Undergraduate urban studies

Submitted by bkLife on Thu, 03/06/2008 - 12:05.

I'm currently in my last year of high school, in Norway. The field of Urban Planning has really mesmerized me, and the more I look into it, the more I feel this is the path I want for my future.

I have already applied to the Urban Studies-major at three US-universities: UC Berkeley, Cornell and Tufts. Knowing these are all top-notch universities, with a very competitive admissions process, I don't think my chances of admission are too great. But, no worries. You see, this summer I'm going into a one-year military service here in Norway, so applying again next year won't be a problem. The back-up plan is to go to the University of Stavanger, which is the only higher educational facility with an urban planning degree in Norway. Getting in there won't be a problem.

But, I believe urban studies in the US will be both better, more interesting, more of what I'm looking for (interdisciplinary - energy issues, traffic planning and logistics, urban design, urban, community and regional
planning etcetc.). As a US-citizen (my dad grew up in Massachussets) which has lived his whole life in Norway, the idea of living in the US for some years is alluring. So, I would be grateful for any recommended US-universities/colleges, with a good undergraduate urban studies program - which would prepare me well for graduate urban planning studies. My grades from high school might not be quite good enough for the top schools like UC Berkeley, Cornell and Tufts, so, schools with a slightly more forgiving admissions process would be perfect...

Thanks :)

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Urban Studies

Submitted by CaitlinAnn515 on Thu, 01/29/2009 - 12:22.

Check out Wayne State University in Detroit. It is a great research institute, but the program is not huge, therefore not competitive. They have an accredited Master's program in planning too. Though Detroit is in some tough times, it is a great place to study planning (especially what not to do!).

I know the Director and he is very dedicated to his students and engaged in helping them into careers.

Good Luck.

Come to California

Submitted by irisvertigo on Mon, 12/29/2008 - 09:19.

California has a lot to offer. The best urban studies programs can be found in: Berkeley, UCLA, USC, UC Irvine, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Cal Poly Pomona.

The UC system is more research-based, while Cal Poly boasts a stronger technical program. Both school systems are well-respected in the urban planning and development fields, especially if you go on to practice/teach in California.

I am a first year graduate student pursuing a Masters in Urban & Regional Planning at UC Irvine. The program has been great so far, and if you're interested in transportation, urban policy, or academic research, I'd strongly advise applying to any of the UC's. Together, they have an Institute of Transportation Studies which is well-respected and publishes plenty of research on some very interesting issues. Among the UC's urban studies departments, the ranking is: Berkeley > LA > Irvine. UCI recently added an urban studies track for undergraduates, and if you get in there, you'll be well on your way to pursue their master's program.

If you have more of a design or architectural bent, I'd advise Cal Poly, especially San Luis Obispo, which is nationally ranked in both architecture and urban planning. While UCI doesn't have a strong design focus, Berkeley's environmental design program is very strong. The Cal Poly system is a lot easier to get into than the UC's.

Finally, you simply can't beat California weather, and there are a whole host of planning issues here, from traffic gridlocks to affordable housing, which make it a very unique and engaging place to study urban environments.

I hope this information helps.

I have one semester left at

Submitted by smit3553 on Sat, 12/20/2008 - 14:53.

I have one semester left at the U of Minnesota Twin Cities as a Urban Studies major. I would highly recommend it. It is competitive to get into, though not to the degree as those you posted, and it offers great opportunities; you can enroll in many of the courses that the Masters of Urban and Regional Planning offers, as well as other interdisciplinary courses, which makes it so you can really design your own major.

Undergrad Degree

Submitted by Dani on Thu, 03/06/2008 - 20:53.

I'd definitely recommend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. I got my undergraduate degree there in Biology, but minored in City and Regional Planning as well as Sustainable Environments. It's slightly less competitive compared to Berkeley as far as admissions goes, but the program is excellent. The city and regional planning major is very small and you have a great opportunity to get to know your professors well. All of those I had were extremely friendly and went out of their way to be approachable and personal to their students. Another plus is the Sustainable Environments program, which is a multi-disciplinary curriculum taught by professors within the Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and City and Regional Planning departments. If you decide join that program, you have the opportunity to take many classes touching on issues of sustainability from many other perspectives. Cal Poly encourages hands on learning, so you will definitely be working out in the field getting some hands on experience, whether you're in design studio or even more theory-oriented classes such as transportation planning. Overall, even the minor I had in CRP prepared me well for my current job as a city planner for a large city in California.

Also, you can't not help but fall in love with San Luis Obispo. You have the beach on one side and the mountains on the other, all in a wonderful little city where you can bike everywhere on everyday of the year.

Good luck with your decision.

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