Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Major in Urban Studies

In addition to serving as a non-partisan research center, the Washington University Center on Urban Research and Public Policy developed an undergraduate program in Urban Studies, beginning Fall 2006. The degree program will draw faculty from various academic units including but not limited to Arts and Sciences, the George Warren Brown School of Social Work, the School of Law, the School of Architecture and the School of Medicine.

The Major:
There are five (5) subject area concentrations in Urban Studies: neighborhoods and community development; urban education; cities of the world; social policy/public policy; and public health. Urban Studies majors must complete Urban Studies 299, one introductory course in math or applied statistics (e.g. L55#2200 non Math Majors or #3200 Math Majors), one 400-level independent study or an internship, located locally, nationally or internationally and a Senior Capstone Seminar or Senior Thesis/Senior Honors Thesis in Urban Studies, with required writing assignments. Overall, students must complete 33 units of coursework for the major, of which 21 must be 300-level or above. Of these 21 advanced units, no more than 6 may be from independent study courses.

Because of the nature of the major and requirements of the nonresidential components, majors are strongly encouraged to declare by their third semester in residency.

The Minor:
There is currently no minor available in Urban Studies.

Senior Honors:
As an Urban Studies major, you are encouraged to work for Senior Honors, for which you may apply in your junior year. Acceptance into the program is based on your previous academic performance and a proposal to a faculty member who agrees to supervise your Honors research. You must complete Honors thesis research and an Honors thesis, which is evaluated by a three-member faculty committee.

The Capital Semester in Urban Studies, Washington, D.C.
The Capital Semester in Urban Studies, Washington, D.C. is an intensive program that combines internships and academics in one semester. In partnership with the Fund for American Studies and Georgetown University, the capital Semester combines professional experience, course credit in Social and Public Policy, exclusive briefings and unparalleled internship placements in the nation's capital. Requirements include a 3.4 grade point average and two letters of recommendation from Washington University faculty. All participants are enrolled as full-time students at Georgetown University. In addition to classes, students will attend exclusive site briefings for dialogues with politicians and policy makers. The Capital Semester in Urban Studies is coordinated by the Oversees Programs in the Office of International and Area Studies.

The International Urban Scholars (Study Abroad) Program:
This program is limited to students with a 3.5 grade point average and above, to study at Oxford University, the London School of Economics and Political Science, or the University of Cape Town (South Africa). Study at the University of Cape Town is available Fall, Spring and for the full year (a combination of either Spring/Fall or Fall/Spring). While the London School option is available for a full academic year only, the Oxford option is available during the Hillary and Trinity terms, (January-June), as well as a full year option which includes the Michaelmas (fall) term. Grade point average, demonstrated leadership skills, and three (3) letters of recommendation from Washington University faculty are required for selection. The International Urban Scholars (Study Abroad) Program will be coordinated by OVERSEAS PROGRAMS IN THE OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AND AREA STUDIES.