Academic

URBAN STUDIES AND PUBLIC
POLICY
Mission
The major in urban studies and public policy is designed
to prepare students for careers in public service or
private corporations involved in public issues. Career
paths include government, law, city planning, non-profit
management and public policy analysis. The curriculum
explores urban issues in real estate development,
transportation, land use and housing that focuses
on finding solutions to inner-city problems such as
unemployment, poverty and crime.
Student Learning Outcomes
o Understand the relationship between the urban
environment and human behavior.
o Identify the causes and effect of urban problems.
o Quantify the costs and benefits of public programs in order
to conduct rational policy analysis.
o Propose practical solutions to social problems.
o Communicate complex policy issues in a clear and concise
manner both orally and in writing.
o Influence the political process by explaining policy solutions
to both public officials and the general public.
Programs/Opportunities
Students are offered the opportunity to gain practical
experience in community affairs by working with:
o Dillard University Community Development Corporation
(CDC). The Dillard CDC - a non-profit corporation
involved in urban revitalization by offering city planning
services to the community, as well as offering homebuyer
training and financial assistance to residents interested
in purchasing or renovating homes in the Dillard
neighborhood.
Requirements for Bachelor of Science Urban
Studies and Public Policy
Complete a total of 122 credit hours of coursework
for graduation.
General Education Core
Major Requirements
Additional Coursework*
*Includes minor in another discipline
Major Requirements
o URB 204 - Introduction to Urban Studies
o URB 205 - Introduction to Public Policy
o URB 206 - City and Metro Planning
o URB 304 - Research Seminar
o URB 311 - Urban Government and Politics
- 41 credit hours
- 30 credit hours
- 51 credit hours
o URB 335 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
o URB 411 - Housing Policy
o URB 412 - Urban Land Use Policy
o URB 431 - Internship
o URB 450 - Senior Seminar
Additional Coursework*
o CS 101 - Computer Concepts and Applications
o GEO 115 - Principles of Geography
o HIS 201 - U. S. History 1607 to 1865
o HIS 202 - U. S. History 1865 to Present
o POL 201 - American National Government
o SOC 308 - Social Research
o STA 205 - Foundation of Statistics
o STA 306 - Social Statistics
o Minor or General Elective: 24 credit hours
o Social Science Elective: 3 credit hours
Exceptional students are encouraged to participate in
one of the joint master’s degree programs offered by
the Department of Urban Studies and Public Policy.
Three/two (3/2) programs are available with:
o New School University - Master of Arts Urban Policy
Analysis and Management
o University of New Orleans - Master of Urban and Regional
Planning or Master of Science in Urban Studies
130