Urban Policy and Leadership - MS

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The 36-credit MS in Urban Policy and Leadership contains a flexible curriculum that launches students into the study of cities and the urban environment. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students to tailor their education to career aspirations and/or interests of their own choosing. The program is designed to accommodate both full and part time attendees. It can be completed in either two full semesters and a summer session or over a longer period of time. In combining both theory and practice, the program seeks to foster an understanding of urbanism while teaching practical skills to prepare students for the changing urban environment.

Our faculty specializes in a diverse range of urban disciplines with expertise and specializations that include: urban planning and history, governance, education, health, housing, immigration, comparative government, economic development, community advocacy, transportation, environment, law, and integrated technologies. The program boasts a distinguished part-time faculty, bringing years of practical experience and knowledge in both public and non-profit sectors. It is not uncommon to take courses from high level New York City professionals and practitioners.

In order to accommodate the needs and interests of an increasingly diverse student body, the faculty has recently redefined course requirements so that students have more choices in constructing their program. These changes are reflected in the distribution of the requirements listed below.

Our students are drawn from a diverse population locally, nationally and internationally. While most have been out of college for some time and many are already in the midst of their careers, an increasing number are arriving one or two years out of college. Most plan or are pursuing careers in the public and non-profit sectors. Students may substitute courses from other departments and/or CUNY schools that more appropriately address their substantive interest for the course listed in each of the Required Disciplines.

Requirements for Admission to the Master of Science in Urban Policy and Leadership

Applicants must meet Hunter’s general graduate admission requirements , except for the Graduate Record Examination, which is not required. Applicants must present at least 12 undergraduate credits in social science with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (although the program may recommend admission to students with lower GPAs when their GRE scores, documentation of professional experience in the field, or graduate-level academic work documents adequate preparation to successfully pursue the degree). Students with relevant undergraduate majors or nonacademic experience may, after consultation with the graduate adviser, request admission with special conditions.

Requirements for the Master of Science in Urban Policy and Leadership

Core Requirements (12 credits)

Required Disciplines (9 credits)

One Political Structure course and two Methods/Skills courses are required:

Political Structure Requirement (3 credits)

Methods/Skills Requirement (6 credits)

Specializations (9 credits)

Students choose one area of specialization from among the three designated areas of specialization that include: urban policy, non-profits, neighborhood development from which nine credits of coursework must be taken. Students with approval of the program adviser may also develop their own specializations.

Unrestricted Electives (6 credits)

In addition, students must complete an additional 6 credits in unrestricted electives.

Total credits required: 36

Additional Courses

A wide variety of courses are offered each semester in the department, including special topics courses to meet the requirements. Students are encouraged to consult course listings in other departments within Hunter in which to take classes that are in line with their course of study. Up to 9 credits can be taken outside the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning in other departments at Hunter or within the CUNY system.