BA in Liberal Studies, Urban Studies
Explore community, create transformative change.
This innovative program recognizes the unique needs and realities of our local and regional human and ecological communities. Students receive the necessary training to become effective change-makers who can envision a socially, economically, racially, and ecologically just future.
Urban Studies is offered as a major or minor area of concentration of the BA in Liberal Studies degree at Antioch University's Los Angeles Campus.
Program Overview
Our Urban Studies Concentration explores and celebrates the unique needs, lived experiences, and realities of our human-made and natural communities. The Urban Studies curriculum incorporates the study and practice of political, historical, cultural, ecological, legislative and economic analysis, social movements and revolutions, as well as media and the arts. Students are engaged in learning from and interacting with the people and communities who represent and impact our environment and experiences, training to become effective change-makers who solve problems and enter real-world careers in social justice.
Additional Information
In addition to the general degree requirements outlined on the BA in Liberal Studies page, students must successfully complete a minimum of 20 credits (Minor) or 40 credits (Major) for the Urban Studies Concentration. These credits can be transferred or earned at Antioch. If the student has not fulfilled these credit requirements, the Area of Concentration will be designated as Liberal Studies. A minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter credits must be completed with Antioch University.
- Toolkit for Community Leaders
- Writing for Social Change
- Urban Ecology: The LA River
- Urban Studies: The City as a Learning Lab
- Cinematic Los Angeles
- Social Justice and Environmental History of LA
- The Immigration Debate in Historical Perspectives
- Working Toward the Healthy City: Environmental People & Health
- Immigration Experiences in the Global City
Fast Track to Graduate Programs
Antioch offers “Fast Track” options into two of our graduate programs. Once accepted, undergraduate students complete their remaining bachelor’s degree credits by taking first-term graduate courses. Credits earned in Fast Track apply toward both the student’s bachelor’s and master’s degrees, saving significant time and money in the process. Prior to applying for the graduate program, undergraduate students must consult with their Academic Advisors to determine their eligibility to become a Fast Track candidate and gain approval from the Undergraduate Studies Chair. Our Fast Track option is available for the following graduate programs: Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP), and Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA).
Undergraduate New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation is scheduled every term. It’s a chance for students to visit the campus, meet faculty, register for classes, and get started on their educational journey. Upon acceptance into the program, students receive specific information for the New Student Orientation designed for them. To RSVP for an orientation, admitted students should email: [email protected] or call 310.578.1080 x.3210.
Faculty Spotlights
Kirsten Grimstad, PhD
Faculty Emeritus
Kathryn Pope, MFA
Core Faculty
Jon Tatelman, MA
Adjunct Faculty
Deborah A. Lott, MFA
Adjunct Faculty
Admissions
Admissions deadlines - Undergraduate Studies
| Quarter | Final Application | Start Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March 15 | March 31 |
| Summer | June 15 | July 1 |
| Fall | September 15 | September 30 |
| Winter | December 15 | January 2 |
How to Apply
Complete and submit the Online Application.
- Complete and submit the Admissions Essay.
- Submit the Application Fee of $50. Note: Contact Admissions to request a fee waiver at admissions [email protected].
- Request official transcripts from every accredited institution from which you have received academic credit. You must provide evidence that you have successfully completed 36 quarter credits (24-semester credits) or more of college-level learning.
- All materials are submitted to the Admissions Office. All application materials submitted become part of an applicant’s file and cannot be returned.
For students interested in receiving federal and state financial aid, high school graduation or an equivalency such as a GED is required. Students can also fulfill this requirement by completing six credit hours or equivalent course work toward a degree or certificate or by receiving a passing score on an exam, demonstrating an ability to benefit from higher education. Students seeking governmental financial assistance may be asked to provide proof of high school completion or equivalency, as well as transcripts from previous college-level work. Official transcripts should be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to: Office of Admissions Antioch University Los Angeles 400 Corporate Pointe Culver City, CA 90230 All application materials submitted become part of an applicant’s file and cannot be returned.
Cost & Aid
| Per quarter credit | $535 |
| View the Cost of Attendance Components | |
Please note: Additional fees for all Antioch University Los Angeles programs may include (but are not necessarily limited to) charges for materials, late registration, enrollment maintenance, parking, graduation, transcripts, tuition payment plan, late payments, late registration, and returned checks.
Financial Aid
A majority of AULA students finance their education through some form of financial aid. You may not be sure which federal, state, public, and private aid packages – such as loans, scholarships, and grants—are right for you. Our staff is here to help you, so you can focus on what’s most important: beginning your academic program at AULA. Returning to school is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one.
Community College Scholars Program
A special scholarship exists for undergraduate students transferring from a community college with whom AULA has an articulation agreement. If granted a Community College Scholarship, students receive 3 credits worth of free tuition in the first term, and 3 credits in the second term, a savings of $4,000. You are eligible for this scholarship if you have earned a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and at least 24 transferable semester credits at a qualifying community college.
Transfer Credits and Prior Learning
Transfer Credits
Prospective students with at least 36 quarter credits (equivalent to 24 semester credits) of college credits from an accredited institution can apply to complete their degree in one of Antioch’s Bachelor’s degrees. Our undergraduate programs accept a maximum of 120 quarter credits/80 semester credit lower-division credits that can be transferred toward your degree program. Antioch will accept 135 quarter credits (90 semester credits) of lower-division and upper-division learning that can be transferred toward your degree. The formal evaluation of previously earned transfer credits starts during the admission process. For more information regarding the specifics of transfer credits, please talk with your admissions counselor.
*Note: See specific articulation agreements for any exceptions to these parameters
Prior Learning Credits
Undergraduate students can earn up to 45 university quarter credits (30 semester credits) for demonstrating college-level learning gained outside of school, such as through work experience, professional training, military training, or personal experience. Demonstration of prior learning involves showing evidence of the student’s knowledge of the topic and situating that knowledge within an academic context. Earning academic credit for prior learning activities may accelerate a student’s time to degree completion and significantly reduce tuition costs. Antioch offers a workshop and course to support students interested in earning credit through prior learning.
Free Unofficial Transcript Evaluation
Want to know how long it’ll take to finish your degree at Antioch? Upload your unofficial transcripts for a free evaluation, and our advisors will contact you. No strings attached.
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