Sociology, Urban Studies & Anthropology
What is Urban Studies?
Urban Studies at Saint Peter’s University is a broad interdisciplinary field. It examines the social, economic, and cultural parts of cities and urban life.
It draws on many disciplines as cities are complex. These include sociology, geography, economics, political science, history, and architecture. More than half the world’s people now live in cities — Urban Studies is a relevant and important field.
Cities are the engines of growth and innovation. But, they also face many challenges. These include poverty, inequality, and environmental harm.
Urban Studies aims to both understand these challenges and to develop solutions to make cities more livable and sustainable for everyone.
Urban Studies scholars look to answer a wide range of questions, such as:
- How do cities grow and change?
- What are the social and economic forces that shape urban life?
- How do cities govern themselves?
- What are the challenges and opportunities facing cities today?
What makes Urban Studies at Saint Peter’s University different?
“Consistent with the mission of Saint Peters University, we expect our students to be deeply committed to learning about the environment around them, thirsty to learn more about it and, as graduates, able to make the world a better place.” – Dr. David Surrey
Saint Peter’s University focuses on experiential learning. Urban Studies courses combine tough academics with hands-on experience in the community. These aren’t “extras” – they’re woven into classwork.
Students in the Urban Studies program learn about the tough challenges of cities today. They also gain the skills and knowledge to make a difference.
There is also focus on Saint Peter’s University traditions of equality and solidarity of all people.
The Saint Peter’s University Urban Studies Program offers a variety of courses on topics such as:
- Urban Anthropology
- Urban Economic Problems
- Strategies for Urban Change
- Urban Music
- Urban Architecture and Design
What can I do with an Urban Studies degree?
An Urban Studies degree from Saint Peter’s University unlocks a wide range of career opportunities in government, regional and urban planning, human services, business, education, and social science research.
Whether tackling challenges with transportation and housing in government to helping the community via a non-profit, Saint Peter’s University Peacocks who graduate with a degree in Urban Studies gain valuable skills in research, analysis, program development, and communication.
A rewarding career path awaits with a degree in Urban Studies from Saint Peter’s University. Peacocks with a degree in Urban Studies go out into the world and have successful careers in the following areas:
- Urban Planner
- Urban Policy Analyst
- Community Organizer
- Economic Developer
- Social Worker
- Public Administrator
- Urban Educator
- Environmental Planner
- Research Analyst
- Nonprofit Leader
Why is our society organized the way it is with some groups controlling more power and resources than others?
How did we get this way? And how can we change in ways that reflect our care and concern for others?
You can explore these and other questions with a major or minor in sociology and urban studies. Over half of our classes have moved beyond the walls of the University to include community-learning components. These community immersion experiences help you explore career possibilities with local governmental and community-based organizations as you perform evaluations and plan programs. You will gain real-world experience by conducting research projects, holding conferences and building new research skills.
Many of our students go on to explore career and graduate school opportunities in anthropology, sociology, urban studies and related fields.