{"id":24328,"date":"2010-09-17T15:23:10","date_gmt":"2010-09-17T19:23:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/?page_id=24328"},"modified":"2026-06-08T13:10:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T17:10:19","slug":"urban-affairs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/urban-affairs\/","title":{"rendered":"Urban Affairs"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"course-filter\">\n<p>View courses in<\/p><ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/urban-affairs\/\">Urban Affairs<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/\">All Departments<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/actuarial-science\/\">Actuarial Science<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/administrative-sciences\/\">Administrative Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/communications-advertising\/\">Advertising<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/anthropology\/\">Anthropology<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/arts-administration\/\">Arts Administration<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/astronomy\/\">Astronomy<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/biochemistry\/\">Biochemistry<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/biology\/\">Biology<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/chemistry\/\">Chemistry<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/city-planning\/\">City Planning<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/computer-science\/\">Computer Science<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/criminal-justice\/\">Criminal Justice<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/gastronomy\/\">Gastronomy<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/health-communication\/\">Health Communication<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/history\/\">History<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/humanities\/\">Humanities<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/interdisciplinary-studies\/\">Interdisciplinary Studies<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/linguistics\/\">Linguistics<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/management\/\">Management<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/mathematics-statistics\/\">Mathematics, Statistics<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/physics\/\">Physics<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/political-science\/\">Political Science<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/psychology\/\">Psychology<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/met\/courses\/urban-affairs\/\">Urban Affairs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n    <ul class=\"course-feed\">\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-503\/\"><strong>MET UA 503: Housing and Community Development<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHave you ever wondered why some neighborhoods thrive while others struggle to access safe, affordable housing? In this course, you\u2019ll explore how housing and community development shape opportunity, stability, and mobility across the United States. You\u2019ll examine the forces that influence where and how people live\u2014such as poverty, segregation, and social inequality\u2014and discover how housing policies and community development efforts can strengthen neighborhoods and expand opportunity. Through discussions, readings, and real-world examples, you\u2019ll trace the history of housing policy and analyze how federal, state, and local decisions affect communities today. Along the way, you\u2019ll reflect on your own experiences and perspectives while building the tools to think critically about housing challenges and solutions. Whether you\u2019re interested in public policy, urban planning, or community leadership, this course helps you understand how housing decisions shape communities\u2014and how you can help build more equitable ones.\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-505\/\"><strong>MET UA 505: Urban Management<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHow do cities actually run\u2014and who makes the decisions that shape daily life in your community? In this course, you\u2019ll explore real-world cases in municipal and public management to understand how local governments operate and serve the public. You\u2019ll look at how city leaders organize departments, manage budgets, plan programs, and work with employees and community partners. The course also examines how public agencies collaborate\u2014and sometimes clash\u2014with private organizations to deliver services. Through case studies, you\u2019ll explore how cities manage essential functions. By the end of the course, you\u2019ll have a clearer picture of how municipal governments turn policy into action and how effective management can improve services, strengthen communities, and address complex urban challenges.\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-508\/\"><strong>MET UA 508: Real Estate Development<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tVarious factors affecting location, construction, financing, and marketing of real estate in metropolitan areas. Studies the relationship of public policy to the activities of the private sector, market analysis techniques, evaluation of development projects, and problems of real estate investment. \t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-510\/\"><strong>MET UA 510: Selected Topics in Urban Affairs<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Graduate Prerequisites: (METUA301 & METUA701) or consent of instructor. - UA510 is the designation for \"Special Topics in Planning\". The subject matter for UA510 courses changes from semester to semester, and more than one UA510 can be offered in a given semester. \t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-526\/\"><strong>MET UA 526: Multi-modal Transportation Planning and Design<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHow do cities create streets and transportation networks that work for everyone? In this course, you\u2019ll explore the planning and design of roadways and multimodal transportation systems, gaining hands-on skills to make urban mobility safer, more efficient, and more equitable. Using a blend of seminar discussion and design studio work, you\u2019ll learn the history, principles, and standards of multimodal transportation planning. You\u2019ll practice developing conceptual designs for streets, bike lanes, transit routes, and pedestrian pathways, while learning how different modes of travel can be integrated into urban environments. Readings and case studies\u2014from academic research to government reports\u2014will show how real transportation projects come together. Guest speakers will connect classroom lessons to professional practice at the local, state, and national levels. By the end of the course, you\u2019ll be ready to analyze, design, and communicate transportation solutions that make cities more connected and accessible for everyone.