Program: Urban Studies (B.P.S.) - University of Memphis

Apr 02, 2025

2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog

This program provides a structure of study for students interested in the origin, evolution, and function of cities and metropolitan areas. Courses have been chosen to allow exploration of multiple perspectives on the dynamics of urban change, the causes of urban problems, and the sources of urban innovation. Special emphasis is given to the physical development of communities, and the interaction of that development with the social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of communities. The curriculum considers theories, ideologies, and practices to support solutions to urban and regional problems and offers students opportunities to engage in addressing local challenges with community partners. This course of study prepares students for pursuit of a professional master’s degree in a related discipline (e.g., City Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, etc).

General Education (35-41 hours)

See University General Education Program for the University General Education Program requirements. Students who have completed one year of American History in high school are exempted from the six credit-hour History General Education Program requirement; otherwise, students will have to meet the History requirement.

Coordinated Study (45 hours)

Many upper-division (3000/4000-level) courses have prerequisites that must be met prior to being permitted to register for those courses. You are responsible for knowing and satisfying all course prerequisites. Some (not all) prerequisites are listed below. For specific information about courses and the prerequisites they may have, please view course descriptions at: http://www.memphis.edu/ugcatalog/coursedescrip/index.php.

Many courses also require permits from the department that teaches the course. For example, SWRK and CJUS courses will always need permits from those respective departments. University College staff cannot issue permits for courses taught in other departments. ALL 3000/4000 level classes taught by the College of Business (ACCT, ECON, FIR, MGMT, MKTG) require a permit; students must request a permit online at: https://fcbeacad.memphis.edu/permits/

Urban Studies Foundations (15 hours)

PLAN 3451 - Introduction to Planning (Crosslisted with ESCI 3451)
PLAN 4003 - Community Economic Development
PLAN 4201 - Urbanization and Environment (Crosslisted with ESCI 4201)
PLAN 4551 - Urban Planning Studio (Crosslisted with ESCI 4551)
ANTH 4010 - Ethnographic Methods

Urban Studies Support (15 hours; pick 5)

Urban Studies Exploration (15 hours; pick 5)

NOTE: May use any of the courses not used toward the Urban Studies Support requirement to satisfy Urban Studies Explorations

College Requirements (9 hours)

Thematic Studies (6 hours)

University College thematic studies course(s) are designed to broaden a student’s knowledge of significant themes in social, political, and religious history. Review a complete list of courses: http://www.memphis.edu/univcoll/resources/thematic_studies.php

Senior Project (3 hours)

The senior project is a student’s culminating experience or capstone designed to synthesize and integrate the content of a student’s program of study. The senior project is intended to fuse the two or more academic areas that comprise the student’s coordinated study (major) into an academically-relevant example of scholarship. Students will complete a thesis, task-based, or artistic project on a topic of their choice with approval of their senior project instructor. The senior project is completed during a student’s final semester. ALL sections of UNIV 4995 are taught online. Students will be assigned to a specific section based on his or her concentration.

UNIV 4995 - Senior Project** (completed during the final semester)

General Elective (25-31 hours)

Electives may be chosen to bring the total number of hours to 120 with a minimum of 42 upper division hours.