Bachelor of Arts in Urban Affairs (B.A.)

Urban Affairs is the study of people living in cities and surrounding areas. In particular, the field examines social, political and economic relationships developed between residents and the institutions making and carrying out public policy for them.

Using state-of-the-art Geographic Information Systems technology, Urban Affairs graduates are equipped to pursue careers in urban planning, municipal and international development and policy-making. They work with nonprofit and government agencies, architectural and engineering firms, contractors and investment companies.

Many Urban Affairs graduates go directly into the workforce. Some go on to earn master's degrees in fields such as urban affairs, public administration, real estate development, business administration, law, political science or public health. Some graduates pursue elected office. Wherever Urban Affairs graduates choose to work, they continue their commitment to make a difference.

Requirements for Majoring in Urban Affairs

1. A minimum of 24 credit hours in Urban Affairs including: The Metropolitan Environment, Qualitative and Quantitative Methods and Field Service (Internship).

2. A minimum of 12 credit hours in one of the following fields: African-American Studies, American Studies, Economics, Education, History, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology or Women's Studies. Taking additional courses from several of the above-listed departments is recommended, in excess of the 12 hour requirement.

3. A senior inquiry project is required and usually satisfied by a paper that expands on the internship experience by integrating it with Urban Affairs coursework. A major research project with the results presented in a research paper is an optional form of this senior requirement.

4. One course in Basic Inferential Statistics

Minor in Public Policy Studies

To minor in Public Policy Studies, you must take PPS 397, The Metropolitan Environment and any four courses you choose from the Public Policy Studies Coursework, listed below.

Public Policy Studies Coursework

PPS 220 - Introduction to State & Local Government (3)
PPS 300 - Current Urban Political and Governmental Problem (3)
PPS 397 - The Metropolitan Environment (3)
PPS 400 - Politics and Ecology (3)
PPS 408 - Urban Issues: Poverty and Unemployment (3)
PPS 410 - Introduction to Urban Economics (3)
PPS 411 - Urban Unemployment & Training Policy (3)
PPS 415 - Introduction to Public Finance & Budgeting (3)
PPS 420 - Urban Ecology: Communities & Neighborhoods (3)
PPS 421 - Conflict Management Strategies (3)
PPS 425 - Urban Classics (3)
PPS 426 - The Census & Neighborhood Analysis (3)
PPS 432 - Administrative Law (3)
PPS 433 - Comparative Urban & State Politics (3)
PPS 435 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3)
PPS 460 - Law, Courts & Urban Change (3)
PPS 462 - Probation, Parole & Community Correction (3)
PPS 465 - Urban Criminal Justice Policy (3)
PPS 490 - Field Service (3)

To Apply

1. Complete a Declaration of Major form, obtained form the Academic Services Center or the Dean of the College of Public Service in McGannon Hall.

2. Obtain approval from the Chair of the Department of Public Policy Studies, Dr. Robert Cropf, to transfer from undeclared status to an Urban Affairs major. You can contact him by phone at (314) 977-3934 or via e-mail at cropfra@slu.edu.

For More Information

You can find out more about the program by talking with admissions counselor Iris Hampton. She can be reached by phone at (314) 977-3934 or via e-mail at hamptoi2@slu.edu