Are you interested in cities or urban issues, or do you want hands-on, applied, experiential learning opportunities? If so, check out our MetroBridge course listings below!
MetroBridge embeds real-world research projects for cities, towns, and community organizations into Boston University classes, addressing pressing urban challenges and creating experiential learning opportunities. Students will have the opportunity to gain applied skills through impactful, project-based research. Questions? Wondering about classes in future semesters not listed below? Please email MetroBridge Program Manager David Gross at davgross@bu.edu.
Below is a list of our planned courses for current and upcoming semesters, our core MetroBridge courses that regularly feature projects, and a selection of past courses that incorporated MetroBridge projects in the past. Don’t see classes from your school/college or academic department? We’re constantly working with faculty across the university on new collaborations! Please feel free to refer MetroBridge to interested faculty members or email MetroBridge Program Manager David Gross at davgross@bu.edu to provide leads, recommendations, and further information.
Each year, MetroBridge course offerings may change due to various factors. However, several courses collaborate with us every semester they are offered; these are referred to as Core MetroBridge courses.
Fall 2026 MetroBridge Courses
The following courses will feature MetroBridge projects during the fall 2026 semester. Projects and courses are always subject to change.
^Space available as of 9/8/2026
*MetroBridge project will be undertaken by a limited number of groups, or a single group, within the class.
^CAS EE 512: Urban Climate — City of Newton, Office of Climate and Energy
Faculty: Dan Li
Day/Time: Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays 2:30pm–3:20pm
Project: Students will work to assist Newton’s understanding of its climate risks with regard to heat and propose heat mitigation strategies. Students may conduct updated geospatial mapping, an analysis of socioeconomic indicators, and/or an analysis of Newton’s physical and natural landscapes.
Course Description: Undergraduate Prerequisites: one semester of physics (PY 211, 212 or 251) is required, one semester of calculus (MA 123 or 124, or 127, or 129) is recommended, prior coding experience is strongly encouraged, or consent of instructor – Introduction to urban microclimate within the context of global climate change. Basic climate processes in urban systems; urban heat islands; mixing and dispersion; modeling and observational techniques; anthropogenic emissions; climate change impacts on cities; mitigation and adaptation.
Credits: 4
Undergraduate Hub Designations: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Scientific Inquiry I, Research and Information Literacy
CAS PO 519: Inequality and American Politics —Town of Braintree, Mayor’s Office
Faculty: Katherine Levine Einstein
Day/Time: Thursdays 8:00am–10:45am
Project: Students will help Braintree identify models local governments in Massachusetts can use to tackle housing affordability and access. Students will examine the use of public/municipal-owned land, Community Preservation Act funds, Chapter 40B, and streamlined local permitting for multifamily housing.
Course Description: Undergraduate Prerequisites: First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) – This course examines the role of income inequality in shaping American politics and policy. Combining research from history, political science, economics, and public policy scholars, we will consider a range of important topics, including inequality in public voice, money and politics, and attitudes towards redistribution. We will apply this knowledge as part of a final paper project in metropolitan Boston.
Credits: 4
Undergraduate Hub Designations: The Individual in Community, Writing-Intensive Course, Research and Information Literacy
CAS PO 524: Local Policy Analysis Lab — Cambridge City Councilor Patricia M. Nolan
Faculty: David Glick
Day/Time: Tuesdays 12:30pm–3:15pm
Project: Students will conduct a diagnostic analysis of select policy proposals to advance climate sustainability and climate justice in Cambridge, MA. Along with their policy analysis, students will make practical recommendations for advancing and implementing policies.
Course Description: Experiential learning by doing research for local governments. In this class, students will learn about local government and policy research and apply what they learn to help local government partners solve real problems through serious policy research.
Credits: 4
Undergraduate Hub Designations: Oral and/or Signed Communication, The Individual in Community, Teamwork/Collaboration.
^CAS SO 490/890: Global Health: Politics, Institutions, and Ideology — Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of HIV/AIDS
Faculty: Joseph Harris
Day/Time: Tuesdays 3:30pm–6:15pm
Project: Students will help the Massachusetts Department of Public Health better understand why certain municipalities and communities push back against proven harm reduction programs, what their concerns are, and what could be done to alleviate those concerns.
Course Description: Undergraduate Prerequisites: junior or senior standing and at least two previous sociology courses; or consent of the instructor. First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120). – What is global health? Who are the main actors in global health debates? This seminar explores the politics of global health, providing students with sociological tools, concepts, and knowledge to help make sense of conflict in contemporary global health debates.
Credits: 4
Undergraduate Hub Designations: Social Inquiry II, Writing-Intensive Course, Research and Information Literacy
CAS WR 153 Section K1: Writing, Research, and Inquiry with Creativity/Innovation — Huntington Theatre Company
Faculty: Christina Michaud
Day/Time: Tuesdays/Thursdays 9:30am–10:45am
Project: Students will support the Huntington Theatre’s efforts to build on the model of the two-year, nine-play execution of Mfoniso Udofia’s “Ufot Family Cycle.” Some students will conduct qualitative research with stakeholder communities to document the Cycle’s impact, while others will design and facilitate a community creative writing workshop where community members tell their own family histories and stories.
