Urban Studies Major
Program Overview
What is an urban studies degree?
Urban studies gives us the understanding and tools to responsibly navigate our built environment – one that pivots on history, economics, sociology, geography, political science and anthropology – and prepares students to enter the professional fields of urban planning, architecture and urban design.
Why study urban studies at Furman?
Through a multidisciplinary approach, urban studies students gain a broad and deep understanding of the issues facing urban areas, including commercial real estate, urban planning, the social and environmental impacts of urban growth, and social justice issues focused on the city. Plan a visit to Furman’s beautiful campus or start your application today.
How will you learn?
Pair newfound knowledge of urban studies with skills from statistics to GIS while conducting research with professors. Apply new competencies locally through internships that address affordable housing, public transportation, gentrification and sustainable cities. Study city planning writ large in Barcelona, Spain, learn about sustainable urban design in Australia and Denmark, or survey architecture in Japan. Learn the ropes of commercial real estate through an internship in Edinburgh, Scotland. Take your first steps by contacting admissions or reading more about how to apply.
Careers for urban studies majors
After gaining an array of practical skills, experiences and an in-depth theoretical foundation, Furman urban studies graduates often pursue graduate school to further prepare them for professions and fields focused on the business side of real estate, urban planning in the public sector, or environmental or social justice issues.
Some of our graduates have landed jobs in these fields:
- City management
- Urban planning and design
- Commercial and residential real estate sales and/or development
- Zoning administration
- Economic development
- Nonprofit management
- Redevelopment agencies/authorities
- Affordable housing organizations
Featured urban studies courses
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88%Students who participate in any engaged learning experience
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72%Students who participate in an internship
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40%Students who study away
Our faculty
Suresh Muthukrishnan
Mike Winiski
Hiring managers look for professionals who can communicate effectively and draw upon a broad range of issues facing the modern city, from gentrification to affordable housing to sustainable growth to social justice. Graduates find jobs in fields such as city management, commercial and residential real estate sales or development, urban planning and design, zoning administration, economic development, nonprofit management, redevelopment agencies or authorities or affordable housing advocacy organizations. Urban studies majors may work as city administrators, real estate developers, city planners, zoning officials, nonprofit managers, affordable housing advocates or redevelopment professionals.
The national average salary for an urban studies major in the U.S. is $47,736 annually, with the top 10 percent making over $85,000 per year, according to zippia.com.
The urban studies B.A. at Furman is a four-year program.
