The urban studies program provides an interdisciplinary, career-focused major and minor. In a nation that is more than 80 percent urban, it is increasingly important to understand the past, present and future of our cities and metropolitan areas.

An integral part of the program is the use of the greater Chicago metropolitan region as a laboratory for study. Classroom instruction, internships and research projects are combined with field trips, guest speakers and practical experiences to provide a comprehensive learning experience.

The urban studies program offers numerous options following graduation, including careers in municipal administration, environmental management, housing, law, planning, social work and transportation coordination. A degree in urban studies also provides students with opportunities for graduate study. Among the possibilities are degrees in political science, geography, law, public administration, social work, sociology, urban planning and urban studies.

Mission Statement

The urban studies program at Elmhurst University, through an interdisciplinary liberal arts framework, inspires students to think critically about the diverse issues, problems, development and prospects of metropolitan areas and their citizens.

Program Goals

• To provide students with a broad interdisciplinary liberal arts framework for understanding the issues, problems, development and prospects of metropolitan areas and their citizens.

• Understand the social, economic, political and governmental conditions of metropolitan areas and their impacts on individuals, institutions and society.

• Demonstrate understanding of the diverse nature of urban populations and the social justice issues many of these populations face.

• Identify ways of creating more humane, equitable, sustainable and efficient built environments to improve urban futures.