City Studies at the University of Toronto Scarborough

This is one of the largest and most comprehensive urban studies programs in Canada, with about 200 full-time major students and a multidisciplinary curriculum that prepares you to tackle the problems of our increasingly urban world. You’ll gain a combination of conceptual, methodological and critical skills, and be thoroughly prepared for work and study in fields including city planning, real estate development, transportation, housing, community development, urban governance and city management.  

Our specialist program is built for high achievers, with rigorous training that gives you in-depth theoretical and conceptual knowledge in applied urban studies, along with quantitative and qualitative research skills and high proficiency in using geographic information systems (GIS). Your range of practical skills will also include project management, facilitation and community consultation, along with the communication abilities needed for urban professions.  

Our major is designed to give you opportunities to apply social sciences concepts about cities and related disciplines directly to the field you want to work in. That’s why this program includes a co-op option that adds paid work terms to your studies; you’ll build industry connections and get hands-on in placements across the public, private and non-profit sectors. We also give you excellent preparation for graduate education in any field related to cities. 

Choose from our wide selection of city studies courses, organized into three areas of concentration: 

• City building: Explore the built environment, particularly urban planning and design, transportation and other infrastructures, real estate and housing, and the environmental challenges of urban growth. 
• City governance: Addresses the politics and administration of cities and metropolitan regions, including how local government works, civic engagement, intergovernmental relations and public finance. 
• Community development: Dive into neighbourhood wellbeing, especially the role of community-based groups and organizations in promoting social inclusion and resident involvement.