BA in Urban Studies
The BA in Urban Studies is ideal for the student interested in cities and urban issues who also wants to become proficient in a foreign language. This degree can lead to both fulfilling employment right out of college or can provide the foundation for graduate study. Students pursuing the BA are required to take two skills classes as part of their undergraduate program.
Tracks
Social and Cultural Analysis of Urban Life
The Social and Cultural Analysis of Urban Life plan offers courses that provide an understanding of the diverse social and cultural situations that are found within different types of cities; the relations between different social groups within a city (i.e. social classes, age groups, ethnic and racial groups); and the nature of social policies towards minority and disadvantaged groups.
Urban Political Economy
The Urban Political Economy plan offers courses that provide an understanding of the basic economic and political/administrative structures of cities and metropolitan areas. Topics include traditional urban concerns such as land use and community power structures and perspectives on issues such as the intentions and impacts of new economic development.
Urban Infrastructure and Environment
The Urban Infrastructure and Environment plan offers courses that provide an understanding of environmental and health hazards in urban areas, issues concerning the created environment and urban infrastructure, and legal and public policy frameworks designed to manage the challenges provoked by these issues.
International Urban Issues
The International Urban Issues plan offers courses that involve larger-scale issues, economic development and its effects, historical effects of capitalism on development, and more. These courses often involve the politics of tourism, the environment, globalization, and society.
Transfer Guide
If you are exploring or planning to transfer to CLA, learning more about your intended major is important.
Click on the ” Full Requirements” button above to see all of the major requirements, and any limits or restrictions on certain kinds of courses or credits. Every major has a requirement of a minimum number of upper level credits or courses that must be taken through their department. Some departments also have limits to the number of 1xxx or 2xxx level courses that can count towards major requirements.
Courses to Prepare for the Major
If you are considering a major in Urban Studies, you are encouraged to take a 1xxx-level (lower division) Urban Studies course early in your college career to explore your interest. A lower division course can provide a broad introduction to urban studies or explore a specific area of study such as social and cultural analysis or urban life, or urban political economy, or urban infrastructure and environment, or international urban issues. The BA and BS Urban Studies majors have one introductory URBS course that is required for both majors:
• URBS 1001W - Introduction to Urban Studies: The Complexity of Metropolitan Life
OR
• URBS 3001W - Introduction to Urban Studies: The Complexity of Metropolitan Life
It is possible to take an introductory course after transferring. This is common for students transferring from schools where a major similar to Urban Studies was not available.
A grade of C- or better is required in all courses approved to satisfy major requirements.
Transferring Courses and Credits
Use Transferology to help you plan your courses for the major. Remember, when using Transferology, look for courses that transfer as direct equivalents to UMTC major courses.
Check Transferology to see if an evaluation already exists for courses you would like to use towards the major. If you find a course that has not been evaluated, you can submit an evaluation request to find out if your course is equivalent to a specific UMTC course. A copy of the course syllabus is required for the evaluation.
Declaring the Major
Transfer students must apply and be admitted to the College of Liberal Arts in order to declare a major. Check out the information on the Urban Studies declaration process on the Advising page.
BA Second Language Requirement
The BA degree does have a second language requirement. Consider completing or starting your second language before you transfer to CLA. Be sure to talk with a CLA transfer advisor about any questions.
Who Can Help as You Plan Your Transfer
- CLA Transfer Advising - CLA Transfer Advisors are ready to assist you as you plan your transfer to CLA. The Transfer to CLA website provides additional information to help you in your transfer exploration and planning.
- Urban Studies Department Advising - The departmental advisor can answer questions that are specific to the major.
- Office of Admissions - Requirements for admission to CLA are not the same as the requirements to declare a major. Read through the CLA Transfer Admissions requirements to learn more, and contact the Office of Admissions with any questions.
If you are a current UMTC student or a UM-Rochester student, you will use the
Change of College application process.
Career Paths
All liberal arts degrees help CLA students develop their Core Career Competencies, and urban studies majors develop specific skills that are applicable to lots of different careers. These skills include verbal and written communication skills, critical thinking and analytical skills, ability to formulate clear and persuasive messages, creative problem-solving skills, and ability to work well with diverse groups.
