Barnard CollegeColumbia University
The Urban Studies program at Barnard College-Columbia University offers students the opportunity to learn about the complex institutions, problems, and achievements of city life.

By integrating study from numerous academic disciplines, students develop a rich and nuanced understanding of modern cities by exploring the important political, economic, historical, and cultural issues that shape the urban experience.


Program Overview

After taking urban-focused courses from various departments, many students decide they would like to continue this exploration and elect to major in Urban Studies. A major in Urban Studies combines these introductory courses with our interdisciplinary core courses, a required methods course, and a senior thesis project.

A major in Urban Studies is also taken in conjunction with a specialization in a related discipline, such as Anthropology, Architecture, Economics, Environmental Science, History, Political Science, or Sociology.

Students take two consecutive colloquia during their junior year. Then, in their final year, they engage in a year-long research seminar consisting of advanced scholarship using the techniques and research methodologies of their chosen concentration.

Throughout the program, we encourage our students to take advantage of the university's unique location in one of the world's largest cities, and to treat New York City as their laboratory.