Undergraduate Program
Urban Studies and Planning is an interdisciplinary program providing an undergraduate course of study which focuses on solutions to the major problems stemming from the complexities of contemporary urban life. The Urban Studies and Planning curriculum is designed for students who:
- wish to enter professional graduate schools in such fields as urban planning, urban design, environmental planning, social welfare, law and public administration;
- intend to begin their professional careers at the end of their baccalaureate education through employment in various governmental agencies and private firms concerned with urban problems, urban development, and community services; and
- desire a social science degree which emphasizes the study of the modern American city.
The Urban Studies and Planning curriculum is composed of three closely integrated parts: lower division basic courses; an upper division core; and a related specialization. The lower division requirements include courses in Urban Studies and Economics. Included in the upper division core are courses on the Planning Idea, Urban Environment, Urban Behavior, Urban Administration, Growth and Development of Cities, Urban Design, and Urban Problems. These core courses are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the urban environment and training in appropriate principles and methods of urban analysis. Complementing class study and lectures is a choice of supervised field research or internships with public agencies or private sponsors. These experiences for academic credit provide students with the opportunity to participate directly in solutions to community-based urban problems. Depending on their goals, students are required to take at least twelve to fifteen units of upper division work in a specialization consisting of
1) Urban Planning and Environmental Analysis or
2) Community Services and Administration.
The Urban Studies and Planning Department supports the concept of international education and encourages students to investigate opportunities of overseas study. Certain courses taken at CSU International Program Study Centers in foreign countries are equivalent to courses in Urban Studies and Planning and may be used to fulfill some of the requirements for the degree and/or general education requirements. Students should consult the International Programs Bulletin available in the Office of International and Exchange Programs, a program advisor, or the campus International Programs Advisor for information.
CAREERS: Urban Studies and Planning provides professional training which prepares majors for careers in such fields as urban planning, community development, environmental analysis, public administration and resource management.
For specific course information: