Welcome graphic of Mirror Lake

Professor Ken Foote

Ken Foote, PhD.

Director,

Urban and Community Studies Program

Welcome to the Urban and Community Studies (UCS) Program at the University of Connecticut. Since its founding in 1974, UCS students have sought ways to improve urban life and communities for all people — locally, nationally, and internationally.

Students graduating from our program pursue a wide range of careers in urban & regional planning, criminal justice & law, state & local government, public policy, non-profit & public management, social & community services, and public health.  The UCS program also prepares students for further graduate study in a range of fields, including public policy, social work, law, education, and business administration.  With the majority of the Earth’s population now living in urban areas, the UCS program provides students with the knowledge and tools they need to help build a sustainable world.

The UCS major and minor are available to students on our Storrs, Hartford, and Waterbury campuses. The curriculum blends intellectual rigor and practical experience. Students take core courses in urban studies, economics, geography, history, political science, and sociology, then with the guidance of their advisor, select supporting courses that match their unique interests and best fit their career or graduate study objectives.

In addition to our BA program, we have also created a fast-track curriculum for students interested in pursuing a Masters in Public Administration in the Department of Public Policy.  The BA/UCS-MPA Fast-track program allows exceptional students to begin MPA coursework while still completing their BA in UCS, making it possible to earn a master’s degree more quickly.

As part of their educational experience, UCS students are encouraged to be active in their communities, and to participate as much as possible in service-learning, internship, and civic engagement opportunities. We see the UCS program as a leading force in showing how UConn contributes to our local communities.  Without a doubt, the UCS program has become a vibrant center for education on urban and community issues as well as a leader in civic engagement for UConn students. Indeed, as we move past the COVID-19 pandemic, we see the UCS program as providing leaders who will help with the recovery.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or would like to learn more about our program.