BA/BS in Urban Studies

The Urban Studies program at the University of Calgary is an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts degree examining the social, political, economic, environmental, and cultural processes that shape city life. Students explore topics such as urban planning, housing and homelessness, public safety, and sustainability through courses including introductions to cities, planning in the Canadian context, architecture and the future of cities, urban social geography, and geospatial communication and social-research methods. A co-operative work-placement option alternates paid work terms with academic study, an honours option supports independent research under faculty supervision, and a field-school option provides hands-on, real-world instruction. Offered through the Faculty of Arts, the program suits students interested in how cities function and change, preparing graduates for work in urban planning, public policy, architecture, economic development, municipal administration, or social services, as well as further study at the graduate or professional level.