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Centre for Career and Personal Development Degree Profiles

These degree profiles look at potential jobs, key skills & atributes, associations & professional development and great books which relate to each degree and its potential career path.

Urban Studies

Urban Studies is concerned with understanding the processes that shape cities and the ways in which cities shape processes operating on other scales.

Key Skills & Knowledge

Knowledge of the evolution and history of cities: Connect with and integrate information from multiple disciplines which are linked to Urban Studies.

Understand the principles: of planning, of urban governance, political and economic factors in urban development.

Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing: Presenting ideas and information clearly, public speaking and presentation skills; Writing clearly and concisely.

Designing programs: Integrate the goals of sustainable development, good government and economic viability when evaluating proposals and strategies; balance various private interests with the public interest and identify viable, workable options.

Qualitative and quantitative research methodologies: Diverse and thorough with consultations as part of research to ensure that as many voices as possible are heard and considered during the planning process; measure and analyze statistical information for its implications.

Resource management: Knowledge of land, air and water resources; knowledge of the use and needs of new technologies.

Project management: High level of independent judgment; organizing projects and programs, ability to meet deadlines; design the physical layout of a large development; meet the needs of all sectors of society.

Policy analysis: Make recommendations to both the public and the private sector, reconcile different viewpoints and to make constructive policy recommendations; recommend policy and budget option.

Sample Job Titles

Please note some of these positions may require further training, certification or education. Check out the occupational profiles to review the full details for the occupations that interest you at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo

  • Assistant City Manager
  • Community organizer
  • Homeless & Sustainable housing Officer
  • Emergency Services Planner
  • Environmental Planner
  • Environment Impact Officer
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Parks Technician
  • Planner
  • Policy analyst
  • Policy researchers or administrators
  • Project Coordinator
  • Research assistant/Researcher
  • Teacher/Professor
  • Transit Planner
  • Urban / Regional Planners
  • Urban / Regional Redevelopers 

Potential Industries

  • Architecture firms
  • City, town, and regional planning
  • Community Development
  • Community Conflict Resolution
  • Convention Planning
  • Demography
  • Economic Development
  • Education
  • Environmental Policy & Planning
  • Government
  • Housing
  • International Development
  • Land Use Planning & Management
  • Non-profits & NGOs
  • Post-Secondary
  • Public Administration
  • Public Policy
  • Real Estate & Real Estate Developers
  • Quality Assurance
  • Tourism
  • Transportation planning
  • Sustainability
  • Urban Planning and Design
  • Urban/ Environmental Relations
  • Waste Management

Did you know?

Formal Career Assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator can be helpful tools for your career development.  These assessments have been used for decades to help individuals choose a major, explore career options during and upon completion of a degree and to further understand yourself in relationship to the world of work.  Inquire with Career Services if you are interested in these formal assessments.

Publications

Key Contacts

Faculty Contact

Arts Students' Centre
Social Sciences Building, SS102
T: 403.220-6318
E: ascarts@ucalgary.ca
W: arts.ucalgary.ca/advising

Clubs on campus:  

Urban Calgary Students' Association

Career Services
MacEwan Student Centre, Room 188
T: 403.220.8020
E: csstdnt@ucalgary.ca
W: ucalgary.ca/careers