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Urban and Metropolitan Studies ,BA

Urban and Metropolitan Studies, BA

- INACTIVE

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Urban and Metropolitan Studies

Administration, City Manager, Community, Governance, Municipal, Planning, Policy, Residential, Revitalization, Urbanism, Zoning, city, government, housing, sociology

ASU is no longer accepting new students to this program. Please explore Degree Search for other similar program options.


Do you daydream about improving your community? As the population in urban areas grows, so does the demand for leaders skilled in solving the challenges such growth generates. Through hands-on coursework and convenient internships, this program can help prepare you to begin a career that allows you to influence change.

Program description

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.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: Downtown Phoenix campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. Students should click the link for more information and eligibility requirements of the WUE program.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: Yes
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

As populations grow and lead to urban sprawl, countries around the world grapple with how to best serve society. Study abroad programs expose students to challenges facing large urban and metropolitan cities in Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia. Students experience cultural immersion and research ways to improve and solve complex issues faced by urban and metropolitan cities on a global scale.

Career opportunities

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.

Contact information

School of Public Affairs | UCENT 400
spa@asu.edu
602-496-0450

What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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