The Urban Studies degree builds several experiential learning opportunities into the curriculum that prepare graduates to take on real projects in their chosen professions. Through field schools, the capstone course and various Vertically Integrated Projects (VIPs), students explore through hands-on learning.
Urban Studies Field School
Urban Field Schools are designed to provide opportunities for students to conduct hands-on research and analysis of urban sites in the city of Boise and beyond. In the course, students learn about sites in Boise, then comparing their research in a companion city. The students travel as a group to the companion city and learn about basic urban living, such as public transportation, walkability, and sustainability.
Internships
Urban Studies students have interned for organizations such as Treasure Valley Tiny Houses, Ada County Highway District, Boise Nice and the Idaho Department of Lands. Interested in an Urban Studies internship? Fill out our interest form and we’ll connect you with opportunities.
Capstone Projects
The Urban Studies Capstone Project (URBAN492), which is part of the program curriculum, is designed for students to deploy the many pillars of their Urban Studies education through a group research project. Community partners sponsor all capstone projects, which culminate with a poster presentation. Past projects have included bus stop location and activation with Valley Regional Transit, and streetscape design standards with Capital City Development Corporation.
Vertically Integrated Projects
In VIP 400, students engage in project work with faculty and graduate students on multi-disciplinary, team-based research projects. In the Urban Studies VIP class, Housing for All, students will engage with course faculty, practitioners, the public and policy makers in an effort to clearly define and address housing issues in the Treasure Valley.
Investigate Boise
The Investigate Boise course (URBAN489) explores a rotating set of themes—such as sustainability, public art and placemaking, the local music industry, or urban agriculture—through immersive, hands-on learning. Students take field trips to key sites, engage directly with professionals like urban planners and nonprofit leaders and develop projects that apply course concepts to real-world challenges.