May 08, 2024  
2023-2024 University Catalog 
  
2023-2024 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, journalism, education, law enforcement, business, and other urban-related professions, or to further their study of cities and regions at the doctoral level. The M.U.R.P. program is fully accredited by the American Planning Association (APA) and consists of professional training in planning cities and regions with special emphasis on the social, economic, environmental, political and physical aspects of metropolitan areas. The objective of the program is to prepare students for planning careers in city, regional, state and federal agencies; private consulting firms; public service organizations; and other public or private institutions. The program of study leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Studies enables students of exceptional ability to undertake advanced study and original research in the fields of urban affairs, urban history and urban and regional planning. The doctoral program’s mission is to prepare students for careers in scholarly activity, applied research, and advanced policy analysis.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for MS Urban Studies

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. 

4

Students will become knowledgeable about both qualitative and quantitative research methods and analytical techniques. 

5

Students will gain and display competency in creating and communicating professional standards in their work. 

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 and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. The Department of Planning and Urban Studies faculty will also take relevant experience into account, although it is not a specific requirement for application. 

  1. Students will develop knowledge about contemporary urbanization trends and major urban studies topics.
  2. Students will develop in-depth knowledge in a defined area of specialization.
  3. Students will master the ability to read and understand both primary and secondary sources in urban studies.
  4. Students will become knowledgeable about both qualitative and quantitative research methods and analytical techniques.
  5. Students will gain and display competency in creating and communicating professional standards in their work.

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.

Overview


Thesis track


  • 33-34 total credit hours
  • 15 hours of core curriculum coursework
  • 15-16 hours of specialization coursework
  • 3 hours of thesis research
  • Thesis

Non thesis track


  • 36-37 total credit hours
  • 15 hours of core curriculum coursework
  • 21-22 hours of specialization coursework
  • Comprehensive exam

Prerequisite Courses


An undergraduate economics course and an undergraduate statistics courses are the prerequisites for the M.S.U.S. program.

Core Courses


Urban Core:


Each student must take two of the following:

Substantive Areas


Students must choose five to seven courses from one of the following substantive areas. Students in the geography track must take an additional 1 credit hour course. Required courses for each substantive area are available from the MSUS coordinator.

  • Applied Urban Anthropology
  • Urban Planning
  • Cultural Resource Management
  • Historic Preservation

With the graduate 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 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: Urban Criminology Concentration


The Master of Science in Urban Studies Urban Criminology Concentration is designed to provide students with training in the theories and research methods pertinent to the fields of crime, criminal justice, and law enforcement with specific resources to U.S. cities and metropolitan areas. Graduates of the Master of Science in Urban Studies degree program who successfully complete the urban criminology concentration will be prepared to further their professional careers in criminology-related areas or undertake additional study at the doctoral level. Students should check with the department about any revisions approved for the program, but which may not be reflected in this catalog, or visit the department website at www.uno.edu/cola/planning-and-urban-studies

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