Areas of Study
The School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy comprises the following five academic units. To find the program that is right for you click on the name of the department.
Urban Affairs PhD Program
The PhD in Urban Affairs focuses on urban problem-solving with an interdisciplinary framework and a community-engaged approach. The program draws from a wide range of Social Science disciplines including City Planning, Social Work, Public and Nonprofit Administration, Criminology, Political Science, Anthropology, and Sociology. It is designed to prepare graduates with the necessary skills in research, evaluation, and policy design to address the kinds of socioeconomic challenges that face Memphis and other cities like it. The combination of training in theory development and application will prepare graduates for careers in public, nonprofit, private, and educational sector positions as advanced policy analysts, researchers, administrators, and academics.
City and Regional Planning
The 48-hour Master's degree in City & Regional Planning prepares students for careers concerned with the physical development of communities, and the interaction of that development with the social, economic, and environmental well-being of communities. The program is fully accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board. Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Professional Studies with a concentration in Urban Studies.
Criminology and Criminal Justice
The department offers bachelor's degree and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice. The study of crime and justice is complex as researchers, practitioners, and policy makers tackle issues of policing strategies, corrections, capital punishment, violence, gangs, addiction, and international crime. The department emphasizes research, scholarship, service and community outreach.
Public and Nonprofit Administration
The Department of Public and Nonprofit Administration prepares public service and nonprofit professionals with the knowledge and skills to face today's challenges and tomorrow's opportunities. Our undergraduate and graduate programs blend critical thinking and analytical skills to prepare individuals to lead public service organizations. Students gain the competencies necessary to manage information, people and finances in an environment driven by the desire to make a difference in their communities, their nation, and their world.
School of Social Work
The School of Social Work offers two degree programs. The Bachelors of Arts in Social Work program and the Master of Social Work program are both fully accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). The Master program offers two specializations: Advanced Practice with Children, Youth, & Families and Advanced Practice with Adults & Families. Both programs prepare students to become professional social workers by helping them develop the knowledge, values and skills essential to competent social work practice.