Do you daydream about improving your community? As the population in urban areas grows, so does the demand for leaders who are skilled to solve the challenges such growth generates. Through hands-on coursework and convenient internships, this program can help you begin a career that allows you to influence change.
Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, the BA program in urban and metropolitan studies is for students who have a yearning to study and understand urban theory in order to effectively address the challenges of rapid growth along with other contemporary urban issues.
Students discover what makes the city tick --- and the city is their classroom. They examine challenges and solutions by researching history, society, culture, economy and politics in order to understand urban theory, and they use that knowledge to get involved in their communities. This gives them an outlet through which they can experience practical ways of solving complex problems faced by metropolitan regions. The students are invested in their neighborhoods. Many of them live and work downtown and they learn how to improve urban health and well-being, often training themselves to be the future leaders of urban environments. Others focus on making a wide variety of other contributions to society, studying the role of arts and culture, business and property development, revitalization and community-building in the life of the region.
At A Glance
Urban and Metropolitan Studies, BA
- Offered by: Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
- Location: Downtown
- Second Language requirement: Yes
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
WUE eligible program
Undergraduate students from western states who enroll in this
program are eligible for a discounted tuition rate.
Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
The urban and metropolitan studies program prepares students for work in a wide range of fields. The transdisciplinary approach of the program allows graduates to successfully enter fields as diverse as urban management, revitalization, community development, urban sustainability and urban planning.
There are many careers and advanced degrees that may be pursued with a bachelor's degree in urban and metropolitan studies. Some of these careers require additional graduate-level studies and professional experience. Students in the program are advised to explore their options with academic and career advisors to prepare an appropriate program of study and plan to participate in an internship that complements their long-term professional goals.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | -3.9% | $183,270 |
| Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers | 10.3% | $58,670 |
| General and Operations Managers | 9.1% | $100,410 |
| Logistics Managers | 6.7% | $92,460 |
| Postmasters and Mail Superintendents | -20.9% | $74,840 |
| Assessors | 14.4% | $54,010 |
| Regulatory Affairs Managers | 8% | $105,610 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | 18% | $64,100 |
| Sociologists | 1.3% | $79,650 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | 12.8% | $71,490 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation