Urban and Community Studies Major
Urban and community studies majors pair coursework with hands-on experiences to educate citizens on the multiple dimensions of urban and community life.
About the Major
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Urban and Community Studies integrates the study of cities, suburbs, neighborhoods, and communities. The program offers a solid foundation in analytical techniques such as statistical analysis, survey research, geographic information systems, qualitative methods, and archival research.
Requirements
Students pursue core courses drawn from interdisciplinary fields across the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, including economics, geography, history, political science, public policy, sociology, and urban and community studies.
Emphasis Areas
Our flexible curriculum allows students to pursue courses based on their career or graduate school aspirations. We offer a variety of emphasis areas, including:
- Criminal Justice and Law.
- Nonprofit and Public Management.
- Public Health.
- Public Policy.
- Social Service and Community Organizing.
- Urban and Regional Planning.
- Urban and Community Studies and Pre-Med.
- Urban and Community Studies and Journalism.
Urban Semester Program
The Urban Semester Program offers students a unique opportunity to engage in service learning and public service, combining classroom and internship experiences to help address challenges in Hartford.
Resources for Undergraduate Students
Advising
Need help navigating degree options, selecting courses, or exploring career paths? Our team of staff and faculty advisors is here to help.
Scholarships
Students can apply for scholarships that consider merit and financial need through the Department and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Student Opportunities
Prepare for life after graduation by getting involved in internships, research, and other experiences outside of the classroom.
Fast-Track Master’s Programs
Urban and community studies majors with interests in public policy, public management, or nonprofit management can also take advantage of the School of Public Policy’s (SPP) Fast-Track Master’s Degree Program.
Open to current UConn undergraduate students, this program allows you to take graduate-level courses that will satisfy competencies for a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree. Earning an MPA or MPP usually takes two years of full-time study. However, thanks to an agreement between SPP and the Department of Geography, Sustainability, Community, and Urban Studies, you can apply some of your undergraduate UCS coursework toward your graduate requirements, allowing you to complete your master’s degree in less time.
For questions about this program and the application requirements, please email Catherine Guarino in the School of Public Policy at catherine.guarino@uconn.edu.
Double Majors, Additional Degrees, and Minors
Students can enrich their college experience by adding a double major, dual degree, and/or a minor.
A double major allows students to complete majors in two different departments or plans in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). An additional degree allows students to complete majors in two different schools or colleges.
Students interested in adding urban and community studies as a double major, an additional degree, or a minor can meet with an advisor.
Students interested in a major or minor outside of the Department of Geography, Sustainability, Community, and Urban Studies should meet with that department to get a full understanding of the requirements and timeline for graduation.
Declare Your Major
Students can declare a major or change their major on the Online Program Change website.
To do so, log in, select New Major Change, and follow the prompts. If you have a double major or minor, please add that in the notes section.
Contact Us
For questions about the urban and community studies major, please contact:
Maria Winnick
Education Program Assistant
maria.winnick@uconn.edu