Urban Studies

Program Description for Urban Studies at Arizona State University

The Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies at Arizona State University offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of urban environments, focusing on the social, economic, political, and environmental aspects that shape cities and metropolitan regions. This program prepares students to understand the complexities of urban life and to develop innovative solutions for the challenges faced by contemporary urban areas. Through a combination of coursework in sociology, geography, public policy, planning, and environmental studies, students gain a well-rounded perspective on urban issues and acquire the analytical and practical skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to urban development and policy-making.

Students in the Urban Studies program engage with topics such as urban planning, housing, transportation, sustainability, social justice, community development, and governance. The curriculum emphasizes applied learning, critical thinking, and research, encouraging students to examine real-world urban problems and participate in projects that foster community engagement and sustainable development. The program also offers opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and collaborations with local government and nonprofit organizations, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and build professional networks.

Arizona State University’s urban environment provides a rich backdrop for study, with numerous opportunities for experiential learning across its diverse urban and suburban landscapes. The program’s faculty are experts in their fields, dedicated to mentoring students and advancing scholarship in urban studies and related disciplines. Graduates of the program are equipped to pursue careers in urban planning and design, public policy, community development, environmental management, and research, or to continue their education in graduate programs. The Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies at ASU is ideal for students passionate about understanding and shaping the future of cities, committed to fostering equitable, sustainable, and vibrant urban communities.

• MAT 142: College Mathematics (MA)
• ENG 101 or ENG 102: First-Year Composition OR 
• ENG 105: Advanced First-Year Composition OR 
• ENG 107 or ENG 108: First-Year Composition
• LIA 101: Student Success in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Humanities, Arts and Design (HU) AND Historical Awareness (H)
• GCU 102: Introduction to Human Geography (SB & G) OR
• GCU 121: World Geography (SB & G) OR
• GPH 111: Introduction to Physical Geography (SQ)
• Humanities, Arts and Design (HU) AND Cultural Diversity in the U.S. (C)
• CLAS Science and Society Elective
• Literacy and Critical Inquiry (L)
• Natural Science - General (SG) OR
• Natural Science - Quantitative (SQ)
• GCU 361: Urban Geography (SB)
• Upper Division Urban Topical Course
• Upper Division CLAS Science and Society Elective
• GIS 205: Geographic Information Technologies (CS)
• Upper Division Urban Topical Course
• Complete Cultural Diversity in the U.S. (C) course(s).
• Complete Historical Awareness (H) course(s).
• GIS 211: Geographic Information Science I (CS)
• GIS 470: Statistics for Geographers (CS)
• CU 496: Geographic Research Methods (L)

Urban Topical Courses

• GCU 350: The Geography of World Crises (SB & G)
• GCU 351: Population Geography (SB & G)
• GCU 357: Social Geography (SB)
• GCU 359: Cities of the World I (SB & G & H)
• GCU 360: Cities of the World II (SB & G)
• GCU 364: Energy in the Global Arena (SB & G)
• GCU 441: Economic Geography (SB)
• GCU 442: Geographical Analysis of Transportation (SB)

• Freshmen must have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school.
• Transfer students must have a minimum 2.50 GPA (a "C+" or better where "A"=4.00) from a college or university. Some ASU programs require a minimum transfer GPA of 3.00, including the W. P. Carey School of Business and Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
• Some ASU  programs may have higher admission requirements and may require a minimum ACT or SAT score.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• All international students on F-1 or J-1 visas must provide a Financial Guarantee to show evidence of sufficient funds available for their students before their SEVIS Form I-20 can be issued. 

Scholarships

ASU offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships for highly qualified international freshman students who are non-immigrant, nonresident and degree seeking. To be considered for this competitive scholarship, you must submit your application for admission by April 1, 2017. There is no separate scholarship application to complete. 

The Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies at Arizona State University is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the social, political, economic, and environmental factors that influence urban environments. This interdisciplinary degree combines coursework from various fields such as geography, sociology, political science, planning, and environmental studies to prepare students for careers in urban development, policy analysis, community planning, and environmental advocacy. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical experience through internships and research projects, enabling students to address complex urban issues like housing, transportation, sustainability, and social equity. Students can tailor their education with elective courses, minors, or certificates to match their career interests. The curriculum includes foundational courses in urban theory, data analysis, and fieldwork, as well as specialized classes in urban policy, GIS mapping, and metropolitan governance. Arizona State University supports its urban studies students with state-of-the-art facilities, faculty with extensive research experience, and partnerships with local government agencies and community organizations to facilitate experiential learning opportunities. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce in roles such as urban planners, policy analysts, environmental consultants, or community development specialists, contributing to the creation of sustainable and equitable cities.