Mission Statement
Urban Studies & Planning is a well established interdisciplinary Program which exposes students to the complexity of the urban environment as viewed from many social sciences and professions. It is the only Program on the California State University, Northridge campus which focuses explicitly on the contemporary city in the United States. Inherent in this focus are the Program's objectives of providing students with a sound understanding of the key issues and problems confronting urban America and with the training necessary to engage in solutions.
The Program has a very strong professional orientation-it could not be otherwise given the concern with the contemporary city. Consequently, the structure of the courses emphasizes a comprehensive approach dealing with administrative, environmental, behavioral and developmental components of the city. Additional emphasis is placed on the acquisition of appropriate skills which relate to the problems posed by dynamic urban communities and to problems amenable to technical solutions.
One of the strongest attributes of the Program is encountered in the ability to design a program suited to the student's career interests. This flexibility is afforded by special programs consisting of integrated courses selected from one or more related departments. These special programs not only enhance the interdisciplinary perspective of urban problems, but they also provide that refined focus in course work which is often a requisite to successful career placement.
The success of Urban Studies & Planning Program has depended on student-faculty interaction. This tradition will be maintained and as an Urban Studies & Planning Program major or prospective major, you are invited and encouraged to speak to me or any other faculty members concerning academic advisement and possible career objectives.
W. Tim Dagodag
Professor and Chair