Urban Studies

Urban Studies Concentration

An area of concentration in Urban Studies involves understanding the physical, social, economic, demographic, political, and environmental implications of urbanization and urbanism. Students with a concentration in Urban studies use the tools of sociology, political science, and other social sciences to study city life, government, and human/social services. This concentration will also provide the necessary knowledge to pursue an advanced degree, if desired. It may lead to careers in government or nonprofit organizations, urban planning, human/social services, research, education, economic development, counseling, real estate, business management, human resources, data analysis, civil rights, journalism, and politics.

All course work applied towards University General Education Curriculum and Concentration Requirements require a minimum grade of C-.

University General Education Curriculum: (40 hours) 

  • English (9 hours)
    • Intermediate Algebra (3 hours)
    • Public Speaking (3 hours)
      • Humanities/Fine Arts (9 hours)
      • Social Sciences (9 hours)
      • Natural & Physical Sciences (7 hours)
      • Cultural Diversity Courses (6 hours) 

For complete details and guidelines for selecting approved courses, ask your advisor or visit http://www.unomaha.edu/academic-affairs/general-education/distribution-requirements.php

Concentration Requirements: (31 hours, must include 9 hours upper level from UNO)

  • UBNS 1010 Introduction to Urban Studies 
    PA/CRCJ 3000 Applied Statistics and Data Processing the Public Sector 
  • GEOG 3530/3540 Cartography and GIS and Lab (4 hours)
  • SOC 3900 Race and Ethnic Relations in US or SPCH 4530 Intercultural Communication
  • An additional 6 hours from the following list:
  • GEOG 4120 Urban Geography 
  • PSCI 2010 Urban Politics
  • SOC 4140 Urban Sociology
    ANTH 4200 Urban Anthropology (not recently offered)
    HIST 4430 American Urban History (not recently offered)
    ECON 4850 Economics of Urban/Regional Development
    • An additional 12 hours from the following list (must be from at least three different academic departments):
    • Black Studies
      • Criminal Justice
        • Economics
          • Geography
          • Gerontology
            • History
              Latino/Latin American Studies
              Native American Studies
              Political Science
              Public Administration
              RELU 3470 Metropolis Value Conflicts and Housing Problems and/or RELU 3480 City Planning
              Social Work

Secondary Field I: (12 hours)

Secondary Field II: (12 hours)

Each secondary field must include 12 hours from the same subject.

Electives: (26 hours)

Electives may include any excess hours in general education, concentration or secondary fields. The number of elective hours may vary but total degree must comprise 120 hours.

Total Degree: (120 hours)

Additional information:

Each course is 3 hours unless otherwise noted. 

A minimum 30 hours of upper level (3000-4000) coursework is required for the Bachelor of General Studies Degree.

Check the catalog to verify any course prerequisites. Students should also note that not all courses are taught each semester. If a specific course is needed, students should verify the course offering with the department.

Recommended secondary field in "US Diversity" could include any course in the Departments of Black Studies, Latino/Latin American Studies or Native American Studies if the focus is on the United States.

CJUS/PA 3000 Applied Statistics and Data Processing the Public Sector is a recommended course. 

For career information, check out the Academic and Career Development Center.

Advising appointments may be made in person, over the phone at 402.554.2370 or online using MavTRACK.  DCS does not accept walk-in or same-day advising appointments.