Urban Studies at UPenn?

Hi! I'm considering UPenn for its Urban Studies program. Can anyone provide some insight on what it's like studying Urban Studies at UPenn? What's the curriculum like, and what opportunities are available for internships and research? Any advice would be appreciated!

Hey there! UPenn's Urban Studies program is known for its interdisciplinary approach, which means you'll be studying from a variety of fields, such as sociology, anthropology, political science, and environmental studies, among others. This approach allows students to gain a comprehensive understanding of urban issues and how they intersect with various disciplines.

The curriculum consists of a core set of courses that all Urban Studies majors must take, including an Intro to Urban Studies course, Urban Research Methods, and a capstone seminar in your senior year. Additionally, you will choose from a range of electives to complete the major, which are generally organized into four concentrations: Urban Environment, Urban Politics and Policy, Urban Design and Planning, and Global Urbanism. However, these concentrations are not mandatory, so you can also create a customized path through your elective choices based on your specific interests.

UPenn offers numerous opportunities for internships and research within the Urban Studies program. One popular option is the Philadelphia Field Seminar, which is a course that allows students to engage with the city directly through field visits and meetings with local policymakers and practitioners. This can lead to potential internship connections in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. You can also apply for the Urban Studies Summer Internship Fund, which provides financial support for unpaid internships and research projects. Additionally, the Penn Institute for Urban Research (PennIUR) offers research opportunities and hosts events related to urban issues, providing another avenue for students to get involved.

As for advice, I'd recommend reaching out to current students or alumni to get a better sense of their experiences in the program. You can also try to sit in on an Urban Studies class during a campus visit or attend events hosted by PennIUR. When choosing electives, make sure you balance your interests with the skillsets you want to develop, and take advantage of internships and research opportunities that align with your passions and career goals.

Overall, UPenn's Urban Studies program is well-regarded and offers a range of opportunities for students to engage with urban issues both academically and experientially. Good luck!