Urban Health Systems Specialization
Students complete 18 credits in this area, taking 9 from required courses and the remaining 9 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. Coursework 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 18 credits in this area, taking 9 from required courses and the remaining 9 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 18 credits in this area, taking 9 credits from required courses and the remaining 9 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 coursework, 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 formerly named Abbott districts. They look at whole school reform, mandated early childhood education, equity financing, school choice and charter schools, and other reforms. 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 policymakers 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.
