Boise State program could make cities slicker

A growing demand for savvy professionals who know how cities work and can make them even better has prompted Boise State University to recently announce the addition of an undergraduate program in urban studies and community development.
 
“Nationally and regionally, there’s a hunger to give students access to this degree,” said program director Amanda Ashley. “And locally, what we’ve learned from policymakers and administrators across the state is there’s a demand for students who understand community development and have the skills to go out into the workforce and help solve the challenges that medium and smaller cities are facing.”
 
The program, which begins this fall as part of the School of Public Service, will emphasize interdisciplinary studies and topics related to history, sociology, economics and politics. The program will also emphasize communication, applied learning and experiential opportunities.
 
“We’re answering a call from these employers to create skilled urban analysts who can work across public, private and community sectors, and in many different fields,” Ashley said. “We’re also focused on inspiring civically engaged community members who have the information and understanding to have a voice in the decisions that are being made in their communities.”