Urban and Regional Studies

Jump to the major map

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

2024-2025

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 Navigate, by calling (804) 827-0790, or by emailing wsadvisor@vcu.edu to request a change of major/minor appointment.

Bachelor-level job titles

Advocate
Cartographer
City Planner
Community Development Worker
Consultant
Environmental Planner
GIS Technician
Land Use Planner
Real Estate Associate
Urban Designer

Graduate and professional level job titles

Economic Development Planner
Environmental Planner
GIS Analyst
Nonprofit Director

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Urban and Regional Studies, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Plan of study in Bulletin

Urban and Regional Studies, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Requirements

Highest level of math required

STAT 208

Science required

Natural Sciences requirement only

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

2.0+ cumulative GPA, 2.0+ major GPA

Transfer Maps

View Transfer Maps for this 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://wilder.vcu.edu/programs/urban-and-regional-studies-planning/

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
Map out a 4-year course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner.
Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply to live in a Living-Learning Community.
Consider applying to the Honors College.
Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations.
If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
Follow your local and state government representatives on social media.
Find and identify social, social justice, and government/political issues of interest.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa.
Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
Review Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
If eligible, consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.
Create a draft resume and meet with a career advisor in VCU Career Services to discuss it.
Attend the SOVO fair during Welcome Week and pick one thing to get involved with.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow to connect with VCU traditions and alumni networking opportunities.
Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
Complete STAT 210 for 3rd year URSP courses.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
Join or create a club on campus about a particular issue you care about.
Explore peer leadership opportunities such as becoming n RA, Orientation Leader, or SI Leader.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
Embrace and maximize language learning in foreign language courses.
Understand how public policy issues affect cultural groups.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
Explore internships, part-time jobs, and study abroad programs that connect to your interests.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
Meet with a coach in the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
Complete URSP 313 and URSP 310 courses for 4th year URSP courses.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Design a community-engaged research project.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.
Attend a Wellness Resource Center program.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
Take on a leadership role in a cultural organization.
Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs Tunnel of Oppression.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram.
Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
Apply for the Virginia Capitol Semester Internship program for an opportunity to be a change agent in the state legislative process.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services.
Make a plan with your advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
Talk to advisors, faculty, and VCU Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
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

Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
Find an internship with an organization that supports issues you care about.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
Continue to develop tangible skills through internships, LinkedIn Learning, and training programs (CPR, first aid, or EMT).

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.

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

2024-2025

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	Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals. Map out a 4-year course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner. Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives. Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.	Apply to live in a Living-Learning Community. Consider applying to the Honors College. Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations. If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council. Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community. Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks. Follow your local and state government representatives on social media. Find and identify social, social justice, and government/political issues of interest.	Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa. Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU. Review Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities. Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.	Activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader. If eligible, consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake. Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities. Create a draft resume and meet with a career advisor in VCU Career Services to discuss it. Attend the SOVO fair during Welcome Week and pick one thing to get involved with.	Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future. Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page. Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study. Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow to connect with VCU traditions and alumni networking opportunities. Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
Experience	Year 2	Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center. Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience. Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes. Complete STAT 210 for 3rd year URSP courses.	Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty. If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association. Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere. Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit. Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities. Join or create a club on campus about a particular issue you care about. Explore peer leadership opportunities such as becoming n RA, Orientation Leader, or SI Leader.	Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship. Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses. Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty. Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization. Embrace and maximize language learning in foreign language courses. Understand how public policy issues affect cultural groups.	Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events. Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field. Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job. Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio. Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value. Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work. Explore internships, part-time jobs, and study abroad programs that connect to your interests.	Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page. Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest. Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships. Meet with a coach in the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Experience	Year 3	Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning. Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help. Complete URSP 313 and URSP 310 courses for 4th year URSP courses.	Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions. Design a community-engaged research project. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship. Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU. Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange. Attend a Wellness Resource Center program.	Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning. Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals. Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer. Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume. Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. Take on a leadership role in a cultural organization. Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs Tunnel of Oppression.	Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram. Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor. Apply for the Virginia Capitol Semester Internship program for an opportunity to be a change agent in the state legislative process.	Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation. Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services. Make a plan with your advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship. Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility. Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. Talk to advisors, faculty, and VCU Career Services about graduate school versus a job. Make a list of your skills and prepare to articulate them to employers on a resume and in an interview.
Excel	Year 4	Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.	Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps. Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships. Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization. Find an internship with an organization that supports issues you care about.	Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners. Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations. Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation. Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.	Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools. Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers. Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity. Continue to develop tangible skills through internships, LinkedIn Learning, and training programs (CPR, first aid, or EMT).	Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter. Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities. Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.