Urban Studies & Public Policy
DILLARD UNIVERSITY URBAN STUDIES & PUBLIC POLICY
Urban Studies and Public Policy is where you can become a catalyst for real change in communities. As an Urban Studies and Public Policy student, you will develop the skills and knowledge needed to ensure that regulations effectively preserve the fabric of communities. You will learn how to design plans that make cities not only viable but also sustainable for future generations. Moreover, you will gain a deep understanding of crafting policies that truly serve the needs of the public. Join us on this transformative journey as you learn to navigate the intricate landscape of urban issues and become an advocate for equitable and sustainable communities. Discover how you can make a lasting impact and lead the way towards a better future.
About Dillard Urban Studies & Public Policy
The major in urban studies and public policy is designed to prepare students for careers in public service or private corporations involved in public issues. Our program is designed to empower you with the tools to become a leader in shaping urban environments and public policy. The curriculum explores urban issues in real estate development, transportation, land use and housing that focuses on finding solutions to inner-city problems such as unemployment, poverty, and crime. Through engaging coursework and practical experiences, you will tackle real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions that positively impact communities.
At Dillard University, we believe in the power of education to drive meaningful change. With our dedicated faculty as your guides, you will explore the complexities of urban studies and public policy, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the social dynamics that shape our society.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Understand the relationship between the urban environment and human behavior.
- Identify the causes and effects of urban problems.
- Quantify the costs and benefits of public programs to conduct rational policy analysis.
- Propose practical solutions to social problems.
- Communicate complex policy issues in a clear and concise manner both orally and in writing.
- Influence the political process by explaining policy solutions to both public officials and the public.
As an Urban Studies and Public Policy student, you will develop the skills and knowledge needed to ensure that regulations effectively preserve the fabric of communities. You will learn how to design plans that make cities not only viable but also sustainable for future generations. Moreover, you will gain a deep understanding of crafting policies that truly serve the needs of the public.
As an Urban Studies and Public Policy student you get exciting opportunities to dive into community affairs and gain valuable hands-on experience through active participation in various university and community partnerships.
- Dillard University Community Development Corporation (CDC)
The Dillard CDC, a non-profit corporation involved in urban revitalization by offering city planning services to the community, as well as offering homebuyer training and financial assistance to residents interested in purchasing or renovating homes in the Dillard neighborhood.
Complete a total of 122 credit hours of coursework for graduation.
General Education Core – 41 credit hours
Major Requirements – 30 credit hours
Additional Coursework – 51 credit hours
Major Requirements
- URB 204 – Introduction to Urban Studies 3 cr.
- URB 205 – Introduction to Public Policy 3 cr.
- URB 206 – City and Metropolitan Planning 3 cr.
- URB 304 – Research Seminar 3 cr.
- URB 311 – Urban Government and Politics 3 cr.
- URB 335 – Introduction to Geographic Information Systems 3 cr.
- URB 411 – Housing Policy 3 cr.
- URB 412 – Urban Land Use Policy and Real Estate Development 3 cr.
- URB 431 – Internship 3 cr.
- URB 450 – Senior Seminar 3 cr.
Additional Coursework
Includes minor in another discipline.
- CS 101 – Computer Concepts and Applications 3 cr.
- GEO 115 – Principles to Geography 3 cr.
- HIS 201 – U. S. History 1607 to 1865 3 cr.
- HIS 202 – U. S. History 1865 to Present 3 cr.
- POL 201 – American National Government 3 cr.
- SOC 308 – Social Research 3 cr.
- STA 205 – Foundation of Statistics 3 cr.
- STA 306 – Social Statistics 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective: 24 cr.
- Social Science Elective: 3 cr.
Urban Studies And Public Policy
First Year
First Semester
- CS 101 – Computer Concepts and Applications 3 cr.
- ENG 111 – Expository Writing 3 cr.
- FYS 101 – First Year Seminar I 1 cr. / Service Learning *
- GEO 115 – Principles to Geography 3 cr.
- SOC 101 – Introduction to Sociology 3 cr.
- SPT 204 – Public Speaking 3 cr.
- UCO 101 – University Convocation I 0 cr.
Total: 16
Second Semester
- AWS 100 – Survey of the African World 3 cr. or
- REL 208 – The Black Church in the U.S. 3 cr.
- ENG 112 – Argument and Research 3 cr.
