Major Curriculum

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: 

  • Anthropology
  • Economics
  • History
  • Political Science
  • Sociology

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: 

  1. URBS V3992x-93y (The Built Environment)
  2. URBS V3994x-95y (New York Area Undergraduate Field Research)
  3. URBS V3996x-97y (International Topics in Urban Studies)
  4. A research seminar in the department of their specialization (must be approved by the Director)



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.