The goal of undergraduate urban studies education in the UC School of Planning is to introduce beginning students to the general knowledge required by the planning profession, as well as to ground students in the liberal arts. This four-year program of study leads to a bachelor of science degree. This baccalaureate degree prepares students for employment in metropolitan areas and organizations and for graduate work in urban studies, law, management, community planning, public administration and the social sciences. The four-year urban studies program is a broad-based, pre-professional program, leading to a bachelor of science degree. The program focuses on a critical examination of urban life and its issues. An urban orientation is instilled through a concentration in urban studies, complemented by selected courses in planning. Critical analysis is developed in research methods courses, a formal undergraduate thesis and a capstone seminar. An independent, self-motivated student is able to develop his or her own urban-focused interdisciplinary degree program of great richness in discussion with the academic advisor. By massing the group electives, open electives and thesis work, a student can explore in detail an area of personal interest. On the other hand, a student with more wide-ranging interests can use the open electives to study individual subjects of concern. Finally, students have enough flexibility in the program to pursue, simultaneously, a second bachelor’s degree within a number of other university programs.

Career Possibilities The urban studies program serves as excellent preparation for a career in law and public administration. Graduates find employment opportunities in community development, human services, housing and personnel work. Many also choose to pursue advanced degrees.