Urban Studies

Interested in declaring a major in urban studies? Make an appointment with the advisor, Paula Pentel.

The urban studies program is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program offering BS, BA, and minor degrees to students who are inquisitive about cities. The program focuses on the conceptual and analytical frameworks and specialized skills needed for professions focused on urban change or development in public agencies, non-profits, or private business, or for graduate study in urban planning, law, social welfare, public affairs, or the social and environmental sciences. Students who complete the program often work in public agencies, the non-profit sector, community organizing, or private businesses, or pursue graduate study in urban planning, law, social welfare, public affairs, international studies, or the social and environmental sciences.

Our location in the center of the largest metropolitan region in the Upper Midwest puts our department in a particularly advantageous position to teach urban studies.  For decades, the urban studies program has taken advantage of our location by drawing on community professionals -- local practitioners to teach courses and engaging students in experience-based coursework. The immense wealth of cultural resources in the metropolitan area adds to the student experience and the required internship experience gives students real-world experience that can often lead to a first job post-graduation.

Are you a transfer student?
Find information for transfer students.

Although the University may sometimes seem vast and overwhelming, the urban studies program engages students through coursework unique to the major, an active student organization (Minnesota Urban Studies Student Association–MUSSA), and very personalized advising, so it is able to focus on the needs of individual students.