Urban Studies

What can you do with an Urban Studies degree?

Urban Studies explores how cities grow, change, and respond to the needs of the people who live in them. Combining perspectives from across the liberal arts, the program examines topics such as housing, transportation, sustainability, public policy, and community development while preparing you to understand the opportunities and challenges facing urban areas around the world.

At Wooster, you'll combine classroom learning with hands-on experience through research, internships, study abroad, and community partnerships. You'll graduate with the knowledge and practical experience to help shape stronger, more resilient communities.

A Global Perspective

Study cities around the world and compare how communities approach issues such as housing, transportation, sustainability, and public policy.

Learning by Doing

Apply your knowledge through internships, community partnerships, research, or study abroad in an urban setting.

Research That Matters

Use Independent Study to investigate an urban issue that reflects your interests while working closely with a faculty mentor.

Why Study Urban Studies at Wooster?

Study one of the few Urban Studies majors offered at a liberal arts college.

Connect with local communities through research and hands-on urban planning projects.

Complete an internship or study abroad experience focused on urban issues.

Learn from a global perspective by connecting with urban planners and communities around the world.

Build practical skills through research, GIS mapping, and community-based problem solving.

Featured Courses

Explore the opportunities and challenges facing today's cities.

Social Justice and the City
Examine inequality in urban communities while asking an important question: Who are cities for?
World Cities
Compare how cities around the world address issues such as sustainability, transportation, housing, and growth while learning from practicing urban planners.
Urban Studio
Prepare for Independent Study while working with community partners to address real urban challenges through research, planning, and GIS mapping.

Turn research into real-world impact.

Independent Study allows you to investigate an urban issue that matters to you while working one-on-one with a faculty mentor.

Throughout the program, you'll build experience through community-based research, internships, or study abroad. Urban Studio connects students with community stakeholders seeking solutions to real challenges, giving you the opportunity to apply research methods, mapping skills, and critical thinking to meaningful projects.