Metropolitan Studies Program

Program Director: Dr. Andrew Diemer
Liberal Art Building 4237
Phone: 410-704-4899
Email: adiemer@towson.edu

The Program

The Metropolitan Studies Program is designed as a liberal arts program that offers students the opportunity to explore the complexity of metropolitan regions in the United States as well as overseas. Classes place an emphasis on contemporary issues and problems and on innovative policy solutions. The Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area provides an ideal “laboratory” for classes in metropolitan studies. Students are prepared for a number of interesting careers in the public and private sectors in planning policy and community development. The major is also an excellent preparation for graduate study in these professional fields, all of which are rapidly growing.

Courses

MTRO 101 INTRODUCTION TO METROPOLITAN STUDIES (3)

Interdisciplinary introduction to metropolitan development: contemporary urban and suburban landscapes; alternatives for future community and metropolitan growth. Core: Metropolitan Perspectives.

MTRO 470 SPECIAL TOPIC IN METROPOLITAN STUDIES (3)

Examination of current topics in metropolitan studies. May be repeated for a maximum of nine units provided a different topic is covered for each three unit course.

MTRO 497 METROPOLITAN STUDIES INTERNSHIP (3)

Placement in positions in the public, nonprofit and private sectors related to urban planning, metropolitan growth, economic development, community development, or the formation and implementation of policies aimed at addressing key challenges facing metropolitan areas. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or seniors with 3.0 GPA or higher.

MTRO 498 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN METROPOLITAN STUDIES (1-3)

Individual and supervised study in selected topics related to Metropolitan Studies. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: consent of the program director.

MTRO 499 THESIS IN METROPOLITAN STUDIES (3)

Research and writing of a thesis in Metropolitan Studies guided by the director or an affiliated faculty member. Prerequisites: At least 33 units in the major and consent of the program director.