Urban and Regional Studies (MA)

Summary

The Master of Arts is a multidisciplinary degree program oriented toward examining and understanding the broad range of problems and opportunities associated with the nation's urban and regional areas. Students in the MA degree program may prepare themselves for professional careers in local government, or use the MA degree as preparation for Ph.D. study. The program requirements are designed to provide flexibility while ensuring a multidisciplinary, problem-solving perspective. 

Catalog Year

2019-2020

Degree

Master of Arts

Total Credits

36

Locations

Mankato

Accreditation

NASPAA

Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration

Apply

Program Requirements

Common Core

* A previous statistics course is required prior to taking URBS 502

This course is a survey of the local community--the forces which shape it, the significance of a democratic public, and professional practice of local government service.

Prerequisites: none

Scheduled work assignments varying in length and content under the supervision of selected professional sponsors.

Prerequisites: none

Research/Methods Course(s)

This course is designed to develop the skills needed to gather, analyze, and present information for resolving applied problems in local government and community settings.

Prerequisites: none

Restricted Electives

Local Government Management

This course is designed for students preparing for a professinal career in local government or public service, focuses on media relations and building citizen involvement through public awareness projects.

Prerequisites: none

Changing nature of management of urban and human behavior in the municipal organization. Emphasis on the development of decision-making and communication skills.

Prerequisites: none

Provides an overview of urban administrative services with an emphasis on urban finance systems and human resource management. Examines the economic and human resource environment for local government managers' decision-making.

Prerequisites: none

Course examines financial management utilizing accurate forecasting, fund accounting and fiscal reporting. Covers budget cycle including legal limitations on local taxation, expenditures, and debt financing.

Prerequisites: none

Unrestricted Electives

Choose 12 Credit(s). Student chooses courses from URSI or other departments with consent of advisor

Capstone Course

An advanced learning experience working in small group settings on applied projects and problem solving. The team project produced in the studio meets graduate student's capstone project requirements.

Prerequisites: none