Department of Urban and Public Affairs
Where communities transform. Master sustainable planning and public administration that creates resilient cities, advances environmental stewardship and drives positive change for future generations.
What is Urban and Public Affairs?
Urban and Public Affairs is your pathway to creating sustainable communities and addressing the complex challenges facing cities and societies in the 21st century. Our department empowers future leaders through comprehensive studies in community planning, housing, land use, growth management and environmental stewardship that transform vision into action.
Since launching our Urban Studies bachelor's degree in 2020, we've built an interdisciplinary approach that equips you with knowledge and skills to make significant impact in communities worldwide, enhanced by cutting-edge research through our Center for Land Use and Environmental Responsibility (CLUER).
Whether you're passionate about sustainable systems, policy and governance, or community development, our distinguished faculty guide you through transformative learning that connects classroom theory with real-world application in urban planning, public administration and environmental consulting. Here, your commitment to building better communities transforms into the expertise and vision that drives sustainable development, advances positive change and creates resilient urban environments for future generations.
Where Vision Meets Action
Expand Your Impact
Why study Urban and Public Affairs?
sustainability grads employed in their field
median salary for urban planners
annual job openings in planning fields
Ready to transform communities and create sustainable futures?
Apply today to join our vibrant community. Explore our programs, meet faculty, and start your journey toward a successful career.
Career Prospects
Where Vision Meets Action to Transform Communities
Discover your power to shape the future of cities, communities and public policy through careers that turn challenges into opportunities for positive change. Urban and Public Affairs graduates don't just study communities — they become the visionary leaders, innovative planners and strategic change-makers who build more sustainable and resilient places for all. With 95% employment rates in sustainability fields, $83,720 median salaries for planners and explosive growth in green jobs, your passion for creating better communities becomes your pathway to both meaningful impact and exceptional career success.
Urban Planning and Community Development
Salary Range: $55,000-$120,000
Design the future of communities through strategic planning that balances growth, sustainability and quality of life. Your vision for development positions you at the forefront of creating places where people thrive.
Career Opportunities:
- City Planner guiding sustainable community development and growth
- Transportation Planner designing efficient, accessible mobility systems
- Housing Specialist ensuring affordable housing opportunities for all
- Community Development Director revitalizing neighborhoods and economies
- Environmental Planner protecting natural resources while enabling growth
- Historic Preservation Specialist safeguarding cultural heritage
- Zoning Administrator balancing development with community character
Public Administration and Government Leadership
Salary Range: $50,000-$140,000
Lead public sector innovation and deliver essential services that improve lives across communities. Your commitment to public service becomes the foundation for effective governance and civic engagement.
Career Opportunities:
- City Manager overseeing municipal operations and strategic vision
- Policy Analyst developing evidence-based solutions to public challenges
- Budget Analyst ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources
- Public Information Officer building transparency and community engagement
- Grant Writer securing funding for vital community programs
- Federal Program Manager implementing national initiatives locally
- Legislative Assistant supporting elected officials in policy development
Sustainability and Environmental Policy
Salary Range: $45,000-$110,000
Pioneer solutions to climate change and environmental challenges through careers that protect our planet while building resilient communities. Your environmental expertise becomes essential for sustainable futures.
Career Opportunities:
- Sustainability Coordinator developing comprehensive environmental programs
- Climate Resilience Planner preparing communities for environmental challenges
- Environmental Policy Analyst crafting regulations that protect natural resources
- Green Building Consultant promoting sustainable construction practices
- Renewable Energy Project Manager leading clean energy initiatives
- Corporate Sustainability Director guiding business environmental responsibility
- Environmental Advocate ensuring fair environmental protection
Housing and Social Services
Salary Range: $42,000-$95,000
Address critical social needs through programs that ensure all community members have access to housing, services and opportunities for advancement. Your dedication to positive change becomes transformative for vulnerable populations.
Career Opportunities:
- Housing Program Manager ensuring affordable housing access
- Community Services Coordinator connecting residents to vital resources
- Homelessness Services Director developing comprehensive support systems
- Community Organizer mobilizing residents for positive change
- Executive Director leading mission-driven organizations
- Public Health Planner addressing social determinants of health
- Community Engagement Specialist building bridges between government and residents
Economic Development and Finance
Salary Range: $55,000-$130,000
Drive economic growth that creates opportunities while preserving community character and values. Your strategic thinking becomes crucial for building prosperous economies.
Career Opportunities:
- Economic Development Specialist attracting businesses and investment
- Downtown Revitalization Manager breathing new life into urban cores
- Small Business Development Coordinator supporting entrepreneurship
- Tourism Development Director promoting sustainable economic growth
- Public-Private Partnership Manager leveraging resources for community benefit
- Municipal Finance Director managing public investment and debt
- Real Estate Development Analyst evaluating projects for community impact
Consulting and Research
Salary Range: $60,000-$150,000
Provide expert guidance to organizations tackling complex urban and policy challenges. Your analytical skills and specialized knowledge become valuable for clients seeking innovative solutions.
Career Opportunities:
- Urban Planning Consultant advising communities on development strategies
- Policy Research Analyst conducting studies that inform decision-making
- Management Consultant improving organizational effectiveness
- GIS Specialist using technology to visualize and analyze spatial data
- Transportation Consultant designing efficient mobility solutions
- Environmental Consultant ensuring regulatory compliance and sustainability
- Public Engagement Facilitator building consensus around complex issues
Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy
Salary Range: $40,000-$100,000
Champion positive change and community empowerment through organizations dedicated to creating impact. Your commitment to progress becomes the driving force for transformation.
Career Opportunities:
- Advocacy Director leading campaigns for policy change
- Program Manager implementing community-serving initiatives
- Development Director securing resources for mission-critical work
- Research Director generating evidence for advocacy and program design
- Community Foundation Officer distributing resources to local organizations
- International Development Specialist addressing global urban challenges
- Community Organizer building power for marginalized communities
Innovation and Technology
Salary Range: $65,000-$140,000
Harness technology and data to solve urban challenges and improve government services. Your tech-savvy approach becomes essential for building smart, responsive communities.
Career Opportunities:
- Smart Cities Coordinator integrating technology for better services
- Data Analyst using information to drive evidence-based decision-making
- Digital Government Specialist modernizing public service delivery
- Innovation Manager fostering creativity and efficiency in government
- Civic Technology Developer creating platforms for community engagement
- Performance Management Analyst measuring and improving government effectiveness
- Public-Private Partnership Tech Specialist facilitating collaboration
Your Journey to Community Leadership Awaits
Every path in Urban and Public Affairs connects your passion for creating positive change with the power to transform communities, policy and people's lives. Whether you're drawn to the $120,000 potential in senior planning roles, the meaningful impact of sustainability work with 95% employment rates or the emerging opportunities in smart cities and climate resilience, your degree provides the strategic foundation for careers that build better futures. With 15,100 annual job openings, growing demand for professionals who understand complex urban challenges and the opportunity to earn $18,000+ more with advanced education, your investment in Urban and Public Affairs becomes your gateway to both personal fulfillment and professional success that grows with every community you strengthen and every life you improve.
Build Tomorrow's Sustainable Communities Today
Ready to join the field with 95% employment rates and $83,720 median salaries? With cutting-edge CLUER research and our new Urban Studies program, your passion for community transformation becomes your pathway to extraordinary impact. From smart cities to climate resilience, your planning expertise shapes a sustainable future for all.