Hey everyone! I'm a high school junior who's very interested in urban studies. Can someone give me some information on the urban studies program at Penn? I'm interested in learning about the coursework, research opportunities, and the types of careers graduates pursue.
Hello! It's great to hear that you're interested in urban studies, and Penn's urban studies program is an excellent choice to pursue your passion. Let me offer you an overview of the program, along with the opportunities and potential career paths available to students in the field.
Coursework:
The urban studies major at Penn is an interdisciplinary field that integrates social sciences, humanities, and design. Students are required to take a total of 14 courses to complete the major. These include foundational courses, departmental core courses, and elective courses. Some of the foundational courses include Introduction to Urban Studies, Urban Research Methods, and a Capstone Seminar. Additionally, the department offers a wide range of elective courses, covering topics such as urban planning, architecture, housing policy, public transportation, environmental sustainability, and social and economic justice.
Research Opportunities:
Penn has a strong dedication to research and provides urban studies students with opportunities to engage in research both on and off-campus. As part of the research process, students can participate in faculty-assisted projects or conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty member. Urban studies majors can also take advantage of research-related internships and study abroad opportunities that offer experiential-learning exposure to global perspectives on urban development.
Careers:
Graduates of Penn's urban studies program find careers in a wide range of fields related to urban development and city planning. Some common career paths include urban planning, public administration, public policy, real estate development, architecture, community development, non-profit management, and environmental sustainability. Graduates have also pursued careers in research-oriented fields, as well as academia, either by earning graduate degrees in urban studies or related fields, or by taking up faculty positions in institutions across the nation.
I hope this information helps you get a better understanding of the urban studies program at Penn! Good luck with your college search and feel free to ask any other questions you may have.
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