Urban Studies
The Urban Studies Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, and spatial dynamics that shape urban environments. The curriculum integrates urban planning, sociology, geography, public policy, and research methodology, enabling students to analyze urban issues, assess community development strategies, and propose solutions for sustainable and equitable city planning. Students engage in field studies, case analyses, and applied research projects, developing analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills essential for careers or advanced study in urban studies and planning.
Throughout the program, students participate in seminars, workshops, and experiential learning guided by faculty experts in urban planning, public policy, and community development. The program emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary research, and applied practice, preparing graduates to evaluate urban systems, understand social and economic patterns, and contribute to policy and planning initiatives. Students leave the program with analytical skills, research competence, critical reasoning, and practical insight, fully prepared for professional or academic pathways in urban planning, policy analysis, community development, or related fields.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Urban Studies
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Urban Planning
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Urban Studies
- Introduction to Urban Systems and Planning
- Principles of Sociology and Urban Communities
- Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis
- Urban Geography and Spatial Analysis
Year 2 – Intermediate Study in Urban Dynamics
- Urban Policy and Governance
- Housing, Infrastructure, and Community Development
- Economic Development in Urban Contexts
- Electives: Environmental Planning, Transportation, or Public Health
Year 3 – Advanced Urban Analysis and Research
- Applied Research Projects in Urban Planning
- Social, Economic, and Spatial Inequalities
- Community Engagement and Policy Evaluation
- Electives: Urban Design, GIS Applications, or Regional Planning
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Contemporary Urban Challenges
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Internship or Applied Project in Urban Planning, Policy, or Community Organizations
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Urban Studies program are prepared for careers in urban planning, community development, public policy, housing and infrastructure planning, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions. Alumni may work as urban planners, policy analysts, community development coordinators, or pursue graduate studies in urban planning, public policy, or regional development. The program equips graduates to analyze urban systems, evaluate social and economic patterns, and design evidence-based strategies to address urban challenges. With strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic environments focused on urban development, policy planning, and sustainable community solutions.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of urban planning, social and economic analysis, applied research, and interdisciplinary study within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, fieldwork opportunities, and hands-on projects that connect theoretical frameworks with practical applications in planning, policy, and community development. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary approaches, preparing graduates to evaluate urban challenges, influence policy, and implement sustainable solutions. For students passionate about cities, community planning, and addressing complex urban issues, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
