Master of Arts in Urban Studies 

The Masters degree in Urban Studies focuses on a humanistic and interdisciplinary study of the society, community, culture, and history of the city and metropolitan community.

What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Urban Studies?

• Community and Non-Profit Leadership.  A Master’s Degree in Urban Studies prepares students for successful careers in the non-profit, youth agency and community development sector. It serves mid-career non-profit professionals seeking further understanding of the urban experience.

• Government and Public Service Careers.  An MA degree provides students seeking careers in this sector with competitive training and a firm understanding of the social issues essential to promoting public policy and serving the urban population. It also serves individuals working for Housing Development Agencies, Economic Development Corporations, and Business Improvement Districts.

• Real Estate Development and Building Industry Careers.  Individuals who are seeking employment in the real estate and building industries profit from an MA degree in Urban Studies as a baseline of professional training.

• Pre-Professional Studies.  While preparing for professional schools (in Law, Journalism, Architecture and Planning, Public Policy), a Master’s Degree in Urban Studies introduces students to the breadth and diversity of concerns surrounding cities and metropolitan areas. 

• Career Transitions.  An MA degree in Urban Studies is of great interest to students who hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or Planning but would like to continue their urban education outside the field of architecture and design. It also aids mid-career professionals transitioning to careers outside architecture and planning, but who would like to remain in the wider fields of building, civic institutions and industries.
  
• Post-professional and Career Studies.  After professional school or during their traditional careers, individuals return for a Masters degree in Urban Studies to realign their education with their core urban interests, to gather credentials for teaching, to pursue special projects in emerging areas of concern, or to seek experience in urban areas internationally.  At Fordham, a graduate program in Urban Studies serves mature professionals with a ‘close-up’ humanistic view of the city.