Urban planners focus on issues such as access to affordable housing, adaptive reuse of old buildings and city spaces, public engagement, transportation networks including bicycle access and walkability, green spaces, parks and recreation, economic development, historic preservation, and much more.  In this concentration, students explore the relationship between social issues and spatial issues and learn about how to involve the public in the planning process and address critical planning issues for historically marginalized groups.  At the heart of this concentration is understanding the wide range of challenges in cities and towns that impact quality of life, and how to address these challenges to improve the quality of life for all residents in urban areas.  Students are provided with opportunities for site visits and fieldwork, community-based projects, and internships through which to apply their classroom studies and to practice and further expose them to issues and opportunities in urban areas.   

Students who enrolled in Urban and Regional Planning, Cities & Social Justice Concentration prior to Fall 2023 should refer to Urban and Regional Planning, Urban and Social Justice for program requirements.