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What is Urban Studies?

Urban Studies and Affairs is an interdisciplinary field of study that synthesizes cultural, social, and economic constructs of a city.  Urban studies and affairs coalesces many different disciplines such as sociology, psychology, political science, geography, and history to make sense of mission critical questions about a city.

A career in urban studies and human affairs is often found embedded within an urban public policy, community development, or public administration office.   Jobs in urban studies and affairs can be within the public sector, government agency, private corporation, or non-profit entity.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Urban Studies Degree

Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) is a private research university and an Ivy League member. The school is known for its history as well as being ranked as one of the top universities in the world. The university boasts a comprehensive range of academic fields. The university offers a variety of graduate programs that focus on architecture, urban planning, and design. The university offers urban studies through the Barnard–Columbia Urban Studies degree. The academic program is designed with a solid intellectual foundation, combining interdisciplinary coursework and a concentration of study within a single field.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Brown University (Providence, RI) is a private Ivy League research university and the seventh oldest university in the United States. The university boasts its Brown Curriculum which gives the students the freedom to design their syllabus. Undergraduate programs offer specialized courses and students are allowed to design an independent concentration if the existing programs do not align with their curricular focus. Urban Studies is an undergraduate major that leads to a BA degree. Courses on American Studies, economics, history, literature, history of art and architecture, political science, sociology, and planning are provided to students. Undergraduates also attend advanced seminars that serve as training in writing extensive and synthetic interdisciplinary analyses. 

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) is one of the Ivy League universities. Penn is globally-recognized because of the quality of education and research initiatives. Penn fosters an interdisciplinary approach to learning allowing students to gain further knowledge. The university offers tons of educational opportunities including international programs, and study grants. Penn Urban Studies offers an undergraduate program and a graduate certificate. The undergraduate major focuses on urban history and current challenges. Undergraduates will learn to understand and analyze the conditions of urban places and address issues to create a better environment that fosters equity, better health outcomes, environmental sustainability, and a better quality of life. Professionals can earn a Certificate in Urban Studies while taking a Ph.D. program. 

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Stanford University (Stanford, CA) is a private research university recognized as one of the leading teaching and research institutions in the U.S. and in the world. Stanford is focused on preparing students to be leaders and competent members of the society. The top ranked Urban Studies degree is an interdisciplinary, undergraduate program that provides students theoretical and practical courses in understanding cities. Undergraduates must choose a study concentration: Comparative and Historical, Race, Ethnicity, and Urban Life, Urban Education, Urban Society and Social Change, Urban Sustainability, and Self-Designed. As part of the curriculum, students must complete a capstone project and take an internship course. 

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) is a private research university that has built a great reputation for academic excellence. Northwestern is also consistent in ranking as one of the best undergraduate programs in the United States. Undergraduate programs emphasize courses in the arts and sciences, engineering, journalism, communication, music, and education. The university had a robust Urban Studies major for students that may be added back into the curricular design of NW University at some point in the future. 

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Washington University in St Louis (Saint Louis, MO) is a private research university founded in 1853 and named after George Washington. The school has a wide range of areas of study offered by seven graduate and undergraduate schools. The university is among the top 50 universities in the world for its undergraduate programs according to World Report rankings. The major in Urban Studies is an undergraduate academic pathway that was curated to contain a variety of disciplines and is often cited as a core interdisciplinary curriculum program. The program is designed for students who are interested in analyzing and addressing the profound issues confronting urban/metropolitan America. A Graduate Certificate Program in Urban Studies is also offered to professionals who aim to gain career advancement through in-depth skills and professional skills. 

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Tufts University (Medford, MA) operates as a private institution offering various areas of study students can choose from. The Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning (UEPP) offers several graduate programs. It also manages an undergraduate minor in Urban Studies. The minor program allows students to gain an in-depth understanding about cities and urban areas, as well as its challenges. Tufts gives importance to active citizenship and public service in all its disciplines. Students also opt to study at Tufts because of its internationalism and opportunities for study abroad programs. 