\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-527\/\"><strong>MET UA 527: Feeding the City: Urban Food<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHow does food make its way into cities?  Why do some neighborhoods have plenty of options while others face shortages? This course explores the systems that feed urban communities, the challenges of access, and the policies that shape what people can eat. You\u2019ll trace the journey of food from farms and producers into metropolitan areas, examining issues like food deserts, school nutrition, gentrification, and the influence of immigrant and ethnic cuisines. The course also looks at innovations in urban food production, including community gardens, vertical farming, and small-scale craft food enterprises. Through case studies and global examples\u2014like sushi and coffee as traded commodities\u2014you\u2019ll see how local food access connects to wider economic and social systems. We\u2019ll also examine how the pandemic and ongoing efforts to address structural inequities affect urban food security. By the end of the course, you\u2019ll understand how cities can build more just, sustainable, and resilient food systems\u2014and how thoughtful policy and planning make it possible.\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-551\/\"><strong>MET UA 551: Policy Responses to Urban Issues<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWhy do cities face persistent challenges like inequality, housing shortages, or strained public services? And what can be done to solve them? In this course, you\u2019ll explore the major urban issues shaping communities in the U.S., while also considering global perspectives and connections. You\u2019ll examine the causes, consequences, and complexity of these problems, learning how they intersect and influence one another. The course emphasizes U.S. policy, giving you tools to analyze how governments, nonprofits, and private organizations respond to urban challenges. Through case studies and research, you\u2019ll develop the skills to critically evaluate urban problems and propose practical, effective policy solutions. By the end of the course, you\u2019ll have a deeper understanding of what drives urban issues and how thoughtful policies can create stronger, more equitable cities.\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-579\/\"><strong>MET UA 579: Urban Economics and Public Finance<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWhy do some cities grow while others struggle\u2014and what drives where people and businesses choose to locate? In this course, you\u2019ll explore how economic principles help explain the growth, decline, and functioning of cities and regions. You\u2019ll learn how microeconomic theories and models can be used to analyze urban challenges, evaluate policies, and make informed planning decisions. The course also examines how cities fund public infrastructure, from traditional budgets to innovative financing strategies, and the challenges that come with investing in streets, transit, and other essential urban systems. Through case studies and real-world examples, you\u2019ll gain practical insights into the economic forces shaping cities. By the end of the course, you\u2019ll be equipped to use economic tools to understand urban problems and contribute to policies that foster stronger, more resilient, and well-planned communities.\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-589\/\"><strong>MET UA 589: Research and Evaluation<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHow do planners gather reliable evidence to understand urban problems and evaluate whether policies and programs actually work? In this course, you learn how research methods support evidence-informed planning and urban policy. A major focus of the class is how to collect and work with data. You\u2019ll gain hands-on understanding of both quantitative and qualitative research methods used in planning, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation, and content analysis. You\u2019ll learn how to design studies, gather reliable information, and choose the right method to answer different kinds of planning questions. The course also introduces the basics of program evaluation and impact analysis, helping you assess whether planning initiatives and public programs achieve their intended goals. Along the way, you\u2019ll practice interpreting research, critically reviewing studies, and communicating findings clearly. By the end of the course, you\u2019ll be able to design and evaluate research that supports thoughtful, evidence-informed planning and policy decisions.\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-591\/\"><strong>MET UA 591: Applied Analytical Methods<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHow do planners turn data into better decisions about cities? In this course, you learn how to use quantitative analysis to understand urban issues and communicate evidence clearly. You\u2019ll explore what data are, where they come from, and how planners and urban professionals analyze them to make sense of the urban world. Using SPSS, you\u2019ll gain hands-on experience applying analytical techniques to real urban data, learning how to interpret statistical results and evaluate the strength of evidence behind policy arguments. The course also helps you become a more critical reader of data used in news, research, and public debates. You\u2019ll practice communicating findings clearly, without relying on technical jargon, and work with classmates to analyze data related to a real urban issue. By the end of the course, you\u2019ll have practical skills to use data thoughtfully in planning, policy, and urban decision-making.\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-592\/\"><strong>MET UA 592: Land Use and Planning Law<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHow do planners turn data into better decisions about cities? In this course, you learn how to use quantitative analysis to understand urban issues and communicate evidence clearly. You\u2019ll explore what data are, where they come from, and how planners and urban professionals analyze them to make sense of the urban world. Using SPSS, you\u2019ll gain hands-on experience applying analytical techniques to real urban data, learning how to interpret statistical results and evaluate the strength of evidence behind policy arguments. The course also helps you become a more critical reader of data used in news, research, and public debates. You\u2019ll practice communicating findings clearly, without relying on technical jargon, and work with classmates to analyze data related to a real urban issue. By the end of the course, you\u2019ll have practical skills to use data thoughtfully in planning, policy, and urban decision-making.