Urban Studies, BA
Urban Studies students are interested in making a difference and connecting to real world issues. To do this well, students learn about urban history and current challenges. They come to understand how policy at the national level and global economic trends affect what we see at the local, even neighborhood level. In a broad, theoretical sense, the central intellectual frame of Urban Studies is about understanding people and place at different spatial scales. Individuals, groups, and public officials make decisions and design policy that in turn affects how people and resources are distributed in space and defines what kinds of places result. Urban Studies students take this understanding to explain the conditions of urban places and work towards creating places that foster equity, better health outcomes, environmental sustainability, and a better quality of life. In addition to coursework in a concentration of the student's choosing, all of our majors also complete an internship for credit and carry out an original research project.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 34. Double majors may entail more course units.
Urban Studies is a flexible major and requires conferring with an advisor to tailor a set of courses that fit your interests. This online worksheet is meant as a planning tool; before you will be accepted to the major, you are required to meet with an Urban Studies advisor to go over your plans and address your questions.
For more information: https://urban.sas.upenn.edu/students/requirements-major
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors + Free Electives 1, 2 | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Methods | ||
| URBS 2000 | Introduction to Urban Research | 1 |
| or URBS 3300 | GIS Applications in Social Science | |
| Urban Internship Seminar | ||
| URBS 3000 | Urban Internship Seminar | 2 |
| Senior Seminar | ||
| URBS 4000 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| Concentration | ||
| Select 3 course units in a discipline or theme of interest with: Attribute ARDC | 3 | |
| Urban Studies Themes | ||
| Select 1 course unit in History of Cities | 1 | |
| Select 1 course unit in Comparative and Theoretical Dimensions | 1 | |
| Select 1 course unit in The Built Environment | 1 | |
| Select 1 course unit in Urban Economics / Finance | 1 | |
| Select 1 course unit in Public Policy / Government | 1 | |
| Select 2 additional course units in any theme | 2 | |
| Total Course Units | 34 | |
- 1
Urban Studies majors will fulfill the Humanities and Social Science sector as part of their overall requirements.
- 2
A maximum of 3 study abroad courses can be counted in this major.
Honors
Requirement. Students in the major must be invited to participate in honors. A minimum grade of A- in URBS 4000 Senior Seminar.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| URBS 4010 | Urban Studies Honors (or Honors Paper) | 1 |
| Thesis | ||
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.