Urban Studies Program

Urban studies is an interdisciplinary, inter-college major that prepares one to think critically about the urban and metropolitan environment in which most Americans live. Both the urban studies major and the urban studies minor provide an excellent background for students who wish to pursue advanced training for careers in local and regional government, urban planning, public administration, the academic world, and positions with various private institutions that deal with urban problems.

Urban Studies Program co-directors: Martin Markowitz, sociology department and Alina Oxendine, political science department.

Honors and Special Programs

The urban studies program participates in the honors and special programs available to Hamline students. Especially of interest to urban studies are the honors thesis program, independent studies in urban topics, internships in the public sector, and a wide variety of exchange programs. Urban studies majors are especially encouraged to take part in approved off-campus urban programs such as the Metropolitan Urban Studies Term, the Washington Semester “Transforming Communities and Public Policy” Program, or other off-campus programs approved by the urban studies co-directors.

Postgraduate Opportunities

Urban studies graduates typically follow careers in public management, policy analysis, planning, politics, or business. Many of the career paths in these areas require further academic training at the graduate level.