Two students walking and looking at a map
Environmental Studies, BA

Urban Studies Concentration

The Urban Studies concentration explores the city as an idea, process, and living organism — with San Francisco as its guide. The interdisciplinary curriculum examines how a city’s planning, politics, economy, social classes, and diverse populations impact the successes and failures of modern urban environments.

Exploring the Humanities

Immerse yourself in the imaginative narratives of cinema, written works, and more. By taking complementary courses in literature, history, photography, sociology, economics, politics, and environmental studies — you'll develop a multifaceted understanding of cities and your role within them.

I’ve taken classes in architecture, communication, history, photography, yet they’ve all incorporated some aspect of urban study. The photography class allowed me to appreciate both the functions of the camera itself and how it can be used to portray the urban landscape in unique and special ways. It’s been, by far, one of the best courses I’ve taken at USF."

SAMMY HOPP '18

Loading...

San Francisco as a Learning Laboratory

Through courses like Urban Field, you can go on walking tours and site visits to explore the politics behind the Bay Area’s architecture, neighborhoods, and landscapes. From Clarion Alley to the Salesforce Tower, you'll utilize USF's prime location as an ultimate learning laboratory.

A street in Castro district with pride flags on lamp posts