Masters program

Masters Program

Masters Program Banner. A group of people sitting at a table with laptops.
The Urban Studies Department at Queens College offers a Master of Arts degree in Urban Affairs, which provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of cities, especially New York City. We prepare students for professional work in urban administration, organization and policy in the public and nonprofit sectors.
  • The Master’s program provides opportunities for students to learn about current issues in urban affairs.
  • Courses are taught by researchers and by practitioners, including government officials and directors of community-based organizations.
  • We offer many evening courses as well as occasional weekend or online courses, which allow students to learn in a flexible environment.

Applying to our MA Program

We invite applications from students with undergraduate or M.A. degrees who are interested in preparing for professional work in urban administration, organization, and policy in the public and nonprofit sectors. We do not require GRE Scores, but we want students who seek to become leaders in urban affairs.

If your undergraduate GPA is 3.0 or greater, you can apply to matriculate.  If not, you can be admitted on a probabtionary basis, or apply for non-matriculated status. To apply, you should apply through the online process.

For more detailed information regarding the admissions process, please visit the MA APPLICATION CENTER to apply.

Information about financial aid can be found here. Scholarship information can be found here.

Career Options with MA in Urban Affairs

Our students are well prepared for advancement in government agencies or non profit and community organizations. Career options include:

  • Administration
  • Community Organizing
  • Advocacy
  • Policy Analysis
  • Agency Operations
  • Research
  • Service Delivery

Graduate Advisor

Prof. Alan Takeall
MA Urban Affairs Advisor
Urban Studies Department
Alan.Takeall@qc.cuny.edu

Admissions Advisor

Prof. Melissa Checker
Department Chair
Graduate Admissions Advisor
Melissa.Checker@qc.cuny.edu

MA College Assistant

Amanda Sweeney
MA College Assistant
Amanda.Sweeney@qc.cuny.edu

Degree Requirements

30 credits are required for the MA degree, including four required courses (12 credits).  Students must also complete a writing requirement and a final project based on original research.

Required:

  • URBST 705.            The Just City in Theory and Practice

plus two of three governance/policy classes:

  • URBST 718.           Governing the City
  • URBST 724.           Public Policy in Practice
  • URBST 706.           Non-Profits in the 21st Century Metropolis

plus one of three methods classes:

  • URBST 725.            Urban Research Methods
  • URBST 732.            Researching New York City
  • URBST 751.            Critical Perspectives on Urban Research
Electives (18 credits):

Students are free to choose from among any of the department’s MA-level non-required courses.  See our  MA courses page for a full listing.

Writing Requirement: Students must demonstrate competence in urban research writing by passing an evaluation or by taking URBST 620. Urban Research Writing.

Final Project: Students must complete a final project based on original, community or studio research and presented in the form of a report or paper, or as a video, art, or web exhibition.

Remember: In order to graduate, you must have an overall “B” or 3.00 average or better. During the semester before you plan to graduate, you must submit for review a final project.