Master of Science in Urban Studies

Advocate, Connect, Transform

Our graduates are social entrepreneurs, urban thinkers and agents of change. The Master of Science in Urban Studies (MSUS) is the degree for individuals desiring to make a difference in urban areas. UNO's Urban Studies Program is a professional degree that trains leaders to critically analyze urban problems and to engage residents in the creation of innovative solutions to conditions in the human community, built environment and natural systems.

The mission of the MSUS Program is to lead and engage communities to improve the quality of life in urban enviroments.

Downtown Omaha

Urban Studies at UNO equips students with the skills and understanding to address many of the most pressing issues facing society today, and most of them are urban in nature. We offer a set of core classes building a twin foundation of urban analysis and community engagement. However, because of our belief in a trans-disciplinary approach to learning, and our partnership with academic units across campus, students can develop a deeper grasp of a specific aspect of the urban environment, including but not limited to geography, history, sociology, political science, or economics. Finally, and maybe most importantly, MSUS students have the opportunity to apply skills and energy to meeting community needs and issue. Our students, faculty, and graduates work in public agencies and a wide range of community-based organizations in the metro region. 

During this 37 credit hour program students are exposed to numerous aspects of cities of and towns from problems facing local neighborhoods to exploring the complexities associated with rapidly emerging global urban centers. Experiential activities are an integral part of the program, providing the opportunity for students to explore and address first-hand the challenges facing the contemporary urban environment such developing affordable housing, neighborhood redevelopment and building local economies.