About

The Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies (BSUS) is the degree for individuals desiring to make a difference in their community. The BSUS at UNLV is an undergraduate degree that provides students with the conceptual knowledge and technical skills they need to understand and analyze the physical, social, political and economic environment of large and small urban communities.

Urban Studies at UNLV will equip students with the skills and understanding to address many of the most pressing issues facing society today, and most of them are urban in nature. The curriculum will offer a set of core classes building a duel foundation of urban data analysis and community engagement. Because of the school’s belief in a multi-disciplinary approach to learning, Urban Studies students will develop a deeper grasp of specific aspects of the urban environment, including but not limited to economic development, sustainability, governance, or data analytics. Finally, and maybe most importantly, Urban Studies students will have the opportunity to apply skills to meeting community needs and solutions. Students, faculty, and graduates will work in public agencies and a wide range of community-based organizations in the Las Vegas metro region.

This program is available fully online as well as face-to-face.

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing an undergraduate degree program in Urban Studies, a graduate will be able to:

  • Examine whether an organization or community meet multiple conditions of sustainability.
  • Characterize the roles of individuals and organizations in policy and governance.
  • Produce analyses that demonstrate information literacy and numeracy.
  • Communicate data needs and analyses to multiple audiences to support decision making processes.
  • Apply knowledge and skills required for successful collaboration.

Requirements

Urban Studies (BS)

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Urban Studies (US) is the degree for individuals desiring to make a difference in their community. The BSUS at UNLV is an undergraduate degree that provides students with the conceptual knowledge and technical skills they need to understand and analyze the physical, social, political and economic environment of large and small urban communities.

Urban Studies at UNLV will equip students with the skills and understanding to address many of the most pressing issues facing society today, and most of them are urban in nature. The curriculum will offer a set of core classes building a duel foundation of urban data analysis and community engagement. Because of the school's belief in a multi-disciplinary approach to learning, Urban Studies students will develop a deeper grasp of specific aspects of the urban environment, including but not limited to economic development, sustainability, governance, or data analytics. Finally, and maybe most importantly, Urban Studies students will have the opportunity to apply skills to meeting community needs and solutions. Students, faculty, and graduates will work in public agencies and a wide range of community-based organizations in the Las Vegas metro region.

Please see the UNLV Greenspun College of Urban Affairs, School of Public Policy and Leadership web page for information about department programs, faculty and facilities. Degree worksheets and 4/5 year plan for the major are available on the UNLV Degrees Directory.

Learning Outcomes

 Upon completing an undergraduate degree program in Urban Studies, a graduate will be able to:

  • Examine whether an organization or community meet multiple conditions of sustainability.
  • Characterize the roles of individuals and organizations in policy and governance.
  • Produce analyses that demonstrate information literacy and numeracy.
  • Communicate data needs and analyses to multiple audiences to support decision-making processes.
  • Apply knowledge and skills required for successful collaboration.

Advising

Please see advising information at the UNLV Greenspun College of Urban Affairs Student Advising Center.

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

University Graduation Requirements

Please see 

 for complete information.

Recommended Courses That Meet General Education Core Requirements

The Greenspun College of Urban Affairs strongly recommends that students address their General Education Core curriculum requirements through our college. The following classes offered in our college meet graduation requirements:

Seminars

Humanities

Life and Physical Science

Multicultural

International

Urban Studies (BS) Degree Requirements - Total: 120 Credits

General Education Requirements - Subtotal: 33-37 Credits

First-Year Seminar - Credits: 2-3

English Composition - Credits: 6

Second-Year Seminar - Credits: (Fulfilled by Major Requirements)

Constitutions - Credits: 4-6

Mathematics - Credits: 3

Distribution Requirement - Credits: 18-19

Please see

 for more information.

  • Humanities and Fine Arts: 9 credits
    • Two 3-credit courses in the humanities and one 3-credit course in fine arts.
  • Social Science:
    • Automatically satisfied by Major requirement
  • Life and Physical Sciences and Analytical Thinking - 9-10 credits

Multicultural and International

Multicultural, one 3 credit course required
International, one 3 credit course required

These courses may overlap with general education and major requirements.  A single course may not meet the multicultural and international requirements simultaneously.  Visit the Provost webpage for the list of approved Multicultural and International courses​.

Major Degree Requirement - BS in Urban Studies - Subtotal: 39 Credits

Additional courses in Urban Studies - Credits: 21

General Electives - Credits: 38 - 47

Total Credits: 120

Notes

  1.  is a required course for all majors in Greenspun College of Urban Affairs.  In addition, must complete at least 42 credits at the upper division level to graduate.
  2.  is a Milestone Experience course for Urban Studies B.S.
  3.  is a Culminating Experience course for Urban Studies B.S.
Close

Documents/Downloads

Contacts

School of Public Policy and Leadership

The School of Public Policy and Leadership employs an interdisciplinary approach to create knowledge and understanding to support effective policy and governance through collaborations of faculty, students, and the greater community. Our programs enable students to master the key principles of public management, research, and public policy so they can spark change, improvement, and resiliency in communities.

Website
Phone

Greenspun College of Urban Affairs

The Greenspun College of Urban Affairs is committed to creating contemporary solutions for resilient communities. Our academic programs focus on making effective public policy, creating support structures to meet behavioral and mental health challenges, ensuring cities are safe and prepared to meet emergency situations, effective and ethical journalism, and interpersonal and public communication strategies.

Website
Phone