The Urban and Regional Studies Institute offers multidisciplinary degree programs orientated toward examining and understanding the broad range of problems and opportunities associated with the nation's urban and regional areas. Since its beginning in 1966, the Institute has been training students who have chosen to become involved in the process of solving problems in a variety of urban environments.
Professional employment in local government generally requires a Master's degree. URSI offers graduate degrees in Urban Planning 45 semester hours. There is also a generalist degree in Urban & Regional Studies, consisting of 33-36 semester hours.