Urban Health Systems Specialization
Students
complete 21 credits in this area, taking 9 from required courses and
the remaining 12 credits from electives. Under a systems approach,
students employ knowledge and techniques from several disciplines to
study the complex web of health care delivery to urban populations.
They explore economically viable alternatives to traditional delivery
systems, propose health policy solutions, address ethical implications
for delivery alternatives, and assess outcomes. Course work exposes
students to research on the health status of urban populations, their
health beliefs and practices, and health informatics (the social impact
of computerization). They also look at theories related to public
policy, planning, health economics, evaluation and outcomes of health
delivery methods, health law, and related topics. The required courses
for this specialization are (1) Health Status of Urban Populations, (2)
Health Beliefs and Practices of Urban Populations, and (3) Survey of
Health Informatics.
Urban Environmental Studies Specialization
Students complete 21 credits in this area, taking 9 from required
courses and the remaining 12 credits from electives. They study the
physical and spatial complexities of the built domain and the forces
that gave rise to such urban manifestations as rapid social change,
frequent demographic shifts, technological innovations, and shifting
public policies. The curriculum draws upon the related disciplines of
architecture, architectural history, urban social science, and city
planning. It exposes students to extensive scholarship and rigorous
analysis of architectural and planning theory and practice. The
required courses for this specialization are (1) Development of the
American City, (2) Architecture and Health: The Pathology of Urban
Systems, and (3) Architectural Perspectives in Urban Research.
Urban Educational Policy Specialization
Students complete 21 credits in this area, taking 9 credits from
required courses and the remaining 12 credits in electives. In this
specialization, students learn to think critically about systemic
improvement of urban schools. The program helps participants connect
the study of urban education to the history, sociology, politics, and
economics of urban life. Students develop research-based knowledge of
urban educational systems and practices through an interdisciplinary
approach of course work, research, and internships. Using New Jersey`s
historic Abbott v. Burke case as a foundation, students examine urban
educational reforms in the state`s 30 urban Abbott districts. They look
at whole school reform, mandated early childhood education, and equity
financing. Students explore the limits and possibilities of urban
educational policy in improving the quality and functioning of urban
schools. Graduates are prepared to take positions as university faculty
members; educational researchers and policy makers at the national,
state, local, and foundation levels; and as policy analysts in school
systems. In addition to Urban Education Systems, the required courses
for the specialization are: (1) Sociology of Urban Education; (2)
History of Urban Education; (3) Urban Educational Policy and School
Improvement.
