Urban Studies, MS

Vision Statement

Our graduates are social entrepreneurs, urban thinkers and agents of change. The Master of Science in urban studies is the degree for individuals desiring to make a difference in urban areas. UNO's urban studies program is a professional degree that trains leaders to critically analyze urban problems and engage residents in the creation of innovative solutions to conditions in the human community, built environment and natural systems. 

Program Contact Information

Barbara Hewins-Maroney, PhD, Graduate Program Chair (GPC)
402.554.4953
bhewinsm@unomaha.edu

Program Website

Other Program Related Information

Fast Track Program

The Master of Science in urban studies program has developed a Fast Track program for highly qualified and motivated students providing the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame. With Fast Track, students may count up to nine (9) graduate hours toward the completion of their undergraduate program as well as the graduate degree program.

Program Specifics:

• This program is available for undergraduate students pursuing any of the following who wish to pursue a MS in urban studies:
  • BS in emergency management
  • BS in black studies
  • Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies.
• Students must be within at least 30 undergraduate credits yet to complete their undergraduate degree. Exceptional students who do not meet this requirement may be considered.
• Students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5.
• Students must complete the Fast Track Approval form and obtain all signatures and submit to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to first enrollment in a graduate course
• Students will work with their undergraduate advisor to register for the graduate courses.
• Students must consult with the urban studies advisor prior to enrollment in one of the courses listed below.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 is required to remain in good standing.
• Students remain undergraduates until they meet all the requirements for the undergraduate degree and are eligible for all rights and privileges granted undergraduate status including financial aid.
• Near the end of the undergraduate program, formal application to the MS in urban studies program is required. The application fee will be waived, the applicant will need to contact the Office of Graduate Studies for a fee waiver code.
  • Admission to Fast Track does NOT guarantee admission to the graduate program. 
  • For this program, if students maintain at least a grade of B+ in courses taken, they will be recommended for admission to the MS in urban studies.
  • The admit term must be after the completion term of the undergraduate degree.

The following courses may be taken under the Fast Track program

·        BLST 8886:Seminar on Black Leadership

·        UBNS 8000:Seminar in Urban Studies

·        UBNS 8060:Introduction to Urban Planning

·        UBNS 8020:Race, Ethnicity and American Urban Culture**

·        UBNS 8200:Community Organizing and Development**

                ·        PA 8010:The Public Economy (Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in UBNS 8000)

Admissions

General Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

Program-Specific Requirements

Application Deadlines (Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025)

Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. All materials must be submitted prior to the beginning of the semester in which the student has elected to begin coursework.

Other Requirements

• The general prerequisite for admission to the urban studies program is a four-year bachelors’ degree with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the junior and senior years combined (last 50-60 credit hours). Under extenuating circumstances an average below 3.0 will be considered.

• English Language Proficiency: Applicants are required to have a command of oral and written English. Those who do not hold a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from the United States, OR a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a pre-determined country on the waiver list, must meet the minimum language proficiency score requirement in order to be considered for admission.

  • Internet-based TOEFL: 80, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53, Duolingo: 110 
• Statement of Purpose: A two-page typed essay on how the MS in urban studies will further the applicant’s career objectives must be included with the application for admission
• Resume

Degree Requirements

Internship

Students who have not had at least two years full-time professional experience in the public or nonprofit sector (experience must have been in the sector of the student’s primary future career interest) are encouraged to complete an internship. The internship may be given as a supervised course of three credit hours as part of the 37 hours required in the urban studies program. The internship is taken following completion of preparatory coursework as determined by the director of the urban studies program.