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) extends its highly recognized academic programs across two main campuses and several educational centers located in Southern California. USC is also one of the oldest research universities in the United States. The Sol Price School of Public Policy offers undergraduate, graduate, and executive education programs. The School grants a Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies and Planning degree. The program offers courses on environmental analysis and sustainability, Geographic Information Systems, statistics, urban design, applied field research, and a mandatory internship. These instructions develop the student’s theoretical foundations and knowledge on practical applications. 

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Barnard College (New York, NY) is a private liberal arts college focused on providing undergraduate education. Students may pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science which provides joint programs and other degrees with Columbia University, Juilliard School, and The Jewish Theological Seminary. The university offers urban studies through the Barnard–Columbia Urban Studies degree. The academic program is designed with a solid intellectual foundation, combining interdisciplinary coursework and a concentration of study within a single field.

Acceptance Rate

11.77

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of California-Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) is a public research university under the University of California system. UC-Berkeley has established its academic and research reputation across the United States and the world. The university offers high ranking academic programs. The university manages City & Regional Planning programs. It awards bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. These programs are designed to provide a balance between theory and practical skills. Urban Studies is an undergraduate major that provides courses touching history, theories, practices, and others of the American and global urbanization. Students are trained to take a variety of future careers and pursue graduate studies. 

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Vassar College (Poughkeepsie, NY) is a private liberal arts college. It gained its popularity for being the second degree-granting institution of higher education for women in the country before turning co-educational in 1969. The college grants BA degrees across a wide range of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary fields. The college also provides students the opportunity to study abroad. Urban Studies is a multidisciplinary program that provides professional knowledge and skills to students. Courses discuss a variety of related topics providing a strong foundation. Experiential learning is also part of the curriculum. 

Acceptance Rate

23.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Boston University (Boston, MA) Is a top-ranked institution. BU offers programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. BU is popular for its interdisciplinary programs, research curriculum, and esteemed faculty line up. BU’s Metropolitan College offers graduate and undergraduate programs as well as certificates. Urban Studies major is an undergraduate degree leading to a Bachelor of Science at BU. The college also requires local internships allowing students to be more aware of the local setting and urban issues. 

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

New York University (New York, NY) is a private research university. It is the largest higher educational institution in the United States. NYU has 16 schools and colleges managing a wide range of academic programs. Students can gain a more global perspective because of opportunities NYU can offer through its study abroad facilities located around the globe. NYU Gallatin focuses on providing undergraduate  graduate education in Urbanism and Urban Studies. It leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. Gallatin is a School of Individualized Study allowing students and professionals to explore a variety of fields. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA) is a non-profit private institution that offers various degree programs giving interested student applicants the option to choose which major is right for them. Urban Environmental Policy and Planning is a graduate certificate program. Admission is also open for undergraduates and non-degree students who are interested to take the certification program following certain requirements. The program examines the policies and programs that shape and affect built and natural environments. 

Acceptance Rate

32.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of California-San Diego (San Diego, CA) is a public research university that offers a long list of undergraduate and graduate programs. UCSD is considered one of the country's Public Ivies. The Department of Urban Studies and Planning manages two undergraduate programs: BS Real Estate and Development, and BA in Urban Studies and Planning. For the urban studies and planning major, students will develop a better understanding of the development, growth, and culture of cities and the communities. 

Acceptance Rate

31.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

University of California - Irvine (Irvine, CA) is a public research university and considered as one of the fastest growing campuses under the University of California system. Through the years, UCI has been offering highly recognized academic and professional programs. The university offers Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies. It is an interdisciplinary program that integrates theories, analytical tools, and experiences from the field. The program prepares students to be skilled professionals. It is also a good foundation for those who aim to pursue graduate studies. 

Acceptance Rate

26.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX) is a public university and best known as the flagship institution for the expansive UT higher education system. The university offers undergraduate and graduate as well as interdisciplinary programs. Urban Studies is an undergraduate major at UTA that provides theoretical instructions with real-world experience in the Austin metropolitan area. Students can customize the program with different disciplinary perspectives, depending on their interests and academic goals. Graduates are prepared to assume professional careers or pursue graduate studies. 

