Program Overview
The Urban & Regional Studies program at the University of Lethbridge explores the factors shaping cities and regions, providing a multidisciplinary understanding through courses in geography, economics, and other disciplines. Graduates develop skills in problem-solving, research, and GIS, preparing them for careers in planning, economic development, environmental consulting, and more. The program also offers experiential learning opportunities and a strong foundation for graduate studies.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Urban & regional studies (URS) at the University of Lethbridge explores the physical, social, economic, and political factors that shape cities. It focuses on planning to manage dynamic forces of change like immigration, global warming, aging populations, energy conservation, congestion, urban forests, homelessness, and smog. The multidisciplinary URS major provides a broad range of conceptual and practical tools to understand cities and regions. It is housed in the Department of Geography & Environment but includes courses from various disciplines such as anthropology, economics, political science, sociology, and statistics. URS graduates will gain exceptional communication, critical and analytical problem-solving, research, and information management skills. They will develop a strong ability to summarize research findings, collect data using field methods, apply statistics, and use geographical information systems (GIS) to solve spatial problems.
Outline:
Sample Classes:
- Introduction to Planning
- Contemporary Issues and Problems in Planning (Series)
- Urban Social Geography
- Geographical Data and Analysis
- Urbanization in Developing Countries
- Local Government & Politics
Teaching:
The program's faculty consists of experienced and accomplished professors and instructors who provide a multidisciplinary academic perspective and guide students in developing critical thinking skills and research expertise. Unique approaches employed in URS include the use of GIS in research, experiential learning opportunities such as co-operative education, international exchanges, and independent and applied studies, and participation in the Geography Club to connect with industry professionals and attend conferences.
Careers:
URS graduates are well-prepared for various careers in:
- Regional Planning
- Economic Development & Tourism
- Housing Design & Policy
- Environmental Consulting
- Resource Management
- International Development
- Land Appraisal
- Government Administration
- Social Planning
- Land Use Policy Analysis The program also provides an excellent foundation for pursuing graduate studies in environmental or property law, journalism, management, and education.
