Trains lines up on the West Side on Manhattan

Urban Studies

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Pursue Urban Studies at Fordham

About the urban studies major

There’s no better place to earn your degree in urban studies than in one of the world’s largest and liveliest cities. Here, NYC will become your classroom, and you’ll have access to hands-on opportunities across the city—and the world.

At Fordham, you’ll see your coursework come to life as you conduct research both in the classroom and out in the field. Dive deeper into areas like urban design, architecture, environmental studies, and sociology. Take your education worldwide with one of our 100+ study abroad programs. And use your knowledge to make a difference in urban environments, from expanding access to mental health resources to developing more sustainable housing.

Our graduates go on to …

  • government planning and policy
  • nonprofit organizations
  • careers in urban planning, architecture, development, and education

Visit the urban studies department page

Students plant in a community garden

Urban studies program profile

  • Rose Hill CampusMajor
    Rose Hill
  • Rose Hill CampusMinor
    Rose Hill
  • Lincoln Center CampusMajor
    Lincoln Center
  • Lincoln Center CampusMinor
    Lincoln Center

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Program at a glance

94%

of urban studies graduates in the past five years were employed, continuing their education, or engaged in public service or other meaningful endeavors within six months of graduation

30%

of urban studies graduates in the past five years have pursued advanced degrees

Nonprofit, Government, Social Assistance, IT, Real Estate

industries where the greatest number of urban studies majors find jobs and internships at places like CASA, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, Apple, and more

10

courses across sociology, economics, political science, African American studies, Latino studies, architecture, urban design, and environmental studies

10+

countries where students can take urban studies courses abroad, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, France, Jordan, Korea, and more

Trinity Financial Fellowhip

supports the academic research of outstanding urban studies majors as they complete their senior internship and thesis

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Making an urban impact

Members of the SEAJ club pose at the club fair

Want a Greener Future? Join the Club                    

Fordham’s environmental clubs help promote sustainability through local cleanups, policy advocacy, and community gardening. See how these student-led initiatives create a greener campus and lasting impact.

Olivia Griffin (front row, third from left), attending orientation for an Udall Undergraduate Scholarship, an award that honors the legacy of former congressmen Morris K. Udall and Stewart Udall, known for their environmental and Native American advocacy.

A Rising Star in Sustainability                    

Olivia Griffin combined her urban studies major and Cherokee heritage to advocate for sustainable cities and Native communities. Learn more about how she earned the prestigious Udall Scholarship for her work.

Lincoln Center Columbus Circle globe sculpture

Student Funding for City Research                    

Seniors completing their internship and thesis are eligible for the Trinity Financial Fellowship, which supports outstanding academic research in urban studies. Discover how students like Isaac Forson use the funding for innovative projects.

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Urban Studies Program FAQ

  • Here, you’ll learn by doing. With hands-on opportunities in one of the most influential urban centers on the planet, you’ll gain the skills and experiences employers seek. And in addition to the big city energy of New York, you’ll have a tight-knit, supportive campus community, eager for you to thrive.

  • Beyond a broad understanding of our city and the urban environment, you might dive into specific areas with courses like Architectural Design, where you’ll study the contextual, artistic, environmental, and functional requirements in the design of landscapes and buildings, or From Rock and Roll to Hip-Hop, where you’ll explore urban youth culture through the evolution of music.

  • With New York City as your college town, you’ll have access to internships with partner institutions and community organizations in a variety of fields, including …

    • tutoring
    • youth leadership
    • housing
    • urban and economic development
    • counseling
    • advocacy
    • architecture and planning

  • You’ll be prepared for graduate school and professional programs in teaching, social work, public policy, architecture, and urban planning as well as careers in government service, community development, the nonprofit sector, journalism, and law.

  • At Fordham, you’ll use AI as a tool to enhance your learning. Our program will equip you with the skills to navigate the ever-changing landscape of AI in the workforce. As an urban studies major, you could conduct research into how AI has affected world governments and elections, preparing you for careers in AI policy, strategy, and safety.

    You’ll also be able to earn credentials and paid micro-internships through IBM SkillsBuild’s Getting Started with AI course. All Fordham students and graduates have access to AI training through RamConnect, the University’s alumni and experiential learning platform.

    Above all, you’ll learn skills that can’t be replaced by AI, such as critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and integrity.

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