The MS in Urban Affairs program contains a flexible curriculum that launches students into the study of cities and the urban environment. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students to tailor their education to career aspirations and/or interests of their own choosing. The program is designed to accommodate both full and part time attendees. It can be completed in either two full semesters and a summer session or over a longer period of time. In combining both theory and practice, the program seeks to foster an understanding of urbanism while teaching practical skills to prepare students for the changing urban environment.
Our faculty specializes in a diverse range of urban disciplines with expertise and specializations that include: urban planning and history, governance, education, health, housing, immigration, comparative government, economic development, community advocacy, transportation, environment, law, and integrated technologies. The program boasts a distinguished part-time faculty, bringing years of practical experience and knowledge in both public and non-profit sectors. It is not uncommon to take courses from high level New York City professionals and practitioners.
In order to accommodate the needs and interests of an increasingly diverse student body, the faculty has recently redefined course requirements so that students have more choices in constructing their program. These changes are reflected in the distribution of the requirements listed below.
Our students are drawn from a diverse population locally, nationally and internationally. While most have been out of college for some time and many are already in the midst of their careers, an increasing number are arriving one or two years out of college. Most plan or are pursuing careers in the public and non-profit sectors. Students may substitute courses from other departments and/or CUNY schools that more appropriately address their substantive interest for the course listed in each of the Required Disciplines.
Program Director: Dr. Owen Gutfreund
Click here for class planning worksheet
Requirements
Core Requirements
URBG 790 Workshop (formerly Workshop I)
URBG 792 Urban Affairs Capstone (formerly Urban Affairs Seminar)
URBG 787.66 Urban Affairs Internship
Required Disciplines
One of each of the following is required:
Political Structure Requirement
URBG 702 Structure of the Urban Region
URBG 758 Governing the City
URBP 734 Environmental Planning
Methods/Skills Requirement
URBG 791 Grantwriting and Fundraising Practicum (formerly Workshop II)
URBG 710 Urban Data Analysis
GTECH 710 GIS: Intro to GIS
Specializations: There are three designated areas of specialization that include: public policy, non profits, neighborhood development from which nine credits of coursework must be taken. Students with approval of the program advisor may also develop their own specializations.
A wide variety of courses are offered each semester in the Department, including special topics courses to meet the requirements. Students are encouraged to consult course listings in other departments within Hunter in which to take classes that are in line with their course of study. Up to 9 credits can be taken outside the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning in other departments at Hunter or within the CUNY system.
