UPenn Urban Studies program?

Hey guys, I'm really interested in the Urban Studies program at UPenn. Can anyone share their experiences with the program or provide some info on the courses and opportunities available for students in this major? Thanks!

Hey there! The Urban Studies program at the University of Pennsylvania is an interdisciplinary major that brings together insights from various fields, including sociology, architecture, economics, history, and political science, to understand the development and functioning of cities and urban areas.

As an Urban Studies major, you'll be taught by professors from different disciplines, which allows you to learn from a multitude of perspectives. The required courses usually cover topics like urban economics, urban sociology, city planning, and urban policy analysis. Additionally, you are encouraged to take electives in a range of subject areas that cater to your particular interests, like environmental policy, education, housing, transportation, and community development.

One notable aspect of the program is the focus on experiential learning and community engagement. You are encouraged to participate in the Philadelphia Field Project, where students work on hands-on projects with local partners, as well as to complete internships and research projects in the nearby community. These experiences provide the opportunity to both connect theory with the real world and make a positive impact on the city.

UPenn offers several opportunities for students to engage with urban issues globally, such as study abroad programs tailored to the needs of Urban Studies majors, or the International Urban Studies Seminar, which is a travel-based course to a city outside the United States, where students study different aspects of urban development.

Upon graduation, Urban Studies majors can move into a variety of fields like urban planning, policy analysis, community organizing, public administration, real estate, and more. Many students also pursue graduate studies in related disciplines to further specialize in their chosen field.

In summary, UPenn's Urban Studies program offers a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education with a strong focus on experiential learning and community engagement. With diverse course offerings, numerous resources, and opportunities for global study and real-world impact, it prepares students well for success in any urban-focused career path.

This major is somewhat unique, so if you have your heart set on it and want to maximize your chances of acceptance at UPenn, check out this blog post from CollegeVine breaking down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-upenn-supplemental-essays. After all, UPenn is a highly selective school, and at such institutions the essays are often just the thing that distinguish one talented applicant from another. Best of luck with your college process!