Hello, I'm a junior in high school and considering Georgetown for its urban planning program. Does anyone have details about this program? What's the reputation like, and what specific courses or extracurriculars are offered within this major?
Georgetown University offers a unique interdisciplinary program called Urban & Regional Planning (URP) housed within the Department of Sociology. The program combines the study of both sociology and urban planning, focusing on the development and functioning of cities, as well as areas from social policy to environmental studies.
The reputation of the program is strong, and it provides students with the opportunity to learn from accomplished faculty and gain hands-on experience through internships, research, and service-learning projects. Georgetown's location in Washington, D.C., also offers plenty of opportunities for students to engage with a diverse urban landscape and to network with professionals working in the field.
Some of the key courses within the URP major include:
- Introduction to Urban & Regional Planning
- Social Problems and Policy in the Urban Context
- GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and Spatial Analysis
- Sustainable Cities
- Environmental Law and Policy
- Housing and Community Development
- Urban Transportation
As for extracurriculars, there are a variety of clubs and organizations at Georgetown that URP students can get involved in to complement their studies. They include:
- Georgetown Environmental Leaders (GEL): Raises awareness on environmental issues and promotes sustainability on campus.
- Global Cities Initiative (GCI): Focuses on urban design and architecture using the D.C. area as a real-world laboratory for design projects.
Additionally, Georgetown's network of alumni working in urban planning and related fields can help you find internships and job opportunities post-graduation. Overall, the Urban & Regional Planning program at Georgetown is highly regarded, providing you with a strong foundation in the field and numerous opportunities for hands-on experience in the nation's capital.
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