BA in Liberal Studies, Urban Ecology

Solve complex problems surrounding urbanization.

Urbanization is not a new concept to our society, but its rapid acceleration has presented a unique set of challenges. A highly interdisciplinary concentration, Urban Ecology engages students in the study of political economy, food systems, environmental justice, cultural studies, policy studies, urban planning, education and social change. Learn innovative leadership tactics that will enable you to put in place a coherent urban strategy within your community. Assume pivotal leadership positions to tackle the challenges and opportunities of dense urbanization, a growing urgency for social justice, and quickly evolving environmental conditions. This degree is offered by AU Seattle.

Program Overview

This concentration prepares students for work and/or graduate studies in a wide range of fields, including social entrepreneurship, community development, social change advocacy, environmental stewardship, climate change activism, urban environmental education, public policy & law, urban design and government agencies (departments such as parks, utilities, social services or neighborhoods). A highly interdisciplinary concentration, Urban Ecology engages students in the study of political economy, food systems, environmental justice, cultural studies, policy studies, urban planning, education and social change. This concentration educates students to take innovative leadership roles with communities facing the challenges and opportunities of dense urbanization, a growing urgency for social justice, and quickly evolving environmental conditions. Graduates with this concentration are committed to nurturing resilient communities in which residents thrive culturally, psychologically, spiritually, and economically.

Customization is Key

In the BA in Liberal Studies program, each study plan is based on the student’s past experience, current needs and interests, and future goals. Students work in close collaboration with faculty advisors, instructors, and other students to shape their studies. Students build on earlier college work and on competencies learned at home, and at work, through independent reading and volunteer activities.

Degree Requirements

The Liberal Studies Bachelor’s degree requires 180 quarter credits, including a minimum of 60 upper-division credits, and a maximum of 120 lower-division credits. Graduation requirements include:

• 7 liberal studies courses
• an internship, or other in-the-world learning experience of the student’s choosing
• at least 40 credits in the Urban Ecology concentration
• a senior capstone project

For detailed curriculum, degree requirements, and course descriptions, please visit the AUS catalog.

Example Coursework for Concentration Requirements

• Environmental Racism; Environmental Justice
• Urban Agriculture
• Sacred Botany
• Birds in the Field and Human Imagination
• Nutrition & the Politics of Food
• When a Community Weeps

Sample Community-Based Learning Experiences

• Apprentice with a local artist, writer or film-maker focused on community issues
• Organize a speaker/lecture series on a global issue
• Training with an international NGO
• Practicum with a labor union or community-based organization
• Work with a Community Garden

Sample Synthesis Projects

• Develop a project on local, sustainable agriculture in the greater Seattle area
• Design an advocacy project promoting outdoor recreation and experiential education for troubled youth in public high schools
• Research the effects of global warming on coastal urban areas
• Facilitate a community issues forum
• Compare and contrast different farming systems (agri-business, organic, bio-dynamic, and permaculture)
• Design an advocacy project promoting experiential environmental education for at risk youth in public high schools
• Oral history project dealing with an immigrant community

Career Outlook

This concentration prepares students for work and/or graduate studies in a wide range of fields:

• social entrepreneurship
• community development
• social change advocacy
• environmental stewardship
• climate change activism
• urban environmental education
• public policy & law
• urban design
• government agencies (departments such as parks, utilities, social services, or neighborhoods).