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Mar 07, 2026
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2026-2027 University Catalog
Urban Studies, M.S.
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The highly interdisciplinary M.S.U.S. program offers training in a broad range of urban phenomena for persons who desire to enter such fields as cultural resource management, historic preservation, law, education, geography, business, and other urban-related professions, or to further their study of cities and regions.
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Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for MS Urban Studies
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1
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Students will develop knowledge about contemporary urbanization trends and major urban studies topics.
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2
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Students will develop in‐depth knowledge in a defined area of specialization.
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3
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Students will master the ability to read and understand both primary and secondary sources in urban studies.
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4
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Students will become knowledgeable about both qualitative and quantitative research methods and analytical techniques.
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5
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Students will gain and display competency in creating and communicating professional standards in their work.
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Admission for MSUS AND MURP Programs
The Department of Planning and Urban Studies faculty has instituted admission requirements for entrance into the MSUS and MURP programs in addition to those of the Graduate School, which include above average academic competence as evidenced in undergraduate work. The Department of Planning and Urban Studies faculty will also take relevant experience into account, although it is not a specific requirement for application.
- Students will develop knowledge about contemporary urbanization trends and major urban studies topics.
- Students will develop in-depth knowledge in a defined area of specialization.
- Students will master the ability to read and understand both primary and secondary sources in urban studies.
- Students will become knowledgeable about both qualitative and quantitative research methods and analytical techniques.
- Students will gain and display competency in creating and communicating professional standards in their work.
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Degree Requirements
The flexibility of the M.S.U.S. program has allowed students to pursue career fields that are emerging and may not be covered in more structured and traditional masters programs. There are strong subfields in Applied Urban Anthropology and Cultural Resource Management offered in conjunction with the UNO Department of Anthropology and Sociology, as well as Urban Planning and Historic Preservation subfields. Thesis track
- 33 total credit hours
- 15 hours of core curriculum coursework
- 15 hours of specialization coursework
- 3 hours of thesis research
- Thesis
Non thesis track
- 33 total credit hours
- 15 hours of core curriculum coursework
- 18 hours of specialization coursework
- Comprehensive exam
Prerequisite Courses
An undergraduate statistics courses is a prerequisite for the M.S.U.S. program. Urban Core:
Each student must take two of the following: Substantive Areas
Students must choose five courses from one of the following substantive areas: - Applied Urban Anthropology
- Geography and Geographic Information Systems
- Historic Preservation and Cultural Resource Management
- Justice Studies
With the program coordinator’s written consent, a student may submit another substantive area which is subject to approval by the Urban Studies faculty. Master of Science in Urban Studies: Applied Urban Anthropology Concentration
The Master of Science in Urban Studies Applied Urban Anthropology Degree will provide students with training in qualitative research methods and valuable fieldwork experiences. Fieldwork may include cultural preservation management projects, historic archaeology, policy evaluation, folklore research projects and internships in local government and non-profit organizations. Graduates with the Master of Science in Urban Studies - urban anthropology degree will be well prepared to work professionally as well as continue in doctoral study.
Students in this concentration are eligible to earn UNO’s Historic and Cultural Preservation Certificate. Master of Science in Urban Studies: Geography and Geographic Systems Concentration
The Master of Science in Urban Studies Geography Degree will provide students with an advanced understanding the geographer’s craft, including an ability to pose and analyze geographical problems using geographical tools and techniques, and to defend conclusions based on geographical research. Students in this concentration are eligible to earn UNO’s Geographic Information Systems Certificate. Master of Science in Urban Studies: Historic Preservation and Cultural Resource Management
The Master of Science in Urban Studies degree with the Historic Preservation and Cultural Resource Management Concentration is offered in cooperation with the Department of Anthropology and Sociology, and the Department of History, and introduces students to the field of heritage management. Students develop both a theoretical foundation and the practical skills related to the analysis and interpretation of data used in assessing impacts to historic structures and resources. Students can also learn the techniques and develop the knowledge to champion and protect historic architecture, neighborhoods, and landscapes in order to preserve irreplaceable architecture and material culture and tell stories about a shared past. Students in this concentration are eligible to earn UNO’s Historic and Cultural Preservation Graduate Certificate by completing the formal certificate requirements. Master of Science in Urban Studies: Justice Studies
The Master of Science in Urban Studies degree with the Justice Studies Concentration allows students to conduct applied research projects that combine ethnography, archival research, oral history, textual analysis, critical program evaluation, activist research, survey research, and other humanities and social science approaches as well as to develop the capacity to engage in critical dialogue that promotes justice. |
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