Urban Studies
The Urban Studies program is rooted in a rigorous academic experience including both classroom and experiential learning environments, as well as opportunities to establish partnerships with urban organizations in the arts, planning, politics, and human services, through which students can combine coursework with experiential learning and ministry opportunities.
What will I study?
The Urban Studies student will:
- Develop the analytic tools necessary to be a professional who is knowledgeable and conversant concerning urban issues and realities.
- Demonstrate a critical, compassionate and appreciative understanding of the city.
- Cultivate relationships and partnerships with urban organizations in the arts, planning, politics, and human services.
- Practice the integration of the experiential learning and ministry opportunities.
- Exhibit the capacity to be an effective Christian presence and witness in the urban setting, Los Angeles in particular.
Admissions Requirements
There are no special admission requirements for the Urban Studies major.
Interesting classes I might take
- Los Angeles in Social & Cultural Context
- Urban Sociology
- Postmodern Metropolis
- Urban Research
- Literature of Los Angeles
Urban Studies Highlights
- It's interdisciplinary–you take courses from sociology, art, ICS, History and bible all relating to understanding the city.
- It's experiential–most classes have a filed component which allows you to explore different parts of the city and the people who shape it.
- It's life changing–your exposure to different people and social environments will change who you are.
- It's practical–internships and the connections you make prepare you for a career working in the city.
Why choose Urban Studies at Biola?
The Urban Studies program encourages the development of a critical, compassionate and appreciative understanding of the complexities of the urban setting with the goal to produce students who are knowledgeable about and engaged with urban issues and realities.