Overview

The Urban Studies programme at Columbia University provides students with a robust intellectual foundation to explore the complex dynamics of cities and urban life. By engaging with the city as an amalgam of cultural, environmental, and social phenomena, learners examine how urban forms evolve and influence human agency across different historical contexts. This interdisciplinary course of study encourages students to use New York City as a living laboratory for their academic inquiries.

Why Urban Studies at Columbia University?

Housed at Barnard College, the programme benefits from a unique partnership that allows students to access extensive resources across both institutions. Students work closely with distinguished faculty and advisors, such as Professor Amy Chazkel, to navigate a curriculum that blends broad coursework with specialised sub-fields. The programme is particularly noted for its emphasis on original research, culminating in a year-long independent senior thesis project. Furthermore, many modules integrate off-campus experiences, leveraging the vast urban landscape of New York to bridge the gap between theoretical study and real-world application.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum requires a minimum of 39 credits, including core requirements and a specialised depth cluster. Modules may include:

Urban Studies
Data, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis
GIS Methods
Urban Geography
Urban Planning
Urban Latin/x America: Ethnographic Approaches
Urban Ethnographies
Race, Space, Urban Schools
Metropolitics of Race & Place

Careers with Urban Studies

Graduates of the programme develop advanced skills in data analysis, research design, and critical writing, which are highly valued across various professional sectors. The curriculum prepares students to identify and resolve complex urban issues, making them suitable candidates for roles in urban planning, public policy, and social research. By mastering both qualitative and quantitative empirical methods, alumni are equipped to pursue careers in government agencies, non-profit organisations, and private firms focused on the built environment and community development.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

From Homelessness to Foreclosure: NYC Geographies of Shelter and Home

Senior Seminar: The Built Environmen

Senior Seminar: New York Field Research

Metropolitics of Race and Place

Neighborhood and Community Development

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Urban Planning View 193 other Bachelors in Urban Planning in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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

Autobiographical information

Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed Mid-Year Report

SAT or ACT

Applicants may self-report their scores

English proficiency examination score (if necessary)

These recommendations must come from teachers who taught you in academic disciplines

For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

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

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

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

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners