B.A. in Women & Gender Studies
Queens College offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across variou...
B.A. in Urban Studies
New York City, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Urban Studies at Queens College delves into the multifaceted aspects of urban life, examining social, economic, political, and environmental issues within cities. The program emphasizes the application of critical social theory to policy formulation and evaluation, preparing students to become informed and engaged participants in civic life. It covers topics such as urban diversity, poverty, sustainability, segregation, gentrification, and community planning, with a strong focus on New York City as a living laboratory. Graduates are prepared for careers in public administration, non-profit organizations, community planning, and related fields, or for advanced studies in urban planning, law, social work, or public administration.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of urban phenomena through a multidisciplinary lens. Required courses include foundational subjects like "Urban Issues: Poverty and Affluence" (URBST 101), "Urban Politics" (URBST 105), "Methods in Urban Research" (URBST 200), "Making Public Policy" (URBST 221), and "Contemporary Urban Theory" (URBST 330W). The program also emphasizes practical, real-world learning through a "Service Learning Practicum or Project" (URBST 370 or 371), which places students in community organizations or public agencies. Electives allow students to explore specific areas of interest, such as urban planning, environmental studies, urban economy, immigration, or social movements. The curriculum is designed to develop critical skills including writing policy briefs and effective oral presentations.
Research Focus: The Department of Urban Studies at Queens College has a strong applied research focus, aiming to generate innovative, real-world knowledge about urban challenges and opportunities. Faculty and the affiliated Office of Community Studies engage in research areas such as demographic change, environmental justice, urban sustainability, community economic development, immigrant communities and health, social service provision, and urban planning. Students are actively involved in research through required methods courses, independent study projects, and practical engagement through the Service Learning program. This hands-on research experience allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world urban issues, often focusing on the diverse neighborhoods of Queens and the broader New York metropolitan area.
Industry Engagement: The B.A. in Urban Studies at Queens College places a significant emphasis on practical experience and direct engagement with the urban sector. The cornerstone of this engagement is the Service Learning Program, which connects students with community organizations and public agencies for meaningful work experience. This program allows students to integrate research, theory, and real-world practice, preparing them for active participation in public and community service. Graduates often find careers in city, state, and federal government, as well as in the non-profit sector for community-based organizations. The faculty often includes practitioners with extensive experience in city government, non-profits, advocacy groups, and planning agencies, providing students with valuable insights and networking opportunities within the urban professional landscape.
Global Perspective: Queens College's Urban Studies program inherently embraces a strong global perspective, largely due to its location in Queens, New York, which is recognized as one of the most diverse urban environments globally and a preeminent global city. The curriculum explicitly includes courses that explore global urban issues, such as "Global Cities" (URBST 206) and topics related to transnational migration, immigrant diasporas, and inter-group dynamics. The program's multidisciplinary approach integrates perspectives from urban anthropology, geography, history, political science, and sociology to understand urbanization processes worldwide. This focus prepares students to analyze complex urban challenges not only in New York City but also in other metropolitan areas across the United States and globally, fostering a nuanced understanding of interconnected urban systems and diverse cultural contexts.
Location
New York City, New York
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 19207
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Queens College, United States of America, is supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Queens College offers a range of merit-based scholarships specifically available to international students. These awards are typically granted based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and overall potential. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others may require separate applications.
Queens College Foundation Scholarships: The Queens College Foundation administers several scholarships funded by alumni and donors. These scholarships reward outstanding academic performance and community service. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving aid.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Queens College provide scholarships for students excelling in their respective fields. International students can inquire within their chosen department about specialized awards, grants, and assistantships that may be available during their studies.
External Scholarships: Queens College encourages international students to seek external scholarships offered by governments, private organizations, and international education foundations.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Urban Studies from Queens College provides a unique and vital skillset for navigating the complexities of modern cities. Graduates develop strong analytical capabilities, research methodologies, and a deep understanding of social, economic, political, and environmental factors influencing urban environments. These skills are highly valued across government, non-profit, and even private sectors involved in urban development and community well-being.
Urban Planner (Entry-Level/Assistant): While many senior urban planning roles require a master's degree, a B.A. in Urban Studies provides an excellent foundation for entry-level positions or assistant roles in city planning departments, regional planning agencies, or private planning consultancies. Responsibilities might include data collection, mapping (often using GIS), and contributing to policy development.
Community Development Specialist/Coordinator: These professionals work with local communities, often through non-profit organizations or government agencies, to initiate and manage projects aimed at improving quality of life, economic opportunities, or social cohesion. Their understanding of community dynamics and policy is key.
Policy Analyst (Urban/Public): Graduates can work for government bodies (local, state, federal), think tanks, or advocacy groups, researching and evaluating urban policies related to housing, transportation, environmental sustainability, or social services. They help to inform decision-making and propose evidence-based solutions.
Non-profit Program Manager/Coordinator: Many non-profits focus on urban issues like affordable housing, youth development, environmental justice, or immigrant services. Urban Studies graduates are well-suited to manage programs, coordinate resources, and work directly with communities to implement initiatives.
GIS Specialist/Technician: The strong emphasis on spatial analysis and mapping in Urban Studies (often involving Geographic Information Systems, or GIS) makes graduates valuable in roles that involve creating and analyzing geographic data for planning, environmental management, real estate, or public safety.
Transportation Planner (Assistant): Focusing on the movement of people and goods within urban areas, these roles involve analyzing traffic patterns, developing public transit solutions, and contributing to infrastructure projects. Urban Studies provides a contextual understanding of how transportation impacts urban life.
Real Estate Development Assistant: Understanding urban land use, zoning regulations, demographic trends, and economic development makes Urban Studies graduates valuable in real estate. They can assist developers in researching sites, analyzing market potential, and navigating regulatory processes for new projects.
Housing Specialist/Advocate: Working for housing authorities, non-profit housing organizations, or advocacy groups, these professionals address issues of housing affordability, access, and equity. They may help individuals find housing, manage properties, or advocate for policy changes.
Environmental Planner/Sustainability Coordinator (Entry-Level): With a focus on urban sustainability and environmental justice, graduates can contribute to planning initiatives that promote green infrastructure, reduce pollution, and enhance environmental quality in cities, often within government agencies or environmental organizations.
Public Administrator (Various Roles): The comprehensive understanding of government structures, public policy, and administrative processes gained in Urban Studies prepares graduates for diverse roles within local, state, or federal government, including positions in city management, public works, or social services.
