Why Study Urban Studies?
Learn how cities work and how to improve them. Urban Studies combines policy, research, and community engagement to help you understand urban challenges and develop solutions that strengthen communities.
Cities as Living Laboratories
Study San Antonio and cities around the world as places where policy, economics, history, and community life intersect.
Research with Real Impact
Conduct field research, analyze urban challenges, and work alongside community organizations addressing local issues.
Multiple Perspectives, One Goal
Combine insights from geography, sociology, economics, history, and politics to better understand how communities develop and change.
It’s a good fit for you if you:
- Want to understand how cities and communities function.
- Are interested in public policy, planning, sustainability, or social change.
- Enjoy research, problem-solving, and working with diverse communities.
- Want to connect classroom learning to real-world issues.
The Urban Studies Major (B.A.)
Develop the skills to analyze complex urban challenges and contribute to stronger communities. Through interdisciplinary coursework, research, and community-engaged learning, you'll examine how housing, transportation, economic development, and public policy shape urban life.
In-Demand Skills
You’ll gain skills in:
- Urban and community analysis
- Applied research and data interpretation
- Policy evaluation and problem-solving
- Community engagement and collaboration
- Clear, evidence-based communication
Interdisciplinary Curriculum:
You’ll complete 35-39 credit hours, including coursework that draws from sociology, economics, geography, history, and political science to understand how cities are shaped and sustained.
The Urban Studies major pairs well with programs across the arts, sciences, and social sciences.
The Urban Studies Minor
Add an Urban Perspective to Any Major
The Urban Studies minor helps you understand the communities and systems that shape everyday life. Whether you're studying business, public policy, environmental science, sociology, or another field, you'll gain valuable insight into how cities function and how local decisions affect people and places.
Coursework includes urban issues such as development, inequality, and public policy, with opportunities to connect learning to real-world city contexts.
Students do not need to major in Urban Studies to pursue this minor.
Meet Your Faculty Mentors
Urban Studies faculty are leaders from diverse fields like geography, anthropology, economics, and history. They conduct global research and mentor students to improve communities.
Recent Graduate Careers
Urban Studies prepares you to understand complex community challenges and turn research into action. Graduates use their skills to improve neighborhoods, shape public policy, support nonprofit organizations, and create more sustainable and equitable communities.
Urban Planning and Community Development
Help communities grow thoughtfully through work in city planning, neighborhood development, housing, transportation, and economic development initiatives.
Public Policy and Government
Analyze public issues, evaluate policy solutions, and contribute to local, state, or national government initiatives.
Nonprofit and Community Advocacy
Support organizations working on housing, education, environmental sustainability, public health, and community engagement.
Graduate Study and Research
Continue your education in urban planning, public administration, law, public policy, geography, sociology, or related fields.
Get Your Questions Answered
Students interested in the Urban Studies major and minor are encouraged to:
Talk with their academic adviser. Explore introductory courses in urban studies, city life, and the systems that shape communities. Review the course catalog for detailed requirements.