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL) is a private research university that values teaching and learning. Programs offered at the University of Miami are designed to teach students new knowledge that can be beneficial for their future careers. Urban Studies is a minor undergraduate program that fosters a liberal arts curriculum. It provides theoretical courses and real-world experience. The location of the university is in the fastest growing urban regions in the U.S. which is an advantage on studying this academic program. 

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Bryn Mawr College (Bryn Mawr, PA) is a women’s college and part of the Tri-College Consortium together with Haverford College and Swarthmore College. The College is also affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania through the Quaker Consortium. These affiliations allow students to take courses across other colleges or universities. Bryn Mawr College manages an interdisciplinary Growth and Structure of Cities major. Interested students can also take the 3+2 Program in City and Regional Planning managed by UPenn. 

Acceptance Rate

33.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Maryland - College Park (College Park, MA) is a public institution and Maryland’s flagship university. The school is said to be one of the “Public Ivies”. The school offers competitive academic programs that are consistently ranking among the best in the country. The university offers several Urban Studies degrees. It awards Master’s degree and dual degree. Professionals and students and pursue a Master of Community Planning that offers community planning studio and an internship. 

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of Georgia (Athens, GA) is one of the oldest public universities in the United States. UGA is also listed among the best in the country. The university has a wide range of programs offered from humanities, communications, sciences, education, law, up to health and medicine. Urban and Metropolitan Studies is a certificate program managed by the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. It fosters an interdisciplinary learning approach integrating real-world experience to the curriculum. The program is open to students and professionals who are currently taking a degree at UGA.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Connecticut College (New London, CT) is a private liberal arts college that focuses on providing undergraduate education. The college offers interdisciplinary and self-designed majors. The college offers Cities and Schools pathway. It focuses on preparing students who are interested in examining policies and partnerships that shape learning and development in urban centers.

Acceptance Rate

37.41

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Trinity College (Hartford, CT) is a private liberal college that provides undergraduate major and minor programs. It is also recognized as the second oldest college across the state. Urban Studies Major offers interdisciplinary courses to interested students. The program provides a range of opportunities including study abroad programs and internships in a variety of urban settings. The four-year program will make the students understand how urban dynamics shape both global interdependence and local spaces. 

Acceptance Rate

33.49

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Trinity University (San Antonio, TX) is a private university that grants undergraduate and graduate degrees. Undergraduate majors consist of traditional liberal arts, business, sciences, fine arts, and engineering. Urban Studies is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program that leads to a BA degree. The program fosters experiential learning through research, internships, and field trips.  For information about Trinity or the urban planning academic pathway, simply reach out to the school’s admissions team to learn more. 

Acceptance Rate

28.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT) is a public research university, considered one of the best in the United States. The university’s active research programs help businesses and improve community life in nearby areas. UConn has been considered as a Public Ivy by some publications. Urban and Community Studies is an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree. The program provides a strong academic foundation preparing students to assume roles across the industry or pursue graduate studies. 

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Top Urban Studies Degrees

Students seeking a degree in urban affairs will find a wide variety of programs to choose from in this field.  Degree programs will range from undergraduate to graduate with varying emphasis.

For example, you can elect to study a general field of urban affairs or a track that focuses on geographic information systems, urban planning, public management, cartography, regional planning, or environmental policy.  In either case, students will analyze historical trends and leverage data to understand emerging trends in cities and regions related to communication, design, and planning.

Critical thinking and quantitative analysis will coalesce to help solve an array of environmental, social, and economic challenges.  To assist you in finding the best college degree for you, we have summarized the most popular programs below.

Urban Studies Bachelor Degree

Online bachelor degrees in urban studies are offered from a number of accredited colleges and universities across the country.  The bachelor degree program in urban affairs will be conferred as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS).

Completion of the degree is expected in about four-years for full-time students while part-time students can expect a longer timeframe to earn a degree.  Anticipate taking both core classes and general education courses in both a BA or BS degree track.  General education classes may include history, psychology, mathematics, English composition, and creative writing.

