Urban and Regional Studies, Bachelor of Science

Program Overview

The Urban and Regional Studies program provides a comprehensive understanding of urban environments, focusing on design, sustainability, community leadership, and urban management. Students develop analytical and problem-solving skills through core courses and unrestricted electives, preparing them for careers in urban planning, community development, and related fields. A minor is required, and an internship is highly recommended.

Program Outline

Outline:

Major Common Core:

• URBS 100: Introduction to the City (3 credits) - A fresh look at the city, focusing on reasons for growth and strategies for creating livable cities.
• URBS 110: The City: Design and Architecture (3 credits) - Appreciation of the city as a cultural achievement in design and architecture.
• URBS 150: Sustainable Communities (3 credits) - Identification and analysis of global social, economic, political, and environmental problems impacting community viability, exploring various solutions.
• URBS 230: Community Leadership (3 credits) - Introduction to community leadership in various forms (elected, professional, or voluntary) and the skills and values associated with it.
• URBS 401: Foundations in Urban Management and Planning (3 credits) - Survey of the local community, including forces that shape it, importance of democratic participation, and professional practice of local government service.
• URBS 402: Urban Analysis (3 credits) - Development of skills and techniques for formulating questions about urban affairs, organizing and analyzing information to answer them, and presenting findings professionally.
• URBS 489: Capstone Seminar (3 credits) - Synthesis and evaluation of information and opinions to develop a coherent perspective on what makes cities function, preparing students for entry into the professional world of work in urban settings.

Major Unrestricted Electives:

12 credits to be selected from URBS upper-division courses or approved by an advisor. The department highly recommends an internship (URBS 497).

Minor:

Required, any minor.

4-Year Plan:

The provided 4-Year Plan outlines the typical progression of courses for the Urban and Regional Studies program, including general education and elective courses in addition to major requirements.