Best universities for Urban Studies?

[ilikehotdogsalot 307]

I'm wanting to major in Urban Studies and I was wondering the best universities in the US for this major. Right now I have my mind on going to Boston University or University of Florida. Anyone know any other ones? I know Brown and Harvard are pretty good but I probably won't get in

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

I don't know much about U.S. schools, but here you could try York University in Toronto or Western University in London, Ontario.  York is not as big as the University of Toronto, and has some more abstract departements.  York has Atkinson College, which contains the Foreign Service school, for example.  Take a look at the web sites if you want to go abroad to study without really being off the continent.  The foreign study fees may kill you, however.

In regard to the top schools in the U.S., apply anyway.  The worst they can say is no.

[ilikehotdogsalot 307]

Is it easy for international students to apply and get into the school? Also, is Toronto expensive to live in?

[Easy Bakes 253]

What exactly is Urban Studies?

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Originally posted by: ilikehotdogsalot

Is it easy for international students to apply and get into the school? Also, is Toronto expensive to live in?quote>

There is some kind of Immigration Canada quota on student visas, and yes, Toronto costs about as much to live in as any other major urban centre.  You might be happier at Western (London, Ontario) because it is a much smaller city and South Western Ontario has a slower pace of life as well as being less expensive.

[Schulmanator 5,787]

Honestly, the best program is the one that's the best fit for you. Don't pick a place because of its reputation - pick one that suits you well. All universities do is open the door - you make all the difference, no matter where it is. Good luck with your application process

[Msprintz 25]

Originally posted by: Easy Bakes

What exactly is Urban Studies?

quote>

The study of urban environments, planning, infrastructure, transportation... etc.  How all of this works, and affects people.

Courses oriented to individuals who would probably want to shape the city of the 21st century, or who just want to follow in the footsteps of say the Van Sweringen Brothers or Robert Moses ( individuals who helped shape and define modern cities ). 

Might try looking at Stanford, they seem to have an interesting program. 

http://www.stanford.edu/dept/URBS/

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

A quick look with the key "urban studies" for Canadian sites found lots of programs.  Simon Fraser University in the Vancouver area (B.C. or lala land) offers graduate studies and fellowships.  I suggest you get your baccelaureate in your favourite U.S. University then look for some international experience with a good graduate school.  This doesn't seem to be a profession that really hums at the baccelaureate level.