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.
It prepares students for successful careers in the non-profit, youth agency and community development sector. It also serves mid-career non-profit professionals seeking further understanding of the urban experience. 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. An MA degree in Urban Studies is of great interest to students who hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture but would like to continue their urban education outside the field of architecture and design. 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.
The program concentrates on three areas of research and scholarship:
• Race, Class, Gender and Ethnicity
• Urban Society and Culture
• The City and Globalization
Requirements
The degree is a 16 month program for full-time students (3 semesters and internship/field work in the summer) requiring completion of 36 credits (12 courses).
1. Three core courses establish a common base of knowledge and research skills:
USGA 5000: Issues in Urban Studies
Issues in Urban Studies will introduce all students to the current debates about the urban experience.
USGA 5020: Urban Political Processes
This course examines urban political systems concentrating on the primary institutions and processes that comprise the urban political milieu.
USGA 6200: Research Skills in Urban Studies
This course introduces students to Urban Studies research methods, setting up research design including deriving hypotheses and conclusions, and the application of qualitative and quantitative research approaches.
2. Students then complete seven elective courses across the program’s three areas of concentration. Four courses must be in the student’s chosen area of concentration. The three remaining courses must be in the two other areas of concentration.
3. USGA 6080: Urban Studies Internship or Field Work
Students will have hands-on, practical experience in a 3-credit internship or field study in New York City, or a field study in another large-scale city in the United States or foreign country, depending on the student’s interests. It may be completed during the academic year or the summer. Before registering for an internship, a student must have completed 12 credits and be in good academic standing. The Urban Studies Director or designee must approve and monitor all internships. Internships must be with an approved city, regional, or international organization. The field study may be directly related to the student’s Extensive Research Project.
4. USGA 6999: Research Project in Urban Studies
Graduate training will require an extensive Research Project (3-6 credits) related to the student’s professional interests as well as to their internship or field study. Each project will be mentored by a faculty member specializing in the chosen field of study.
