Urban Studies is an interdisciplinary program, requiring courses from Urban Studies, Political Science, Sociology, and History, in addition to courses taken in their Concentration focus areas: Urban Planning and Administration, Urban Policy and Social Problems, and Sustainable Urbanism. In addition, all majors are required to take an Internship/Practicum course that gives them an opportunity for experiential, "on the job" learning.

Many student interns are offered full time positions from their internship organizations after they graduate, and others continue their academic careers by entering graduate programs (e.g., Public Administration, Urban Planning).

While some public, private, and non-profit organizations offer compensation to our students as they fulfill their practicum courses and internship opportunities; however there are many agencies and organizations that offer very little or no compensation. Contributions to our Urban Studies Program will allow all of our students to be compensated for their time in the internships where they have been hired to work.

In addition, contributions assist students who attend professional conferences (e.g., SC Chapter of the American Planning Association), as supplemental learning experiences. These conferences allow students to hear well known speakers present many facets of urban study related issues, projects, and research, in addition to giving them networking opportunities for future intern jobs or positions after they graduate.

Charleston is the ideal location for the Urban Studies Program. It has offered a "learning lab" for our students. We have been able to invite local planning, zoning, and other governmental officials to speak to our students. This benefits the students and allows the community participants a chance to help our students and the College.