courses in at least five separate disciplines, but may, with elective requirements, take courses in many more disciplines.

The urban studies bachelor's degree prepares students for:

• Advanced training in traditional academic disciplines, or professional activities with an urban orientation
• Advanced training in specialized academic disciplines with urban foci, including law, public administration, and urban planning
• Wide variety of vocations present in an urban setting
• Citizenship in an urban world

Sample syllabi

All links are in PDF format unless otherwise noted.

Career insights

This tool provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills, or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.