Course Description: Undergraduate Prerequisites: First-Year Writing Seminar (e.g., CASWR 120) or CASWR 13TR or CASWR 16TR transfer credit. – Topic-based seminar in critical reading, research, writing, creativity, and innovation. Practice in sustained inquiry, including scholarly research and communication of findings to different audiences. Attention to argumentation, prose style, creative process, and revision, informed by reflection and feedback, including conferences.
Credits: 4
Undergraduate Hub Designations: Creativity/Innovation, Writing, Research, and Inquiry, Research and Information Literacy
^MET UA 505: Urban Management — Town of Braintree, Department of Public Works
Faculty: Rob DiAdamo
Day/Time: Mondays 6:00pm–8:45pm
Project: Students will work with the Town of Braintree’s Department of Public Works to develop a practical key performance indicator (KPI) framework that Braintree can apply within Public Works and, in the future, across other divisions and departments.
Course Description: How do cities actually run—and who makes the decisions that shape daily life in your community? In this course, you’ll explore real-world cases in municipal and public management to understand how local governments operate and serve the public. You’ll 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—and sometimes clash—with private organizations to deliver services. Through case studies, you’ll explore how cities manage essential functions. By the end of the course, you’ll 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.
Credits: 4
^*MET UA 591: Applied Analytical Methods — The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation at Mass General Brigham
Faculty: Yeşim Sungu-Eryilmaz
Day/Time: Thursdays 6:00pm–8:45pm
Project: One group of students will analyze Boston 311 data to compare how pedestrian safety-related service requests differ between census tracts in Roxbury and Back Bay to inform the Center’s Safe Streets Advocacy Program.
Course Description: How 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’ll 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’ll 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’ll 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’ll have practical skills to use data thoughtfully in planning, policy, and urban decision-making.
Credits: 4
^MET UA 756: Capstone (Urban Planning) — City of New Bedford, Office of Housing and Community Development
Faculty: Anne Haynes
Day/Time: Wednesdays 6:00pm–8:45pm
Project: Students will analyze existing conditions and develop a vision plan for the Purchase Street corridor in New Bedford, which borders the new MBTA Commuter Rail station. This is the first semester of a two-semester MetroBridge project.
Course Description: How do you take everything you’ve learned in planning and turn it into real-world impact? This capstone studio course, the first of the two-course series, gives you the chance to do just that. It’s designed for Master of Science in City Planning students to synthesize research, theory, and practical skills while working on projects that address a client’s real goals. Integral components of this first semester of the Capstone experience include conducting site visits, assessing existing conditions of the study area, designing a stakeholder outreach strategy and conducting a SWOT analysis. You’ll learn to balance the technical, normative, and value-driven aspects of planning—developing the “peripheral vision” that makes planners effective in complex urban environments. Over the year, you’ll apply your knowledge to produce actionable recommendations that promote equitable development and respond to today’s social and economic challenges. By the end of the course, you’ll have hands-on experience creating meaningful planning solutions and a strong foundation for launching a career in a profession that shapes vibrant, just, and resilient cities.
Credits: 3
*SPH PM 827: Strategic Management of Healthcare Organizations — City of Boston, Office of Climate Resilience
Faculty: Catharine Smith and Yolanda Gonzalez
Day/Time: Mondays 6:00pm–8:50pm
Project: One group of students will conduct an evaluation for the City of Boston’s Outdoor Cool Spaces program, including an assessment of user experience, use, and behavior; an analysis of financial sustainability; and the development of a business plan with strategic recommendations.
Course Description: Graduate Prerequisites: (SPHPH719) or consent of instructor. – This course is designed to make the student aware of well-established and innovative best practices that are necessary for making strategic decisions in the competitive environment of health care. Each session offers an opportunity to explore various aspects of formulating, monitoring, and leading strategies while considering the complexity of the structure and processes in healthcare. Real-life projects engage students in making evidence-based, value-driven decisions while remaining cognizant of culture, regulations, and the industry’s dynamic nature. Discussions from the readings, case studies, and assignments focus on developing systems thinking and strategic intuition that is vigilant of the drivers of change, leadership skills, and countermeasures by competitors.
Credits: 4
^WED AP 635: Public Policy and Research — Boston Public Schools, Curley School (K-8)
Faculty: Ariel Tichnor-Wagner
Day/Time: Tuesdays 5:00pm–7:45pm
Project: Students will analyze the perspectives of the Curley School community—teachers, families, and students—on the use of screens in schools across various settings, from learning to rewards. This research will include an analysis of current literature and best practices.
Course Description: This course exposes students to the public policy field in order to conduct research on and advocate for education and child policies. Students will learn how research can inform the policy process and how researchers can effectively engage with policymakers.