Core curriculum in an urban studies program will help prepare students for deep analysis and problem solving needed to tackle various challenges found in our cities.  Examples of classes you may find in a bachelor program include:

  • Economics of Policy Analysis
  • Urban Geography
  • Public Policy
  • Urban Sustainability
  • Budget and Policy Analysis
  • Contemporary Urban Issues
  • Urban Policy
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Managing Urban Diversity
  • Public Safety Management
  • Economic Development Finance
  • Historical Sites and Preservation
  • Emergency Services
  • Conflict Management & Negotiations
  • GIS Principles
  • Urban Development
  • Neighborhood Planning
  • Urban Design

Urban Studies Master Degree

Master degrees in urban affairs are conferred as a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA).  Degree programs will take around two years to complete including core curricula, internships, capstone course, and thesis project.  Core curriculum will typically include classes such as quantitative reasoning, urban spatial structures, public finance, and evolution of human settlements.

Graduate students may elect to specialize in various fields within the urban affairs domain.  Areas of consideration may be public policy, community development, urban real estate development, economic development, or urban policy.

Paid or unpaid internships are encouraged by many schools to help provide hands-on learning opportunities.  While not required, many employers look at internships favorably which helps bridge the time from academics to launching your career.  Lastly, your thesis project will be a large portion of your time in the program.  An approved thesis project is designed to extend the body of knowledge in urban affairs in a meaningful way.

Urban Studies Doctorate Degree

Doctorate degrees in urban studies is conferred as a PhD.  The PhD program is research intensive and helps students design, analyze, evaluate, and test strategies for urban planning.  Most doctorate degree tracks allow students to customize their program to focus on specific areas within the field of study.

Classes may span from urban spatial design and urban theory to mass communications and policy development.  PhD programs typically end with a comprehensive examination and dissertation project.  Dissertations should add value to a specific area of urban affairs in substantive terms.

Urban Studies Requirements

In terms of educational requirements, majors in urban studies will take a number of sociological and science-based classes. While degree requirements will vary by degree, a common set of classes emerge. Popular classes in urban studies include the following courses:

Employment in Urban Studies

An urban affair and urban studies major will have the political and social heft to launch a career in a variety of capacities. While there is no singular job an urban studies major will pursue, a handful of vocations emerge from the pack. Examples of common career paths for urban studies majors include city planner, consultant, transportation engineer, regional planner, real estate agent, market analyst, geographer, cartographer, logistician, physical scientist, transportation specialist, logistics engineer, real estate law, and social scientist.

Urban Affairs Careers

Your career in urban affairs can take on a number of different roles depending on your degree and area of expertise. For example, a student earning a graduate degree in cartography may work closely with real estate developers and city planners.

Graduates can be generalists or focus on social, economic, or environmental issues while will ultimately dictate the job and associated areas of responsibility. Urban affairs graduates work for private entities and government agencies of all sizes after the successful completion of a graduate or undergraduate degree.

Urban Studies Jobs Outlook

Employment in urban studies are pacing at 13%.  This growth represents a rate of growth twice the national average.  With an industry of 36,000 professionals, urban planners are paid well above the national average.  In fact, with a median annual income of $71,490 an urban planner can average significantly more than the mean average income.

The largest employers of urban planners are local government agencies, followed by state agencies, engineering firms, and developers.  States employing the most planners include California, Texas, Washington, and Florida.  The states paying planners the most are District of Columbia, California, Nevada, and Massachusetts.

Fully 81% of surveyed urban planners hold a master's degree.  The remaining professionals hold a bachelor's degree and/or professional degree from an accredited college.  Most government agencies will require urban planners to hold a master's degree. Given the societal impact and complexities of each project, the additional schooling helps holistically solve thorny issues with each project.

Additional Resources in Urban Affairs

Students seeking resources outside the traditional academic circle can connect with the Urban Affairs Association (UAA) and the Urban History Association (UHA).  These organizations provide urban affair professionals with resources, tools, news, awards, and membership benefits.  Professional networking with researchers from nearly fifty countries around the globe may be of value for new and experienced urban planners.

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