Students who take the SuperStrong Interest Inventory receive a three-letter interest code, which identifies their top three areas of interest, work activities, potential skills, and personal values. The interest code "IES" is often associated with this major, however, the SuperStrong assessment can help you understand how your interests connect to a variety of majors and career options. You can learn more about common employer types and occupations associated with this major. You can also see CLA specific examples of alumni careers below.
Internship & Job Search Websites
- Handshake
- HECUA Internship Program
- USA Jobs
- Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
- Idealist (Nonprofit positions in the US and internationally)
Professional Organizations
Alumni Career Examples
Below is a small sampling of what alumni with this major have pursued, organized by the most common career fields they go into (although keep in mind that there are alumni in all eight of the career fields). You can also utilize the LinkedIn's Alumni Tool and the Maroon and Gold Network to further explore alumni career pathways and connect directly with professionals.
Click to expand each accordion panel below for opportunities pursued by alumni in this major!
Internships
- GIS Intern, Historical Information Gatherers, Inc.
- Planning Intern, City of Blaine
- Student Intern, Assessor's Office, City of Minneapolis
- Intern, 4th District Commissioner, Hennepin County
- Legislative Intern, Office of Senator Scott J. Newman
- Campaign Intern, Betsy Hodges for Mayor
- Regulatory Services Operations and Business Improvement Intern, City of Minneapolis
- Survey Crew Intern, City of White Bear Lake
- Congressional Intern, District Office of Congressman Keith Ellison
- Policy Intern, Organizing Apprenticeship Project
- Food Waste Management Researcher, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Entry-Level
- Administrative Assistant, District Councils Collaborative of St. Paul and Minneapolis
- Summer Reads Vista, AmeriCorps
- Project Facilitator, City of Brooklyn Park
- Development and Communications Associate, Minnesota Land Trust
- Neighborhood Coordinator, Midtown Phillips Neighborhood Association
- Planner, Metro Transit
- Housing Inspector I, City of Minneapolis
- Research Assistant, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Experienced
- Regional Planner, South Central Dakota Regional Council
- Planning & Emergency Management Specialist, Wenck Associates, Inc.
- Research Manager, Center for Urban and Regional Affairs
- Executive Director, West Broadway Business Area Coalition
- City Planner, City of Osseo-MN
- Senior Transportation Planner, State of Minnesota
Graduate Programs
- MURP, University of Minnesota
- MA Urban and Regional Planning, University of Minnesota
- MA Public Administration, Hamline University
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Bicycle Intern, Southeast Como Improvement Association
- Communications Intern, Southeast Como Improvement Association
- Find Scholars Intern, Institute for Humane Studies
- Political/Media Intern, Women in Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF)
- Beyond Coal Intern, Sierra Club
- Environmental Intern, Southeast Como Improvement Association
- Supervised Visitation Intern, FamilyWise
- Intern, American Relief Agency for the Horn of Africa
- Program Operations, Project Footsteps
- Intern, Gardening Matters
- HECUA Intern, Headwaters Foundation for Justice
- Technical Director, Mahtomedi Soccer Association
- History Day Mentor, Minnesota Historical Society
- Community Building Intern, Southeast Como Improvement Association
- Move MN Campaign Intern, Transit for Livable Communities
- GIS Researcher, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
Entry-Level
- Neighborhood Coordinator, Lind-Bohanon Neighborhood Association
- Assistant to the Coordinator of Student and Community Relations, University of Minnesota
- Fellow, New Sector Alliance
Experienced
- College and Career Counselor, Pillsbury United Communities
- Executive Director, Dress for Success Twin Cities
- Housing Case Manager, Our Saviours Housing Elca
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- International Trade Intern, U.S. Commercial Service
Entry-Level
- Real Estate Research Analyst, Maxfield Research, Inc.
- Business Systems Analyst, Metropolitan Council
- Assistant Field Technician, SHORT Elliot Hendrickson, Inc.
Graduate Programs
- Masters of Social Work, Augsburg University