Credits: 4
Core MetroBridge Courses
MetroBridge partners with faculty teaching several courses throughout BU. Our core courses are those that typically incorporate MetroBridge projects every semester in which the course is offered. While this is not a comprehensive list, we provide it as a resource for students who wish to incorporate MetroBridge courses into their planning.
Please note:
- Courses may not be offered every year or every semester.
- This list does not include all courses that frequently partner with MetroBridge. Every semester we partner with courses outside of our core list.
- We work with BU faculty and our city and community partners to keep this list as up-to-date as possible; however, it is subject to change, and we cannot guarantee MetroBridge projects in a given course (including those on this list).
List of Core MetroBridge Courses:
- CAS HI 528 – Engineering Boston (Betty Anderson)
- CAS EE 512 – Urban Climate (Dan Li)
- CAS EE 524 – Environmental Justice (Anne Short Gianotti)
- CAS PO 517 – Urban Politics and Policy (Katherine Einstein)
- CAS PO 519 – Inequality and American Politics (Katherine Einstein)
- CAS PO 524 – Local Policy Analysis Lab (David Glick)
- CAS SO 490/890 – Global Health: Politics, Institutions, and Ideology (Joseph Harris)
- MET UA 505 – Urban Management (Rob DiAdamo)
- MET UA 589 Research and Evaluation and/or MET UA 591 Applied Analytical Methods (Yeşim Sungu-Eryilmaz)
- Research and Evaluation may not always be a MetroBridge course. However, if it is not, we attempt to place a MetroBridge project into MET UA 591 when it is taught by Yesim Sungu-Eryilmaz.
- MET UA 756/757 – Capstone (Anne Haynes)
- WED AP 635 – Public Policy and Research (Ariel Tichnor-Wagner)
Select Previous MetroBridge Courses
Check Out 2025–2026 MetroBridge Projects
Click here to view a selection of recently completed MetroBridge projects. Look below for courses that have featured MetroBridge projects in prior years.
Please note that the courses below are a selection of past MetroBridge courses. These courses may or may not be MetroBridge courses in the future. Please consult the listings above for the most up-to-date course information.
Anthropology
- CAS AN 372/772 – Psychological Anthropology
Art
City Planning & Urban Affairs
- MET UA 505 – Urban Management
- MET UA 509 – Public Finance and Urban Infrastructure
- MET UA 703 – Urban Research Methods
- MET UA 589 – Research and Evaluation
- MET UA 756/757 – Capstone
Communication
- COM EM 757 – User-Producers 2.0: Developing Interactivity
- COM EM 777 – Masters Collaboratory Project
Computer Science
- CAS CS 501 – Computer Science Practicum
Criminal Justice
- MET CJ 640 – Management & Accountability Analytics
Cross-College Challenge
- HUB XC410 B1 – Spark! Data Science for Good. Topics in Civic Tech: Housing
Earth & Environment
- CAS EE 512 – Urban Climate
- CAS EE 538 – Research for Environmental Agencies 2
Economics
- CAS EC 328 – Urban and Regional Economics
- CAS EC 367 – Economics of the Public Sector
Education & Human Development
- WED AP 635 – Public Policy and Research
Engineering
- ENG ME 460/461 – Senior Deisgn
Health/Social Welfare
- SAR HS 348 – Global Mental Health
- SAR HS 349 – Cultural Humility, Racial Justice, and Health
- SSW WP 705 – Mental Health and Social Policy
- SPH PM 755 – Health Care Delivery Systems
History
- CAS HI 190 – History of Boston
- CAS HI 528 – Engineering Boston
Kilachand Honors College
- KHC HC 302 – Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Global Challenges
- KHC HC 401 – Epistemologies and the Process of Inquiry
Law
- LAD JD 786 – Legislative Policy and Drafting Clinic
Management/Strategy & Innovation
- QST BA 223: Business Modeling with Spreadsheets
- QST SI 250 – Ideas to Impact
- QST MG 737 – Action Learning Capstone
Political Science
- CAS PO 307 – Public Opinion in American Politics
- CAS PO 313 – The Politics and Policy of HBO’s The Wire
- CAS PO 517 – Urban Politics and Policy
- CAS PO 519 – Inequality and American Politics
- CAS PO 524 – Local Policy Analysis Lab
- GRS PO 705 – Special Topics in American Politics
Psychology
- CAS PS 326 – Experimental Psychology: Social
- CAS PS 560 – Cross-Cultural Psychology
Romance Studies
- CAS LP 307 – Portuguese for Business and Professional Life
- CAS LS 309 – Spanish for Heritage and Native Speakers
Sociology
- CAS SO 244 – Urban Sociology
- CAS SO 280 – Global Urban Studies
- CAS SO 483/883 – Gentrification Studies
- CAS SO 490/890 – Global Health: Politics, Institutions, and Ideology
- CAS SO 702 – Sociological Research Methods
