Graduate Urbanism Studies Aren't What They Used to Be

As society's understanding of cities, neighborhoods, and communities continues to evolve, so too do the graduate education programs created to provide professional training in those areas.

1 minute read

November 19, 2014, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Last of the color coding

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"For students interested in becoming professional urban practitioners, postgraduate options have expanded…perhaps in response to the changing landscape of urbanism," writes Sophie Silkes. In fact, where once "options for would-be urban world-changers were once comprised of architecture, planning, design, and urban studies. Today, prospective students have the opportunity to pursue an MA or MSc in everything from Sustainable Environmental Systems to City Design and Social Science or Urban Strategies and Design."

"These programs explore disparate themes but have several common elements, which mirror today’s particular brand of exploratory, creative urbanism. With an emphasis on  “interdisciplinary” or “transdiscplinary” curricula, they embrace criticism, question the traditional tenets of urban planning, and encourage entrepreneurial design innovation."

Silkes goes on to study the Theories of Urban Practice Master of Arts program at Parsons School of Design Strategies in Manhattan as an example of the new trends in urbanism education.

Monday, November 17, 2014 in This Big City

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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