URBAN AND REGIONAL STUDIES, B.A.

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 and Washington Seminar provide 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

MAJOR-FIELD REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the major requirements listed below, students must fulfill all College of Urban Affairs Undergraduate Degree requirements, including completion of UST 200, UST 404, UST 405, and UST 490. 

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

A. REQUIRED COURSES (5 COURSES)

• UST 290 - Urban Geography
• UST 300 - Economics Of Policy Analysis
• UST 302 - Contemporary Urban Issues
• UST 458 - Urban Policy
• UST 489 - Advanced Senior Seminar

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)

• UST 301 - Urban Development
• UST 418 - Urban Planning

ELECTIVES - CHOOSE FOUR COURSES (12 CREDIT HOURS MINIMUM)

• UST 375 - City and Civilization
• UST 419 - Neighborhood Planning
• UST 420 - Urban Design Seminar
• UST 424 - Inequality and Economic Development
• UST 425 - Economic Development Finance
• UST 428 - Fire and Emergency Services Administration
• UST 433 - Negotiation and Conflict Management
• UST 436 - Urban Sustainability
• UST 441 - Environmental Planning
• UST 476 - Historic Preservation
• UST 478 - Contemporary Issues in Historic Preservation
• UST 485 - GIS Principles

2. PUBLIC MANAGEMENT (18 CREDIT HOURS)

REQUIRED COURSES (6 CREDIT HOURS)

• UST 452 - Management of Urban and Nonprofit Organizations
• UST 459 - Budgeting and Policy Analysis

ELECTIVES - CHOOSE FOUR COURSES (12 CREDIT HOURS MINIMUM)

• UST 410 - Proposal Writing
• UST 425 - Economic Development Finance
• UST 429 - Fire Prevention Organization & Management
• UST 433 - Negotiation and Conflict Management
• UST 451 - Fundraising and External Relations for Nonprofit Organizations
• UST 453 - Managing Urban Diversity
• UST 455 - Gender and Leadership
• UST 473 - Columbus Seminar
• UST 474 - Washington Seminar
• UST 481 - Public Safety Management
• UST 494 - Levin Chair Seminar

3. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND MANAGEMENT (18 CREDIT HOURS)

REQUIRED COURSES (6 CREDIT HOURS)

• UST 435 - Environmental Policy & Administration
• UST 436 - Urban Sustainability

ELECTIVES - CHOOSE FOUR COURSES (12 CREDIT HOURS MINIMUM)

• UST 259 - Natural History of the Cleveland Area
• UST 289 - Physical Geography
• UST 440 - Environment & Human Affairs
• UST 441 - Environmental Planning
• UST 442 - Environmental Finance and Capital Budgeting
• UST 459 - Budgeting and Policy Analysis

4. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS & APPLICATIONS (18 CREDIT HOURS)

REQUIRED COURSES (12 CREDIT HOURS)

• UST 485 - GIS Principles
• UST 486 - GIS Methods
• UST 487 - GIS Applications

ELECTIVES - CHOOSE ONE PAIR OF COURSES (6 CREDIT HOURS)

• UST 301 - Urban Development and UST 418 - Urban Planning
• UST 435 - Environmental Policy & Administration and UST 436 - Urban Sustainability
• UST 452 - Management of Urban and Nonprofit Organizations and UST 459 - Budgeting and Policy Analysis

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.

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 the Levin College.

• 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.