\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-598\/\"><strong>MET UA 598: Foundations of GIS and Spatial Analysis<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHow can maps and spatial data reveal patterns in cities and communities that aren\u2019t visible at street level? In this project-based course, you learn how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) help planners and urban professionals analyze places, understand patterns, and make better decisions. You\u2019ll build practical skills in spatial thinking and spatial analysis while working with real geographic data. Through hands-on projects, you\u2019ll learn how to collect, organize, and analyze spatial information, create maps that communicate clear insights, and evaluate the strengths and limits of different data sources. Along the way, you\u2019ll explore how GIS is used to address real urban challenges\u2014from understanding neighborhood change to informing planning and policy decisions. By the end of the course, you\u2019ll be able to use GIS tools to analyze places, visualize patterns, and communicate spatial insights that support sustainable and more equitable communities.\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-617\/\"><strong>MET UA 617: Actionable Sustainability<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHow are cities responding to the defining challenge of our time\u2014climate change? This course explores how urban areas can both reduce their impact on the planet and adapt to the changes already underway. You\u2019ll learn how climate change affects people, infrastructure, and systems at the local level, and how planners and communities can assess risks, evaluate strategies, and implement solutions. Using examples from the Boston region and beyond, the course covers building energy and emissions, sustainable transportation, zero-waste management, vulnerability assessments, and resilience planning. Through case studies, discussions, and applied exercises, you\u2019ll gain the skills to analyze climate impacts, engage stakeholders, and develop actionable strategies. By the end of the course, you\u2019ll understand how cities can become more sustainable, resilient, and prepared for the future.\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-619\/\"><strong>MET UA 619: Urban Transportation Policy and Planning<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHow do cities move people and goods efficiently\u2014and what challenges do urban transportation systems face? This course introduces you to the key concepts, policies, and planning tools used to address transportation issues at the city and metropolitan level. You\u2019ll explore methods planners use to analyze problems, develop solutions, and evaluate the impacts of transportation initiatives. Using examples from the Greater Boston area, including operations and capital projects, you\u2019ll see how real agencies tackle challenges in public transit, roads, and multimodal networks. Guest speakers from local, regional, and state transportation agencies will provide insights into professional practice and decision-making. By the end of the course, you\u2019ll have a practical understanding of transportation planning and the skills to analyze problems, propose solutions, and understand the policies shaping the movement of people and goods in cities.\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-642\/\"><strong>MET UA 642: Geospatial Intelligence for Urban Analysis<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHow can spatial data reveal patterns in transportation, crime, environmental conditions, and economic activity across a city? In this course, you learn how advanced GIS and spatial analysis techniques help planners and urban professionals understand complex urban issues. The course is organized in three parts. First, analyzing the city, where you apply advanced spatial analysis methods\u2014such as point pattern analysis, spatial autocorrelation, geographically weighted regression (GWR), and network analysis\u2014to uncover patterns and relationships in urban data. Second, sensing the city, where you learn how spatial data is created through digitizing, field-based data collection with tools like ArcGIS Survey123, and emerging technologies such as LiDAR. Third, visualizing the city, where you transform analysis into clear insights using StoryMaps or interactive dashboards. Through hands-on projects, you will investigate real urban challenges and learn how to communicate spatial insights to support planning, policy analysis, and public understanding. By the end of the course, you\u2019ll be able to collect, analyze, and visualize spatial data to inform evidence-based urban decision-making.\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-801\/\"><strong>MET UA 801: Graduate Directed Study in Urban Affairs and Planning<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLimited to a maximum of 8 credits toward the degree requirements. Approval by program director required prior to registration. Study of urban and public affairs and planning individually arranged between student and instructor to provide training opportunities not available elsewhere.\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-802\/\"><strong>MET UA 802: Graduate Directed Study in Urban Affairs and Planning<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLimited to a maximum of 8 credits toward the degree requirements. Approval by program director required prior to registration. Study of urban and public affairs and planning individually arranged between student and instructor to provide training opportunities not available elsewhere.\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-804\/\"><strong>MET UA 804: Supervised Fieldwork<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLimited to a maximum of four credits toward the degree requirements. Approval by program director required prior to registration. Students spend a minimum of 5 hours per week working with public agencies, community groups, or private organizations, during the semester. \t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/met-ua-808\/\"><strong>MET UA 808: Supervised Fieldwork 2<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLimited to a maximum of four credits toward the degree requirements. Approval by program director required prior to registration. Students spend a minimum of 5 hours per week working with public agencies, community groups, or private organizations, during the semester. \t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2129,"featured_media":0,"parent":226,"menu_order":25,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24328"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2129"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24328"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24328\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":101879,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24328\/revisions\/101879"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/226"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24328"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}