Education

I am enrolled in the Master of Arts in Urban and Public Affairs program at the University of San Francisco! 

This two-year, 33-unit program includes community-based research, policy design, policy analysis, advocacy, and implementation in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Course offerings include: Urban Racial Politics; Community-Engaged Research, Economics of Social Justice; Housing, Community and Policy; and Resource Equity, among other classes. A 200-hour internship is required, as well as a Capstone Project that synthesizes your research and internship experience on a policy area of your choice. 

REQUIRED COURSEWORK

• UPA 630: Urban Power Seminar

• UPA 633: UPA Colloquium I

• UPA 634: UPA Colloquium II*

• UPA 650: Comm-Engaged Research Methods

• UPA 651: Rhetoric for the Common Good

• UPA 652: Masters Capstone Project

*Students must take UPA 634 three times. 

ELECTIVE COURSEWORK

• UPA 665:  Urban Racial Politics

• UPA 682: Campaigns & Political Mobilization

• UPA 672: The Immigrant City

• UPA 667: Housing, Community, and Policy

WHY IS THE STUDY OF URBAN & PUBLIC AFFAIRS IMPORTANT?

Cities serve as the engines of economic progress, concentrating a significant portion of a nation's population, infrastructure, and economic activity, making them crucial for addressing issues like economic development, environmental sustainability, and social equity, while also providing access to essential services like healthcare, education, and transportation for a large population. Yet, nmany residents are frsutrated by cities' lack of infrastructure (i.e., public transportation, bike lanes, etc.), the ineffectiveness of municipal programs, the unavailability of affordable housing, the lack of cohesiveness and the lack of stronger sense of community within cities. City and urban planners must also consider the other great risks of the century--such as racial justice and equity, the environmental risks of climate change, and growing class inequality.  

As a graduate student at the University of San Francisco, I am taking classes that address these questions and many more: 

• Social Challenges:  Cities face complex social issues like poverty, inequality, and crime, requiring effective public policy solutions. 

• Policy Development: Urban and public affairs professionals are key in designing and implementing policies addressing urban challenges, such as housing affordability, environmental sustainability, and community development. 

• Infrastructure Management: Managing and improving urban infrastructure, including transportation networks, utilities, and public spaces, is critical for quality of life. 

• Population Concentration: With most of the world's population residing in urban areas, addressing urban issues directly impacts a large portion of the global community.