The modern world is increasingly an urban world. Urban Studies seeks to understand the physical, social, economic, demographic, political, and environmental implications of urbanization and urbanism.

The MS in Urban Studies is an interdisciplinary degree program offered through the School of Public Administration. As UNO is a comprehensive, metropolitan university, the MS in Urban Studies helps fulfill the urban mission of UNO.

Graduates with the MS in Urban Studies will possess a broad range of technical skills and an understanding of the problems and challenges of contemporary urban society. They will pursue professional, research or teaching career in the urban studies field. Governmental and non-profit agencies and private business employ urban studies graduates in a variety of management, planning, technical, analytical, human service, and other professional positions.

Students enter the MS in Urban Studies with a variety of undergraduate degrees and a range of interests. They will take either a practitioner or research track in their studies. Their plan of study will include an area of concentration or specialization reflecting career goals and aspirations.

Omaha, a metropolitan area of nearly three-quarters of a million people, contains a rich and diverse urban environment. Its ethnic neighborhoods contribute to a vital and energetic community. This provides the student in the MS in Urban Studies program with many opportunities and venues for field research and training.

The Center for Public Affairs Research, the Labor Institute, and several neighborhood-based development programs operated by faculty and staff of the School of Public Affairs and Community Service also offer community research, outreach, and service learning activities that the Urban Affairs student may utilize.

To be admitted unconditionally, the student must have achieved a grade average of 3.0 on a 4.0 system for either the full undergraduate program, for the undergraduate major of urban studies, or for the junior-senior years and must have completed all other admission requirements for Graduate Studies.

Provisional admission may be granted where the applicant has achieved a grade point average of 2.7 or above. Exceptions to the 2.7 grade point average may be made by the Graduate Program Committee in conjunction with the Graduate Dean where the applicant:

1. has a demonstrated record of work experience directly related to Urban Studies; and
   
   
2. has demonstrated through recent course work an ability to successfully complete up to 12 hours of graduate work.

A detailed resume and a two paged typed essay on how the Master of Science in Urban Studies will further the applicant's career objectives must be included with the application for admission.

• 36 hours total for Option I and 39 hours total for Option II, including 12 hours of core course work required of all students in the degree program.
• 12 hours of course work in an area of concentration or area of specialization.
• 12 hours of elective course work. Students choose electives in consultation with their advisor.
• Students must demonstrate basic understanding of statistical applications and basic computer applications (e.g., use of Internet for research; word processing and spreadsheet applications).

Option II - Thesis Option (39 hours)

Transportation

Elective Courses (9 hours required, chosen with permission of advisor)

Housing and Community Development

Planning

Other Areas of Specialization

In consultation with their advisor, students may select another area of specialization related to urban studies that is multidisciplinary and problem-focused. The Public Administration/Urban Studies faculty must approve the plan.

Electives (12 hours required, chosen with permission of advisor)