Urban Studies (BS)

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Urban Studies (US) is the degree for individuals desiring to make a difference in their community. The BSUS at UNLV is an undergraduate degree that provides students with the conceptual knowledge and technical skills they need to understand and analyze the physical, social, political and economic environment of large and small urban communities.

Urban Studies at UNLV will equip students with the skills and understanding to address many of the most pressing issues facing society today, and most of them are urban in nature. The curriculum will offer a set of core classes building a duel foundation of urban data analysis and community engagement. Because of the school’s belief in a multi-disciplinary approach to learning, Urban Studies students will develop a deeper grasp of specific aspects of the urban environment, including but not limited to economic development, sustainability, governance, or data analytics. Finally, and maybe most importantly, Urban Studies students will have the opportunity to apply skills to meeting community needs and solutions. Students, faculty, and graduates will work in public agencies and a wide range of community-based organizations in the Las Vegas metro region.

Please see the Urban Studies web page at www.unlv.edu/publicpolicy  for information about department programs, faculty and facilities. Degree worksheets and 4/5 year plan for the major are available at www.unlv.edu/degree/bs-urban-studies.

Learning Outcomes

 Upon completing an undergraduate degree program in Urban Studies, a graduate will be able to:

• Examine whether an organization or community meet multiple conditions of sustainability.
• Characterize the roles of individuals and organizations in policy and governance.
• Produce analyses that demonstrate information literacy and numeracy.
• Communicate data needs and analyses to multiple audiences to support decision-making processes.
• Apply knowledge and skills required for successful collaboration.