Urban and Regional Studies

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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2018-2019

L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs

Program description

The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs is a creative, interdisciplinary grouping of programs in the social sciences and professional arenas that provides students with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for success in public service. The Wilder School brings together faculty from multiple disciplines that share a common interest in public affairs. The Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Studies requires 120 credits, including 40 credits within the major. The program is designed so that students may enter as late as their junior year and provides a solid foundation for professional work or advanced study aimed at addressing some of the most important challenges and issues facing the U.S. and other world regions, such as urban sprawl, economic marginalization, ethnic and racial conflict and environmental degradation. The program covers a wide range of topics related to these issues, including transportation, housing, land use, environmental management, regional and international development, human-environment interaction, globalization and socioeconomic change. Students can focus on the subject matter of their interest by choosing to concentrate in either urban planning and policy or regional analysis and development; alternatively they may opt for a generalized course of study. Nine core courses and a lab (28 credits total) are required for all majors. These courses provide fundamental background knowledge in an array of disciplines that form the foundations of urban and regional studies, such as urban planning and design, human and physical geography, economics, environmental management, urban and public policy, and geographic information systems. Students complete their remaining 12 credits within one of the two concentrations or through a generalized course of study.

Career opportunities

The program helps develop a theoretical and methodological background as well as analytical skills that can be used to address a wide range of issues and problems. Students acquire marketable skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis, computer usage, problem solving and communication — as well as a broad perspective on environment and society — that are essential for many occupations.

Change of major requirements

Students must first attend a mandatory meeting/advising appointment with a Wilder School Advisor to discuss remaining requirements, time to graduation, and potential future plans. Students may make this appointment by using SSC, calling (804) 827-0790, or by emailing wsadvisor@vcu.edu and requesting a Change of Major/Minor appointment.

Bachelor-level job titles

Advocate
City and Regional Planning Aides
Environmental Restoration Planner
Geospatial Information Scientists and Technicians
Housing Specialist
Real Estate Associate
Research Assistant
Social and Community Service Manager
Transportation Manager
Transportation Planner
Urban and Regional Planner

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Urban and Regional Studies

Plan of study in Bulletin

Urban and Regional Studies

Requirements

Highest level of math required

STAT 210

Science required

Core only

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

Contact information

Department name:

Wilder School Undergraduate Advising

Building/room location:

Raleigh Building (1001 W. Franklin Street), 1st Floor

Phone:

804-827-0790

Email:

wsadvising@vcu.edu

https://www.wilder.vcu.edu

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Register to vote and vote in Virginia.
Follow your local and state government representatives on social media.
Find and identify social, social justice, and government/political issues of interest.
Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
Get involved through the VCU Student Government Association (SGA) or one of over 450 clubs and organizations on campus.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website for programs, events, and resources.
Experience VCU’s richness of diversity by attending VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.
Consider applying to a VCU Living-Learning Program like VCU Globe.
Join a cultural organization on campus.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers and job titles in your field.
Attend the SOVO fair during Welcome Week and pick one thing to get involved with.
Build your LinkedIn profile with Career Services.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Complete STAT 210 for 3rd year URSP courses.
Go to your professors’ “Office Hours” to discuss research interests, picking classes in your major, and strategies for success in your degree program.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Join or create a club on campus about a particular issue you care about.
Volunteer in the community to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA).
Explore peer leadership opportunities such as becoming a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, or Supplemental Instruction Leader.
Apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break, and other leadership and service events.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Embrace and maximize language learning in foreign language courses.
Enroll in service learning coursework within and outside of your major.
Understand how public policy issues affect cultural groups.
Attend workshops, forums, summits, presentations related to cultural engagement and intercultural dialogue.
Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs Social Justice Conference.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Create a draft of your resume and have it reviewed in drop-ins at VCU Career Services.
Attend Career & Internship Fairs and events throughout the year to explore your interests.
Explore internships, part-time jobs, and study abroad programs that connect to your interests, review the application requirements, and apply.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Identify at least three career areas that you may want to pursue (e.g.,Transportation, housing, economic development, environmental/regulatory issues, etc.), and create an action plan.
Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Complete URSP 313 and URSP 310 courses for 4th year URSP courses.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss maximizing elective options.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Create a community-engaged research project.
Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.
Attend a Wellness Resource Center program.
Challenge yourself through a Group Exercise class or an Outdoor Adventure Program trip or activity.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Take on a leadership role in a cultural organization.
Take relevant elective coursework.
Consider becoming a diversity ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs Tunnel of Oppression.
Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Gain practical experience related to your career goal through internships and externships.
Apply for the Virginia Capitol Semester Internship program for an opportunity to be a change agent in the state legislative process.
Update your LinkedIn profile and connect to at least 10 people; check out the VCU alumni page.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Talk to your academic advisor, faculty, and/or career services about whether graduate school or a job will be the best step for you after graduation.
Make a list of your skills and prepare to articulate them to employers on a resume and in an interview.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Seek out internship opportunities with an organization that supports issues you care about.
Serve in a leadership role or as a board member of a local community organization.
Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Present at the Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
Participate in the Building Inclusive Communities (BIC) student workshop training.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Continue to develop tangible skills through internships, Lynda, and training programs (CPR, first aid, or EMT), that you can demonstrate to employers.
Join Professional Associations in your field.
Participate in a mock interview at VCU Career Services.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 6 months before graduation.
Participate in on-campus recruiting through VCU Career Services and the Office of Student Success.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2018-2019

