With a B.S. in urban studies and planning from UNO, you’ll be equipped to think creatively about today’s pressing social problems, and to design the solutions that improve standards of living around the world. Cities are focal points for culture and innovation—but they can also be centers of inefficiency, inequality, and outdated infrastructure. By studying the social sciences and critically analyzing the complex issues that urban environments face, you’ll have the knowledge and the skill to address structural issues and create lasting change.
The interdisciplinary, intensive urban studies and planning degree is designed to equip you with a strong working knowledge in the fundamentals of cities, urban development, urban planning, urban policy, and related fields. Students who complete this degree are prepared to enter the urban planning profession in either the public or the private sector, or to continue their education with a master’s degree in urban planning.
Areas of Specialization
Geography
By completing a concentration in geography, you’ll gain a deep and nuanced understanding of how people interact with their environments, and how we create the places we live in. You’ll study the foundations of geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping, and you’ll explore the political, regional, and cultural forces that shape cities, countries, and lives. The geography concentration requires 12 GEOG credits, which count toward the required courses for the major.
Planning
With a concentration in planning, you’ll explore what it takes to direct the development of cities and towns—whether that’s preparing for growth, addressing the effects of population loss, or adapting to changing environmental factors. You’ll study the strategic use of public space and effective infrastructure, so that you can create an effective plan to transform a community for the better. The planning concentration requires 12 MURP credit hours, which count toward the required courses for the major.
Transportation
Cities should be built for people, not cars—and by concentrating in transportation, you’ll prepare to make that truism a reality. You’ll learn how to promote sustainability and effective living through transportation design, whether that’s more accessible public transit or adjustments to traffic patterns. Ultimately, you’ll be prepared to help cities operate more efficiently and sustainably, protecting our planet and improving the flow of life for all people. The transportation concentration requires 12 specific credits in the URBN and MURP programs, which count toward the required courses for the major.
