Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2021 Academic Catalog 
    
2019-2021 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Urban Studies and Public Policy, B.S.


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Mission

The major in urban studies and public policy is designed to prepare students for careers in public service or private corporations involved in public issues. Career paths include government, law, city planning, non-profit management and public policy analysis. The curriculum explores urban issues in real estate development, transportation, land use and housing that focuses on finding solutions to inner-city problems such as unemployment, poverty and crime.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the relationship between the urban environment and human behavior.
  • Identify the causes and effect of urban problems.
  • Quantify the costs and benefits of public programs in order to conduct rational policy analysis.
  • Propose practical solutions to social problems.
  • Communicate complex policy issues in a clear and concise manner both orally and in writing.
  • Influence the political process by explaining policy solutions to both public officials and the general public.

Programs/Opportunities

Students are offered the opportunity to gain practical experience in community affairs by working with:

  • Dillard University Community Development Corporation (CDC). The Dillard CDC - a non-profit corporation involved in urban revitalization by offering city planning services to the community, as well as offering homebuyer training and financial assistance to residents interested in purchasing or renovating homes in the Dillard neighborhood.

Exceptional students are encouraged to participate in one of the joint master’s degree programs offered by the Department of Urban Studies and Public Policy. Three/two (3/2) programs are available with:

  • New School University - Master of Arts Urban Policy Analysis and Management
  • University of New Orleans - Master of Urban and Regional Planning or Master of Science in Urban Studies

Requirements for Bachelor of Science Urban Studies and Public Policy


Complete a total of 122 credit hours of coursework for graduation.

General Education Core - 41 credit hours
Major Requirements - 30 credit hours
Additional Coursework - 51 credit hours

Urban Studies And Public Policy


First Year


Second Year


Third Year


Total: 15

Second Semester


Total: 15

Fourth Year


First Semester


Total: 15

Second Semester


Total: 15

Total Required Hours


*Service Learning: Students will earn a total of 30 service learning hours after successful completion of FYS 101  & FYS 102 .

**Community Service: Students must contact the Office of Student Affairs for pre-approved community service project to earn a total of 90 hours of community service by the end of their junior year.

***Writing Proficiency Examination: Students must complete ENG 111  and ENG 112  with a minimum grade of ‘C’ to register for ENG 199 - Writing Proficiency Examination . Students who fail to take or do not pass ENG 199  must take ENG 200 - Review of Writing Strategies  (3 credit hours).

****Psychology elective or General electives as directed by faculty advisor determined by student.

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