Urban Studies (BA)
What is Urban Studies?
Wayne State's Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies is an interdisciplinary course of study that equips students with a firm grounding in knowledge about cities and metropolitan areas, their history and spatial patterns, social, economic and political life and their greatest challenges and opportunities.
We study cities around the world as well as in our own backyard to understand city life and find solutions to urban problems. Classes examine cities and their regions in historical context and in an international and comparative manner. Students will examine economic, political and cultural concerns and explore practical solutions to current urban problems.
What can I do with an Urban Studies Degree?
Students earning a degree in urban studies possess a robust skill set for entry-level positions in a wide variety of fields, including business, non-profit and governmental sectors. Community development, research, analysis, and writing about urban areas are among the many skills accorded to degree holders in urban studies. In addition, students are well-prepared to further their career goals by attending graduate education in law, planning, business, economics, or other urban-related fields.
Wayne County Community College District Associate Degree Options
- Associate in Arts (AA)
- Associate in Science (AS)
- Associate of General Studies (AGS)
- Other degree programs are possible but may exceed 120 total credits:
Recommended degree program: Associate of General Studies (AGS), or Associate in Science (AS)
Earn the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) - Satisfies Wayne State University's General Education Requirements
| Goal/Area of study | Wayne County Community College District Course | Credits | WSU Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Composition | ENG 119 English Composition I | 3 | ENG 1020 |
| ENG 120 English Composition II | 3 | ENG 3010 | |
| Fine Arts/Humanities | *Pick one (1): ARA 101, FRE 101, GER 101, or SPN 101 | 4 | 1 of 2 foreign language |
| See MTA; approved Humanities/Fine Arts (non-language course) | 3 | See advisor | |
| Mathematics | See MTA; approved Mathematics | 4 | See advisor |
| Natural Science | See MTA; approved Natural Science | 4 | See advisor |
| See MTA; approved Natural Science with lab | 4 | See advisor | |
| Social Science | SOC 103 Social Problems | 3 | SOC 1020 |
| See MTA; approved Social Science (non-SOC course) | 3 | See advisor | |
| Urban Studies Pathway Courses | *Pick one (1): ARA 102, FRE 102, GER 102, or SPN 102 | 4 | 2 of 2 foreign language |
| COR 100 Intro to Corrections | 3 | CRJ 3350 | |
| Total Credits | 38 |
*All students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences must successfully demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to the two-course sequence in a single foreign language. Proficiency is demonstrated by completing courses numbered 1010 and 1020 in one of the following subject area codes: ARB, ARM, CHI, FRE, GER, GKA, GKM, HEB, ITA, JPN, LAT, POL, RUS, SPA, SWA, and UKR.
| Transfer Credit Summary | Credits |
|---|---|
| Pathway and Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) | 38 |
| Associate degree requirements and additional electives * -See advisor for course recommendations based on associate degree requirements, educational interests, and career goals. | 22-34 |
| Total Transfer Credits | 60-72 |
Notes:
- The range of credit hours (Associate degree requirements and additional electives) allows for earning credentials, such as certificates, or additional transfer credit while completing an associate degree. Some course(s) not included in the pathway may satisfy Wayne State requirements.
- The Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA), Associate in Arts (AA), or Associate in Science (AS) satisfies Wayne State’s university general education requirements.
- All courses and equivalencies based on catalog year 2024-2025
The following courses are required to finish the degree requirements. Any pathway course(s) not completed at the community college can be completed at Wayne State University.
| College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| US 2000 Intro to Urban Studies | 4 |
| GPH 3130 Introductory Urban Geography | 4 |
| GPH 3600 Intro to Urban Geographic Information Systems | 4 |
| US 4510 Cities and Regions | 3 |
| US 4620 Urban Studies Senior Capstone Research | 3 |
| UP 4460 Sustainable Cities | 3 |
| Electives (See WSU advisor) | 3 |
Research Methods Courses (Select one of the following) | 3-4 |
| CRJ 3550 Research Methods in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| GPH 6420 Quantitative Techniques I | 4 |
| PS 3600 Methods of Political Inquiry | 4 |
| SOC 3200 Methods of Social Research | 3 |
Urban Studies Core Electives (Select one of the following) | 3 |
| US 2200 Global Urbanism | 3 |
| US 3530 Urban and Regional Planning | 3 |
| US 3140 Urban Visualization | 3 |
| US 3550 Public Health and the City | 3 |
| Minor - (May be taken in College of Liberal Arts and Sciences or other WSU college/school. See advisor.) | 18 |
| Total Credits | 48-49 |
| Wayne State credit summary | Credit |
|---|---|
| Major and minor | 48-49 |
| Wayne State electives and/or additional degree enhancements: See WSU advisor | 0-12 |
| TOTAL WAYNE STATE CREDITS | 48-60 min. |
| TOTAL WAYNE STATE and TRANSFER CREDITS | 120 min. |
Primary contacts
Wayne County Community College District
District Division of Student Services
Ms. Nanette Williams-Armstrong
313-496-2634 | nwillia2@wcccd.edu
Transfer Student Success Center
313-577-2487 | transfer@wayne.edu
Department of Urban Studies and Planning
313-577-2701 | Academic Advising
Notes:
- You can review how all courses transfer using the course equivalency tool. For a self-service, customized WSU degree audit, please visit https://wayne.edu/transfer/tess
- Wayne State requires a minimum of 30 credits in residency.
- The pathway allows multiple associate degree options with the flexibility to customize your degree path. The minimum eligibility to participate in the Wayne State Transfer Pathways is a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above, Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA), and an associate degree (earned or Reverse Transfer). See transfer credit guidelines.
- All college-level (non-developmental), non-duplicated courses with a 2.0 (C) grade point average (GPA) or above will be considered for transfer credit. Earned credit will transfer as 1) direct course equivalency, 2) major/department credit, or 3) elective credit. Credits not earned at the community college will need to be taken at WSU.
- The pathway was signed March 9, 2023.
- These pathways do not replace the importance of academic advising. The pathway provides a general roadmap to degree completion.
Career insights
This tool provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills, or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.