Bachelor of Science with a major in Urban Policy Studies
-- This program was discontinued effective Fall semester 2007. Students interested in urban and policy studies are encouraged to explore the new BS-Public Policy options. Students currently in the BS-Urban Policy Studies degree may choose the new options, or continue under their original program of study. --
The Department of Public Administration and Urban Studies offers a variety of interdisciplinary degree programs designed to prepare students for life and work in a range of professions in metropolitan areas. At the undergraduate level, the department offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Urban Policy Studies with specializations in planning and economic development, public policy, or local governance. Graduate degrees are available in public administration, public and nonprofit human resource development, urban policy studies, and public policy.
The interdisciplinary undergraduate urban policy studies program provides students with both a general background in urban policy studies and the specialized knowledge necessary for professional positions in a variety of related fields. The general background is obtained from a common core curriculum which is required of all students. This curriculum examines the functioning of cities and suburbs, the roles of the public, private, and nonprofit sectors in this functioning, and the special importance of public policy in linking these sectors in metropolitan areas.
Within the core curriculum, students choose between a policy focus and an urban focus. Choice of a policy focus brings more attention to matters of public policy--how our society addresses, or might address, pressing contemporary issues. Students who choose the policy focus are also expected to select the public policy specialization beyond the core curriculum. By contrast, choice of an urban focus brings more attention to the special concerns of cities, suburbs, and metropolitan areas, with students who select this focus expected to choose one of the more urban-related specializations (i.e., planning and economic development, public policy, or local governance).
Choice of a specialization beyond the core curriculum permits the student to develop additional skills appropriate for professional positions in a particular field. Students are also encouraged to undertake field instruction and action research, with public, private, and nonprofit agencies in the Atlanta area offering ample opportunities for applied learning experiences. Many opportunities are available through the various research centers and community outreach efforts of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. These opportunities enhance the education students receive as well as often opening doors to attractive jobs.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the urban policy studies program work as planners, economic development specialists, public policy analysts, and managers at various public, private and nonprofit agencies, to name just a few of the positions. Some organizations now employing recent graduates of the B.S.-UPS program include the Atlanta School system, the Atlanta Regional Commission, Athens/Clark County Planning Department, the Chattahoochee Regional Development Commission, the City of Atlanta, the City of Conyers, Gwinnett County, Innolog Corp., IBM, Partners Development Company, Rich's/Macy's, the South Georgia Regional Development Center, the Federal Highway Administration, the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Georgia Office of Planning and Budget, the Forsyth County Planning Department, and Wachovia Bank.
The choice of such public service careers, whether in the public, nonprofit, or private sector, offers many rewards, including a sense of purpose in attempting to enhance the quality of life for individuals and society. The degree in urban policy studies also provides excellent preparation for master's and doctoral work in a number of disciplines, with many program graduates having achieved advanced degrees at Georgia State and at other prestigious universities around the country.
