The major in Urban Studies is comprised of six curricular requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
A |
Urban-related Social Science (3 courses)One course dealing primarily with urban subject matter from each of three of the following disciplines:
Many courses offered through Urban Studies may count towards Requirement A. For example, Introduction to Urban Sociology counts as a Sociology course, Community Building counts as a Political Science course, etc. You must complete at least two of your A Requirement courses before taking the Junior Colloquia. It is recommended that majors fulfill this requirement before their junior year. Note: If you are specializing in one of these five social sciences, you can double-count one Requirement A course toward your specialization (Requirement D, below). |
B |
Urban-related Non-Social Science (1 course)One course dealing primarily with urban subject matter from a discipline not listed above (such as Architecture, Art History, English, Environmental Science, etc.) Note: If you are specializing in one of these non-social science disciplines, you can double-count one Requirement B course toward your specialization (Requirement D, below). |
C |
Methods of Analysis (1 course)One course in Methods of Analysis, such as URBS V3200 (GIS Methods and Urban Case Studies). |
D |
Specialization (5 courses)Five or more courses in a specialization from one of the participating departments. |
E |
Junior Colloquia (2 courses)URBS V3545x (The Shaping of the Modern City) and URBS V3546y (Contemporary Urban Issues) |
F |
Senior Seminar (2 courses)A senior thesis written in conjunction with a two-semester research seminar, either within department of the student's specialization, or chosen from the following four options:
|
Important things to remember
- A complete listing of all Urban Studies courses can be found on the Barnard College Course Catalog and the Columbia College Bulletin. A listing of all courses being offered each semester can be found on the Columbia University Directory of Classes.
- Further information about course requirements and course listings can be found on the Urban Studies page at the Columbia School of General Studies.
- Enrollment in a colloquium or seminar is limited in order to guarantee small classes. Students must attend the first class session in order to secure their place in the course.
- Appropriate substitutions may be made for courses listed above with the approval of the Director.
- There is no minor in Urban Studies.