- FYS 102 – First Year Seminar II 1 cr. / Service Learning *
- HIS 101 – The Global Past I 3 cr. or
- HIS 102 – The Global Past II 3 cr.
- MAT 121 – College Algebra 3 cr.
- UCO 102 – University Convocation II 0 cr.
- Physical Education Activity Elective 2 cr.
Total: 15
Second Year
First Semester
- BIO 101 – Biological Sciences I 3 cr.
- BIO 101L – Biology Sciences I Laboratory 1 cr.
- ENG 201 – Readings in World Literature I 3 cr. or
- ENG 202 – Readings in World Literature II 3 cr.
- FFR 121 – Elementary French I 3 cr. or
- FSP 121 – Elementary Spanish I 3 cr.
- HIS 201 – U. S. History 1607 to 1865 3 cr.
- URB 204 – Introduction to Urban Studies 3 cr.
Total: 16
Second Semester
- ECO 203 – Principles of Macroeconomics 3 cr.
- ENG 199 – Writing Proficiency Examination 0 cr.
- FFR 122 – Elementary French II 3 cr. or
- FSP 122 – Elementary Spanish II 3 cr.
- HIS 202 – U. S. History 1865 to Present 3 cr.
- STA 205 – Foundation of Statistics 3 cr.
- URB 205 – Introduction to Public Policy 3 cr.
Total: 15
Third Year
First Semester
- POL 201 – American National Government 3 cr.
- STA 306 – Social Statistics 3 cr.
- URB 206 – City and Metropolitan Planning 3 cr.
- URB 311 – Urban Government and Politics 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
Total: 15
Second Semester
- SOC 308 – Social Research 3 cr.
- URB 304 – Research Seminar 3 cr.
- URB 335 – Introduction to Geographic Information Systems 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
Total: 15
Fourth Year
First Semester
- URB 411 – Housing Policy 3 cr.
- URB 412 – Urban Land Use Policy and Real Estate Development 3 cr.
- URB 431 – Internship 3 cr.
- URB 499C – Senior Comprehensive Examination 0 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
Total: 15
Second Semester
- URB 450 – Senior Seminar 3 cr.
- URB 499C – Senior Comprehensive Examination 0 cr. (Retake)
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Social Sciences Elective 3 cr.
Total: 15
Total Required Hours
*Service Learning: Students will earn a total of 30 service learning hours after successful completion of FYS 101 & FYS 102.
**Community Service: Students must contact the Office of Student Affairs for pre-approved community service project to earn a total of 90 hours of community service by the end of their junior year.
***Writing Proficiency Examination: Students must complete ENG 111 and ENG 112 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ to register for ENG 199 – Writing Proficiency Examination. Students who fail to take or do not pass ENG 199 must take ENG 200 – Review of Writing Strategies (3 credit hours).
****Psychology elective or General electives as directed by faculty advisor determined by student.
Dillard’s Urban Water Management Certificate offers a unique opportunity for you to explore and address the critical need for water management in municipalities throughout the world. The certificate offers the skills and background to compete for high-paying careers in water resources, water works, waste water treatment and more. The program trains you for employment opportunities in professional pursuits, government agencies, and private industry.
You will be challenged to solve real-world issues such as: flooding from hurricanes and other natural disasters, stormwater management, land loss due to erosion and subsidence, and others including safe water supply in municipalities.
- This is the first and only program of its kind in the State of Louisiana.
Robert Collins, Ph.D.
rcollins@dillard.edu
Professor of Urban Studies and Public Policy
Ph.D. in Urban Studies, University of New Orleans
Location: Michael and Shaun Jones Hall 246
Office: 504.816.4922
Dana Gumas
dgumas@dillard.edu
Social Sciences Administrative Specialist
Location: Michael and Shaun Jones Hall 251
Office: 504.816.4701
Fax: 504.816.4185
Jana Myers-Smith, Ph.D.
jmeyers@dillard.edu
Associate Professor of Urban Studies
Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education, Jackson State University
Office: Michael and Shaun Jones Hall 242
Phone: 504.816.4430
Casey Schreiber, Ph.D.
cschreiber@dillard.edu
Coordinator and Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Public Policy
Ph.D. in Urban Studies, University of New Orleans
Location: Michael and Shaun Jones Hall 234
Office: 504.816.4682
