Urban and Regional Studies, B.A.

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Description

Urban and Regional Studies majors learn to analyze the problems of urban areas, develop solutions, build in more sustainable ways, manage effectively, and appreciate different cultures and diversity. Urban and Regional Studies is an interdisciplinary program that includes a foundation in urban geography, urban economic and political systems, and social issues. Students learn urban planning, statistics, Geographic Information Systems, sustainability, and public management skills applicable to employment in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

What careers can this major prepare you for?

Graduates hold managerial and administrative roles in governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private companies. You may go on to hold positions including: City Council, Community Engagement Manager, Communications Officer, Director of Administration, Diversity Management, Environmental Sustainability, Executive Director, GIS Specialist, Healthcare Administrator, Mayor, Neighborhood Stabilization, Nonprofit Management, Planning Manager, Program Specialist, Public Service, Real Estate Development, Social Services, Volunteer Coordinator.

What skills are developed within this major?

Skills developed within this major include: analytical skills; problem-solving; critical-thinking; communication; leadership; management; and passion for public service.

Tracks

Urban and Regional Planning
Public Management
Environmental Policy and Management
Geographic Information Systems & Applications
Personally-Designed Track

Additional Information

Internship opportunities are available to all students; the Columbus Seminar provides on-site involvement in government
Students with substantial prior learning experience may apply for credit through the Assessment and Accreditation of Prior Learning Experience program.
Opportunities to participate in small seminar groups, research projects, and community engagement are available.

Hours Required for Degree

Minimum hours for the degree: 120

Minimum Hours required for major: 33

School Requirements

Students must fulfill all School of Urban Affairs Requirements , including completion of UST 200 , UST 404 , UST 405 , and UST 490 .

Major-Field Requirements

Urban and Regional Studies majors are required to complete a minimum of 33 credit hours from the following courses.

A. Required courses (5 courses)

B. Tracks

Students select one track from 1 through 5 below (18 credit hours) or a Degree Completion program area if transferring with a degree from a community college.

1. Urban and Regional Planning (18 credit hours)

Required courses (6 credit hours)

Electives - Choose four courses (12 credit hours minimum)

2. Public Management (18 credit hours)

Required courses (6 credit hours)

Electives - Choose four courses (12 credit hours minimum)

3. Environmental Policy and Management (18 credit hours)

Required courses (6 credit hours)

Electives - Choose four courses (12 credit hours minimum)

4. Geographic Information Systems & Applications (18 credit hours)

Required courses (12 credit hours)

Electives - Choose one pair of courses (6 credit hours)

5. Personally-Designed Track (18 credit hours)

Students may design their own track with their adviser, with the permission of the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Examples of personally-designed tracks are: historic preservation, economic development, and community health management.

Honors Program/University Scholars Requirements

Honors/Scholars students pursuing a major within the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs (Urban and Regional Studies, Organizational Leadership, Public Safety Management, Nonprofit Administration, Economic Development, and Environmental Studies) are required to take a minimum of 12 credit hours of 300-400 level honors courses as described below.

Honors Thesis or Exit Requirements (choose one):

Honors/Scholars students may choose to pursue an Honors thesis, consisting of original research supervised by an Urban Affairs faculty member.
Honors/Scholars students may take UST 489 - Advanced Senior Seminar , UST 452 - Management of Urban and Nonprofit Organizations or another capstone requirement as a contract course.

The remaining 9 credit hours of Honors courses shall consist of any combination of contract courses and regular Honors offerings within the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs, with at least one course in the student’s major field.

Degree Completion Programs

For community college transfer students with A.A., A.A.S. and A.A.B. degrees the following degree completion programs may be completed with technical credits transferred into CSU.

Public Management (For transfer students from public administration programs)
Environmental Policy (For transfer students from environmental health and safety technology programs)
Community Health Management (For transfer students from nursing programs)
Paralegal Studies (For transfer students from paralegal studies programs)
Human Services (For transfer students from human services programs)

Accelerated 4+1 Program

See the Public Administration, Accelerated 4+1 BA/MPA page.