About Us

The Program in Urban Studies treats urbanism as an interdisciplinary field; it brings together students, faculty, and outside specialists concerned with cities, and the impacts of cities on society and people's lives. The Urban Studies major encourages students to inquire deeply into the nature of cities and the techniques used to modify urban environments. It prepares students to address urbanization, and gives students a knowledge base and theoretical, analytical, and practical skills to understand urban social systems and effect social change.

Cities are now home to more than half of humanity. The mission of the undergraduate Program on Urban Studies is to develop students' understanding of the nature of cities and their impact on the world. The dynamic and complex nature of cities challenges traditional disciplinary boundaries, so the program is interdisciplinary in nature, drawing from fields in the social sciences, the humanities, engineering, and education. Courses in the program focus on issues in contemporary urban society, and on the forces and practices that shape urban life. Courses also address how cities have changed over time and how they continue to change today in societies around the world. Through a comprehensive program that includes course work, community engagement, and independent research, a major in Urban Studies prepares students for careers and graduate study in fields including architecture, business, education, environmental planning, law, public policy, real estate development, social services, urban design, and urban planning. It also prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and informed leaders who can help to transform cities for the better.

The Program offers a degree program leading to a B.A. in Urban Studies.

People

Browse the people that work for Stanford's Program in Urban Studies.

• Director of Undergraduate Studies: Forrest Stuart, Michael Kahan

• Director of Graduate Studies: Sean Reardon

• Faculty Advisors

• Faculty and Lecturers

• Faculty and Leadership

Connect with Us

Use these channels to learn more about our department and reach out to us.

• Visit our website: http://urbanstudies.stanford.edu

• Email us: urbanstudies@stanford.edu

• Call our main office: (650) 725-1731

• Fax our main office: (650) 725-6471 

Find Us on Campus or Send Us Mail

Program in Urban Studies
450 Jane Stanford Way
Building 120, Room 160
Stanford, CA 94305