Urban Studies
Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Urban Studies offers you a solid foundation in the fundamentals of urban and regional policy theory. You will learn advanced research methods and produce a cumulative capstone project.
Program overview
Expertise in urban planning
The Graduate Certificate in Urban Studies offers you a solid foundation in the fundamentals of urban and regional policy theory. You will learn advanced research methods and produce a cumulative capstone project.
Students can pursue specialized coursework in housing and community development, urban environmental sustainability, economic development, international comparative urban policy, and transportation.
The core curriculum provides students with an understanding of the history of urbanization and urban interventions, both in the U.S. and globally. Coursework also examines the role of planning and policy in addressing major issues today. After completing your capstone project, you will have cultivated a basis in urban and regional policy theory and research methods.
The Graduate Certificate in Urban Studies offers you a solid foundation in the fundamentals of urban and regional policy theory. You will learn advanced research methods and produce a cumulative capstone project.
Students can pursue specialized coursework in housing and community development, urban environmental sustainability, economic development, international comparative urban policy, and transportation.
The core curriculum provides students with an understanding of the history of urbanization and urban interventions, both in the U.S. and globally. Coursework also examines the role of planning and policy in addressing major issues today. After completing your capstone project, you will have cultivated a basis in urban and regional policy theory and research methods.
- Prepare to make an impact in the real world and take on new career opportunities by learning from our faculty of internationally recognized experts
- Earn your certificate in one year by taking courses on campus, online, or in a hybrid modality
- Gain a rich interdisciplinary understanding of urban issues through coursework in both the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs and the School of Architecture
- Conduct cutting-edge research and practice in the areas of affordable housing development, transportation planning, and community engagement and participation
- Develop tools and skills in real estate finance, Geographic Information Systems, or data visualization that can be applied to the practice of urban policy and planning
Admissions
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Fall Term
| Application Deadline | |
| Domestic Students | August 15 |
Spring Term
| Application Deadline | |
| Domestic Students | December 15 |
Application
Application fee
Personal statement
Resumé
One letter of recommendation
Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
English proficiency for international applicants
Available only to students currently enrolled in a Northeastern graduate program
Program objectives
Prepare for success
A graduate certificate in Urban Studies prepares you to become a leader in urban planning and urban policy. Develop expertise in all aspects of city management and systems.
Coursework is grounded in real world examples of policy, design, and planning. Students will learn about the historical and contemporary origins of urban issues.
Coursework focuses on modern challenges, including climate change, social inequality, lack of access to housing and education, and economic development in an ever-globalizing world.
Degree building
Stack your certificate
Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.
Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:
- Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Applied Quantitative Methods and Social Analysis
- Master of Public Administration
- Master of Public Policy
- Master of Science in Urban Planning and Policy
Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about eligibility requirements.
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$17,352Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
Visit tuition & financial aidTotal Cost of Attendance: This figure reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year. The total cost of attendance is dependent on the pace at which students complete the program. Please visit the Student Financial Services site for a more detailed breakdown of pricing per credit and other program fees.
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