Master of Science in Urban Studies

Program Overview

Master of Science in Urban Studies

Cleveland State has updated graduate application processes for the 2022-2023 academic year: the application fee is currently waived! 

Personal statements may be submitted via email to urbanprograms@csuohio.edu, or uploaded directly to your admissions application. Questions? Please email us at urbanprograms@csuohio.edu.


Welcome to the Master of Science in Urban Studies graduate program at the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University. 

Our graduate programs feature a nationally recognized faculty with outstanding reputations in teaching, research, and public service. Our students are a diverse and interesting group, representing greater Cleveland and northeast Ohio, as well as other parts of the United States and the world.

Courses are scheduled to meet the needs of both full-time and part-time students, many of whom are also employed throughout the area. Our graduate programs offer a wide array of learning opportunities beyond the classroom, especially through graduate assistantships and internships where students gain practical experience, build professional networks, and enhance their opportunities for job placement and career advancement.

The Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs offers courses in our state capital and in the nation's capital. Additionally graduate students have the opportunity to present their research not only in the classroom but also at professional and academic conferences, while working with faculty and staff in the research centers.

About the M.S. in Urban Studies Program

The Master of Science in Urban Studies program at Cleveland State University offers advanced training in urban studies to recent graduates, in-service professional and others wishing to pursue or advance careers in fields such as economic development, environmental affairs, and community organization management. The program prepares individuals to assume leadership roles in organizations, to analyze urban systems, and to develop creative and effective strategies for urban revitalization.

No single discipline adequately covers the broad spectrum of knowledge that the modern urban problem solver needs. Thus, the M.S. in Urban Studies draws on many disciplines to broaden and extend the student's knowledge and expertise through a combination of specially developed urban courses. Internships and other experiential training that add depth and scope to the program augment classroom knowledge.

The objective of the M.S. in Urban Studies is to educate students concerning theoretical perspectives and applied research methods useful for effective problem definition and problem solving. These skills enhance organizational capacity in attempting to define and solve complex urban problems. Special emphasis is placed on economic development, organizational leadership, law and public policy, urban ecology, and policy analysis.

Graduates of the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs are working to make our cities a better place to live. They are employed in diverse areas such as government, economic development, investment banking, civil rights protection, regional planning, environmental policy, and community development.

Diversity Leadership and Change Management Track

We are pleased to announce a new Diversity Leadership and Change Management (DLCM) track within the Master of Science in Urban Studies program, starting fall 2021. The DLCM track trains students in leadership practices that foster inclusivity and promote the wealth of opportunities, benefits, and outcomes realized through diversity. Learn more about about DLCM. » 

Career Opportunities

The Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs graduates are employed in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Many of our graduates pursue careers in:

  • Local, State, and Federal Government
  • Economic Development
  • Health Care Management
  • Program Evaluation and Policy Analysis
  • Housing, Community and Neighborhood Revitalization
  • Environmental Advocacy/Management
  • Public Safety Management
  • Historic Preservation
  • Human Services and Resource Management
  • Urban Planning
  • Research
M.S. in Urban Studies / Master of Urban and Regional Planning
Cleveland State / Chung-Ang University Dual Degree Program

The Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs and the Department of Regional Development, Chung-Ang University, Korea, offer a unique dual degree. Students can simultaneously earn the Master of Science in Urban Studies from Cleveland State University and the Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) from Chung-Ang University. Both degrees can be earned in two-plus years of study, rather than three-plus years of study if earned separately. Students must be accepted by both universities under their individual admissions requirements. Credits toward the MURP are earned during residence in Korea. Visit the Chung-Ang dual degree webpage for more information. Interested students should consult with the Graduate Advisor (216) 523-7522.

Contact Information

MSUS Program Director: Dr. Megan Hatch (Interim)
Email: m.e.hatch@csuohio.edu

Dave Arrighi, Graduate Programs Coordinator
Public Affairs Student Services Center
Telephone: (216) 523-7522 / E-mail: urbanprograms@csuohio.edu