Description

Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, the BS program in urban and metropolitan studies is for students who have a yearning to study and understand urban theory in order to effectively address the challenges of rapid growth along with other contemporary urban issues.

Students in this program discover what makes the city tick --- and the city is their classroom. They examine challenges and solutions by researching history, society, culture, economy and politics in order to understand urban theory, and they use that knowledge to get involved in their communities. This gives them an outlet through which they can experience practical ways of solving complex problems faced by metropolitan regions. The students are invested in their neighborhoods. Many of them live and work downtown, and they learn how to improve urban health and well-being, often training themselves to be the future leaders of urban environments. Others focus on making a wide variety of other contributions to society, studying the role of arts and culture, business and property development, and revitalization and community-building in the life of the region.

The urban and metropolitan studies program prepares students for work in a wide range of fields. The transdisciplinary approach of the program allows graduates to successfully enter fields as diverse as urban management, revitalization, community development, urban sustainability and urban planning.

There are many careers and advanced degrees that may be pursued with a bachelor's degree in urban and metropolitan studies. Some of these careers require additional graduate-level studies and professional experience. Students in the program are advised to explore their options with academic and career advisors to prepare an appropriate program of study and a plan to participate in an internship that complements their long-term professional goals.