Urban Studies
Malone’s secondary major in urban studies prepares you to make positive change in urban contexts
Choosing a secondary major in urban studies at Malone will equip you to explore the challenges that are faced by urban communities such as poverty, inequality, housing, and sustainability. By integrating faith into your studies, you will learn to develop solutions that promote justice, community well-being, and environmental stewardship, all while reflecting Christ’s love for those who are marginalized and underserved.
By partnering with local churches, nonprofit groups, and government bodies, you’ll also learn about the role of faith-based initiatives in urban renewal and transformation. Upon graduation, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of urban systems as well as a sense of purpose — ready to influence the communities around you on behalf of Christ.
Join Our Contact List
Urban studies at Malone:
Positively shaping development in the city
Immerse yourself in service-oriented settings that enhance the urban landscape. Our knowledgeable professors will help you kick-start your career while you embrace the role of a servant leader and advocate of residents in urban areas in ways that prioritize justice, civic duty, peace, and reconciliation.
Jobs and career paths with an urban studies (secondary) major
The urban studies program stands out because it empowers you to delve into diverse communities. By collaborating with a range of individuals, you’ll be equipped to make informed decisions that foster renewal in each community. Every city you explore will offer unique chances to make a meaningful impact on the community, including:
- Community Assistant
- Community Manager
- Outreach Coordinator
- Urban Planner
- Community Relations Coordinator
“My urban studies major has given me a deeper understanding of how cities shape social and economic opportunities. It’s helping me develop the tools to advocate for equitable policies to strengthen communities.”
Shyane Strader ’25
Program Distinctives / Hands-On Opportunities
Career experience through urban life in Northeast Ohio
Malone is located in the heart of Northeast Ohio, where you can experience a variety of local and regional contexts as a laboratory setting for your studies. Our faculty are eager to connect you with organizations and regional partners who can help you get the most out of your experience.
A secondary major that offers a unique concentration to complement your primary major
Urban studies can enhance the primary program you are pursuing. Whether you’re studying social work, communication arts, criminal and restorative justice, business, ministry, or other fields, this program will give you essential skills to set you up for success.
Construct case study research on urban development
Create a capstone project that will enhance your career portfolio. This project focuses on the strengths, challenges, issues, opportunities, and resources within the neighborhoods, marketplace, and underserved areas of a city so you can learn how to lead with excellent problem-solving skills.
Urban Studies Internship Opportunities
This service-focused program is ripe with opportunities for practical experience before graduation; students who have chosen urban studies have landed unique internship opportunities with the following organizations and ministries:
- Community Building Partnerships
- Living and Learning East Coast
- EnRichMent
- Lighthouse Ministries
- Missional Innovation Hub
- South Street Ministries
- Tiqvah Hands of Hope
Explore your options: Minor in urban studies
Have you chosen another major but want to enhance your studies with an urban studies minor? You can do that at Malone!
You can also pair your urban studies major with another major such as:
Business Administration major
Our business administration major is an all-encompassing program that provides foundational knowledge for students who want to learn the day-to-day operations of running a business efficiently.
Criminal and Restorative Justice major
It takes strong yet empathetic leadership to make effective decisions! Our criminal and restorative justice program supplements your course of study with the heart for the justice system that drives you to make positive changes in your community.
Social Work major
Our social work degree isn’t just about education– it’s about helping you become a catalyst for positive change, guided by compassionate, Christ-like service. Study under licensed social workers who are devoted to guiding and shaping the next generation of change-makers.
Selected courses in this program
- HIST/SOC 373 – Urban and Local Studies
- POL 201 – Introduction to American Government
- SWK 348 – Community and Organizational Development
- URBN 440 – Urban Leadership Capstone I
- URBN 441 – Urban Leadership Capstone II
Faith Integration
In Malone’s urban studies program, we believe that urban spaces, often home to diverse communities and complex challenges, provide unique opportunities for students to embody the principles of justice, compassion, and stewardship as taught in Scripture. Our program equips students to critically examine issues like as poverty, inequality, and sustainability, while encouraging them to seek solutions that promote human dignity, social equity, and environmental care, in alignment with God’s call to love and serve our neighbors.
Apply to Malone’s urban studies program
Are you ready to make a lasting impact in the city where you live? This program might be a perfect choice if you are looking to pair another major with transformative thinking in urban planning, policy, and advocacy!
Apply to Malone today and join us in shaping the future of urban life with compassion and purpose!