What could be more exciting than city living? UMW’s urban studies minor gets to the root of the hustle and bustle, revealing in historical, social, cultural, economic, and political contexts the opportunities, problems, and dynamics of living and working in a city. Explore urban life, planning, policy-making, and issues such as housing, education, and crime. This multi-disciplinary minor offers everything from historic preservation and study abroad to a chance to build with LEGOs!
Areas of Study
The urban studies minor requires six classes, which include extensive selections from the historic preservation, anthropology, geography, sociology, classics, history, and art history departments.
Career Opportunities
Providing a thorough understanding of urban communities and problem-solving, along with a background in sociology, economics, historic preservation, and more, UMW’s minor in urban studies will help prepare you to make a difference in the world around you in such fields as planning, community organization, public administration, housing, and economic development. A degree in urban studies is also good preparation for graduate work in education, law, business, and more.
Internships
Working closely with the Department of Historic Preservation, urban studies minors can find internships, many located in Washington, D.C., through such entities as the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior.
Honors
Requirements
UMW’s urban studies minor requires 18 credits: one introductory class, one methods or research oriented class, three electives (special topics courses, independent studies, and internships in relevant topics may be substituted), and an urban studies capstone course. Required courses span the disciplines of anthropology, art history, classics, economics, geography, historic preservation, history, political science, and sociology.
Scholarships
The Department of Historic Preservation, which administers the urban studies minor, offers several scholarships.