The University of Iowa has approved a new undergraduate certificate in Urban Studies.

The Certificate in Urban Studies is designed for undergraduate students who seek to understand and impact urban issues through planning. Students will gain a deep understanding of urban policy and planning concepts along with skills that will enhance their ability to succeed in their field of choice.

“This certificate is highly relevant to students interested in addressing emerging and persistent issues of the 21st century: social justice, climate change, environmental conservation, sustainable development, mobility and access, public health, and economic prosperity—each of which has local, urban and regional dimensions,” says Chuck Connerly, professor and director of the School of Planning and Public Affairs.

The Graduate College will be the curricular college for the certificate, while the University College will award the certificate. The certificate may be earned by any student who is not concurrently enrolled in a UI graduate or professional degree program.

To obtain an Undergraduate Certificate in Urban Studies, students must take 18 semester hours and maintain a 3.0 GPA in required coursework. Students must begin the certificate with URP:3001 Planning Livable Cities, followed by a choice of five electives from a list of approved courses.

Beginning in the spring 2021 semester, students can declare the certificate in MyUI and must meet with the certificate advisor.

For more information on the list of approved courses, click here.