Urban and Regional Studies

L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs

Concentration(s):

No concentration

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY	DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.	Register to vote and vote in Virginia. Follow your local and state government representatives on social media. Find and identify social, social justice, and government/political issues of interest. Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs. Get involved through the VCU Student Government Association (SGA) or one of over 450 clubs and organizations on campus.	Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office. Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website for programs, events, and resources. Experience VCU’s richness of diversity by attending VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival. Consider applying to a VCU Living-Learning Program like VCU Globe. Join a cultural organization on campus.	Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers and job titles in your field. Attend the SOVO fair during Welcome Week and pick one thing to get involved with. Build your LinkedIn profile with Career Services.	Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor. Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Experience	Year 2	Complete STAT 210 for 3rd year URSP courses. Go to your professors’ “Office Hours” to discuss research interests, picking classes in your major, and strategies for success in your degree program.	Join or create a club on campus about a particular issue you care about. Volunteer in the community to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA). Explore peer leadership opportunities such as becoming a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, or Supplemental Instruction Leader. Apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break, and other leadership and service events.	Embrace and maximize language learning in foreign language courses. Enroll in service learning coursework within and outside of your major. Understand how public policy issues affect cultural groups. Attend workshops, forums, summits, presentations related to cultural engagement and intercultural dialogue. Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs Social Justice Conference.	Create a draft of your resume and have it reviewed in drop-ins at VCU Career Services. Attend Career & Internship Fairs and events throughout the year to explore your interests. Explore internships, part-time jobs, and study abroad programs that connect to your interests, review the application requirements, and apply.	Identify at least three career areas that you may want to pursue (e.g.,Transportation, housing, economic development, environmental/regulatory issues, etc.), and create an action plan. Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
Experience	Year 3	Complete URSP 313 and URSP 310 courses for 4th year URSP courses. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss maximizing elective options.	Create a community-engaged research project. Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions. Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange. Attend a Wellness Resource Center program. Challenge yourself through a Group Exercise class or an Outdoor Adventure Program trip or activity.	Take on a leadership role in a cultural organization. Take relevant elective coursework. Consider becoming a diversity ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs Tunnel of Oppression. Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office	Gain practical experience related to your career goal through internships and externships. Apply for the Virginia Capitol Semester Internship program for an opportunity to be a change agent in the state legislative process. Update your LinkedIn profile and connect to at least 10 people; check out the VCU alumni page.	Talk to your academic advisor, faculty, and/or career services about whether graduate school or a job will be the best step for you after graduation. Make a list of your skills and prepare to articulate them to employers on a resume and in an interview.
Excel	Year 4	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.	Seek out internship opportunities with an organization that supports issues you care about. Serve in a leadership role or as a board member of a local community organization. Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector.	Present at the Diversity Scholars in Research Week. Participate in the Building Inclusive Communities (BIC) student workshop training.	Continue to develop tangible skills through internships, Lynda, and training programs (CPR, first aid, or EMT), that you can demonstrate to employers. Join Professional Associations in your field. Participate in a mock interview at VCU Career Services.	Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 6 months before graduation. Participate in on-campus recruiting through VCU Career Services and the Office of Student Success.