Urban Studies

Chicago is a quintessential American city that was founded on economic exchange, grew with America’s westward expansion, became the hub of Midwest economic and political power and continues to illustrate the best and worst of American society. The Urban Studies Program immerses students in the life of Chicago while exploring both the historical and current forces that define urban life.

Through supervised internships, seminars, a Core Course and independent study, students experience the dynamics of a modern city while learning academic concepts to frame those experiences. Possible internship placements include legal, criminal justice, community and social justice organizations, historical and cultural institutions, educational, public relations, and media facilities, and political and philanthropic institutes, along with a host of other possible placements. Foremost, the Urban Studies Program develops the skills necessary for effective leadership in civic and political life by exposing students to effective models of action in light of the realities of urban America. An ACM program.