Urban and Regional Studies (URS) Theme

Theme Overview

Degrees Offered: M.A. and Ph.D.

The Urban and Regional Studies (URS) Theme focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to research that train and support students to undertake research that engages publics and communities with a particular focus on rural and urban change. For participating faculty, see the Theme website.

The URS Theme offers full-time, research-based degrees. For research interests of Theme faculty members, please consult the Theme website.

Theme Admission Requirements

The overarching IGS requirements are the minimum standards required for admission to the Theme. Evidence in the application for admission that the research interests and scholarly background of the applicant are topically relevant to the Theme, and agreement of a faculty member who participates in the Theme to serve as the applicant’s supervisor, are also required. Refer to the Urban and Regional Studies Theme website for a list of potential supervisors.

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Interdisciplinary Studies, Urban and Regional Studies Theme

In addition to the general academic regulations for graduate students set out by the College of Graduate Studies, students in the Urban and Regional Studies Theme must complete 30 credits for the M.A. as follows:

• a 12-credit Master's Thesis (IGS_O 599);
• 3 credits of IGS_O 524;
• IGS_O 583;
• At least 3 credits in a methods course selected from the following: IGS_O 501, IGS_O 503, IGS_O 504, IGS_O 505, IGS_O 509, IGS_O 515, IGS_O 601, STAT_O 507; and
• 9 credits of additional coursework selected by the student in consultation with, and approval of, his or her supervisor, of which no more than 6 credits can be at the 300/400 level, and none may be at the 100/200 level.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Interdisciplinary Studies, Urban and Regional Studies Theme

In addition to the general academic regulations for graduate students set out by the College of Graduate Studies, students in the Urban and Regional Studies Theme must complete 30 credits for the M.Sc. as follows:

• an 18-credit Master's Thesis (IGS_O 599);
• 3 credits of IGS_O 524;
• IGS_O 583;
• At least 3 credits in a methods course selected from the following: IGS_O 501, IGS_O 503, IGS_O 504, IGS_O 505, IGS_O 509, IGS_O 515, IGS_O 601, STAT_O 507; and
• 3 credits of additional coursework selected by the student in consultation with, and approval of, his or her supervisor, of which no more than 6 credits can be at the 300/400 level, and none may be at the 100/200 level.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Interdisciplinary Studies, Urban and Regional Studies Theme

In addition to the general academic regulations for graduate students set out by the College of Graduate Studies, the minimum requirements for the Ph.D. are:

• 3 credits of IGS_O 524;
• 3 credits of IGS_O 583;
• 3 credits of methods coursework;
• successful completion of comprehensive requirements; and
• successful defence of the doctoral dissertation IGS_O 699 (0) Doctoral Thesis.

Contact Information

Complete details regarding the Urban and Regional Studies Theme are available on the IGS website, or by contacting the Theme Coordinator.

For current information, consult the Theme Website.