Urban Affairs

Urban Affairs is an interdisciplinary program offering a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. Students learn about the urban environment as a complex system. They study theories and practices of urban development processes from an interdisciplinary perspective. The program develops core competencies that include quantitative and qualitative analysis, effective communications, systems thinking, and consensus building and teamwork. The program is designed to prepare students for junior- or entry-level positions in local government and nonprofit organizations or to embark on a graduate program. 

Students must have at least a 2.3 GPA or receive a special waiver from the chair to be admitted to the major. Interested students may apply for admission after meeting college admission requirements. Majors are required to complete a common core of courses and a concentration in one of four areas: community development, criminal justice, public administration, or urban social/physical planning. 

Urban Affairs students are required to participate in the department's internship program. The internship is designed to complement class work and give students experience in the professional work environment. Students interested in the internship should contact the departmental coordinator of the program or their advisor. Students currently working in a related field may have the internship requirement waived. 

For further information about the program and admission criteria and procedures, students should contact the Department of Urban Affairs and Geography.