Urban Studies - BA

The urban studies curriculum includes courses that develop qualitative and quantitative methods. Included into the curriculum are field-work experiences, an internship and studio class, which take students into the real world to test what is learned in the classroom. Because New York City is a vast urban laboratory, it is a powerful learning tool. Urban studies faculty use it to make discussions about affordable housing, transit, and recycling come alive and useful to students.

The curriculum is enriched by its location in the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, which also includes graduate curricula in urban planning and urban affairs. The sharing of faculty and facilities, the interchange among advanced and beginning students, and the cooperation of other social science departments at Hunter create a synergy for comprehensive examination of “urban” concerns in a major city. After graduating, urban studies alumni have pursued public or private sector careers in urban planning, social work, municipal budgeting, public administration, real estate, community economic development, law, business, and journalism.

Major (30 credits)

The Urban Studies major provides a strong background in the study of urban issues, institutions, and policies. In addition, the major includes a methodology component, an internship experience, and appropriate courses selected from closely related social science disciplines. Completion of the major gives students a fuller understanding of contemporary cities from a variety of perspectives: social, physical, political, and economic. The major consists of components A, B, C, and D as listed below. Courses not listed may be selected to complete the major, given the approval from the urban studies program adviser.

A. Urban Studies Core 12 cr

B. Urban Studies Electives 6 cr

Select two from:

Additional Information

Component B can also be met by another 400-level URBS course approved by adviser.

C. Fieldwork Component 3 cr

Select one from:

D. Basic Social Science Component 6 cr

Select two from:

Additional Information

Component D can also be met by another 400-level URBS course contingent on the approval of the undergrad adviser.

Departmental Honors: Eligibility Criteria

Overall GPA: 3.2 and above

Major GPA: 3.5 and above

Graduate Courses

The following graduate courses are open to senior urban studies majors. Other graduate-level courses may be taken by seniors with permission of the instructor:

URBP 701 History of Planned Urban Development

URBP 702 The Structure of the Urban Region

In addition to these two courses, there are cross-listed classes, offered each semester, that are open to undergraduate students.