Urban Studies & Planning

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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:

  1. wish to enter professional graduate schools in such fields as urban planning, urban design, environmental planning, social welfare, law and public administration;
  2. 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
  3. desire a social science degree which emphasizes the study of the modern American city.

All urban studies and planning majors are required to complete the lower division required courses and the upper division core courses.  Students must then choose from one of four specializations.  The first three specializations provide students the opportunity to develop a level of expertise within a subfield of urban studies and planning.  These three specializations are: 1) urban and regional planning; 2) housing, community, and economic development; and, 3) environmental planning and sustainability.  The fourth specialization provides students the opportunity to customize their own area of specialization in consultation with an advisor.  Within each specialization, 9 units must consist of URBS courses and 6 units must be taken outside the department.

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:

Urban Studies Major

Minor in Urban Studies