BA in Urban and Public Policy Studies

Supporting our communities through policy

The BA in Urban and Public Policy Studies at UB explores the social, economic and political forces that shape communities, while examining how policies, planning and public institutions influence daily life. Students develop the knowledge and analytical skills needed to understand complex urban issues and evaluate solutions that create equitable communities.

Program highlights

Interdisciplinary curriculum drawing from sociology, political science, economics, geography, urban studies and public policy
Examine contemporary issues such as housing, transportation, sustainability, urban inequality and community development
Develop quantitative and research skills through coursework in statistics and social science methods
Customize your studies through advanced electives spanning planning, policy, development and urban systems
Opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and applied coursework

What you'll learn

Students in Urban and Public Policy Studies develop the knowledge and analytical skills needed to understand cities, communities and public decision-making.

Analyze how public policies are developed, implemented and evaluated
Examine the social, economic and political factors that shape urban communities
Apply research methods and statistical analysis to public policy questions
Understand planning, land use, transportation and community development processes
Evaluate issues such as inequality, sustainability, housing and neighborhood change

Cities of the World
Public Policy Making
Psychological Statistics
Social Research Methods
Urban Planning and Environmental Design

Explore the course catalog

Career outcomes

Careers

Community relations specialists
GIS specialists
Planners
Project coordinators
Transportation analysts
Urban design experts

Graduate study

Administration
Architecture
Geography
Law
Public policy
Urban design

Add a minor

Whether you're interested in understanding how policies affect individuals and communities or developing the leadership skills needed to drive change, these minors can complement your Urban and Public Policy Studies degree and help you expand your impact in the public and nonprofit sectors.

Health and Human Services minor

Connect global issues to health, social services and community support
Build skills in communication, interviewing and human services practice
Learn how values and cultural differences shape the provision of hhs
Prepare for work or graduate study in global health, public service or humanitarian fields

More about the HHS minor

Nonprofit Leadership minor

Understand how nonprofit organizations influence policy and advocate for communities
Build skills in governance, fundraising, program evaluation and organizational leadership
Examine the relationship between law, public policy and civic engagement
Gain experience thinking critically about social issues and institutional change

More about the Nonprofit Leadership minor

Student spotlight

Urban and Public Policy

“For me, Urban and Public Policy was the best way to pursue my interests in policy development, sociology/social change, and the relationships between people and places while developing a strong background in research theory/methodology and experiential learning.”

8/17/26

Avery Sirwatka, '21

“I was able to take classes in a variety of departments and apply them effectively to my area of study. I think this allowed me a greater understanding of my field through the perspectives of various disciplines.”

8/17/26

Anna Blatto, '18

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