Overview

The Urban Studies programme at The City University of New York provides students with a multidisciplinary framework to analyse the evolution and current state of metropolitan areas. This bachelor degree focuses on the diverse social, economic, and political forces that shape urban environments and influence the lives of residents. By examining the historical development of cities, learners gain a deeper understanding of contemporary urban challenges and the strategies used to address them.

Through a rigorous academic approach, the curriculum encourages critical thinking regarding public policy, community organisation, and spatial planning. Students investigate how various institutions and social movements interact within the urban landscape to create change.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 620 per credit
National fee: USD 620 per credit
Local fee: USD 305 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a broad foundation in metropolitan analysis. Modules may include:

Urban Sociology
Public Policy
City Planning
Community Organisation
Urban History
Metropolitan Politics
Social Research Methods
Urban Economics

Careers with Urban Studies

Graduates are equipped for diverse professional paths within the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Many find opportunities in municipal government, working in departments focused on housing, transportation, or environmental protection. Others pursue roles in community advocacy, urban planning agencies, or social service organisations dedicated to improving metropolitan life.

The analytical and research skills developed during the programme also prepare students for careers in public administration and policy analysis. Some alumni choose to work with international development agencies or private consultancy firms specialising in urban development. Additionally, the degree serves as a strong foundation for advanced study in law, social work, or urban design.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Urban Life: Personal and Observational View

Arts in New York City/Exploration in the Arts

Latino Communities in the U.S.

African American Politics of Social Change

Diversity and Equity in Education

Population Geography

Urban Geography

Mapping Jewish New York

Urban Politics

Urban Sociology

Race and Ethnicity

Social Inequality

Social Statistics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00 , Local
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , Local
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , National

More details

These are priority deadlines

Language

English

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Urban Planning View 191 other Bachelors in Urban Planning in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.5

English requirements

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

In addition to your completed Admission Application, the admission review process includes consideration of the following:

High school/secondary school transcript/diploma or equivalent

Overall Grade Point Average (GPA) and success in individual subjects

SAT/ACT Scores

Curriculum rigor

College essay

Letters of recommendation (optional)

Evidence of demonstrated leadership and intellectual curiosity

Official TOEFL, EILTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Language Test scores (for students on an F1/J1 visa and were educated in a non-English speaking environment outside of the US)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

18600 USD / year

≈ 18600 USD / year
Out-of-State

18600 USD / year

≈ 18600 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9150 USD / year

≈ 9150 USD / year

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Urban Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

New York City

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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