Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring
On-Campus
About the Master of Arts in Urban Affairs Degree at Loyola
Economic growth, educational policy, public health, globalization, and other factors are central to the health of contemporary urban settings. It takes a thoughtful approach—and well-trained professionals—to address urban problems and create thriving cities.
In Loyola's interdisciplinary MA in Urban Affairs program, you'll learn how cities function and how various factors impact urban residents. You'll examine the causes of today's most pressing urban challenges and gain the skills you need to find solutions. Whether you want to create change at the policy level or administer a nonprofit program, the MA in Urban Affairs degree equips you to assume technical or leadership roles and make a difference in the well-being of individuals and urban communities.
Program Structure
The MA in Urban Affairs degree can be pursued full-time or part-time. Classes are held on weekday afternoons and evenings at Loyola's Water Tower Campus, conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago.
Why Choose Loyola for Your Master of Arts in Urban Affairs?
Loyola's graduate program in urban affairs takes a unique, solutions-oriented approach to urban affairs and public policy issues. Our curriculum combines viewpoints and analytical tools from multiple fields to offer diverse perspectives on current urban challenges.
Additionally, the program covers a wide range of critical topics, such as community development, criminal justice, education, immigration, nonprofit management, and public health. As part of the urban affairs MA program, you'll specialize in an elective area that aligns with your interests and career goals.
- Small classes and deep connections
- Learning in the classroom—and outside of it
- In-demand urban affairs concentrations
- A multi-disciplinary approach to urban affairs and public policy
- Located in Chicago, a hub of opportunities for urban affairs professionals
With an average class size of under 15 students, you can make personal connections with peers and faculty, deepening your learning and expanding your professional network.
Gain real-world perspectives directly from practitioners in the field and complete an internship or practicum project to help you hit the ground running after you graduate.
Specialize in an area critical for urban environments and relevant to your interests, such as economic and community development, criminal justice, immigration, nonprofit management, or public health.
Learn concepts from multiple disciplines, including political science, sociology, finance, public policy, and public health. This interdisciplinary approach allows you to broaden your career possibilities and approach complex problems using diverse perspectives.
Get experience working on policy and urban challenges in Chicago, one of the nation's largest and most diverse cities.
Meet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Continuing and Professional Studies faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Urban Affairs MA program.
Faculty and StaffUrban Affairs: Career Connections
As an interdisciplinary degree, a Master of Arts in Urban Affairs opens the door to a variety of possible career paths after you graduate. Our graduates work in policy, communications, and leadership roles in government, business, and nonprofit organizations, addressing issues that impact the quality of life in Chicago and beyond.
Specific job options include:
- Policy analyst
- Fiscal or budgeting analyst
- Political office staff
- Grant writer
- Budget director
- Director of economic recovery
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Urban Affairs MA program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Urban Affairs MA learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2023-2024 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogUrban Affairs Degree Results and Skills
Upon completing your master's in urban affairs degree, you will be able to:
- Understand causes of urban problems and strategize possible solutions
- Demonstrate technical skills aligning with your concentration area, such as mapping, surveys, or statistics
- Implement programs that aid in community development
- Assume technical or leadership roles in government, business, or nonprofit organizations
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your return to school a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the Urban Affairs MA totals $34875.00, or 31 credit hours at a cost of $1,125.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
Urban Affairs MA Scholarships
Scholarship award decisions for all graduate degree-seeking students are made at admission. For selected students, SCPS offers scholarships to cover 20 percent of tuition costs. Additionally, we offer the opportunity for graduate students with a demonstrated high financial need to apply for scholarships after admission.
For detailed information about tuition, costs, and aid, please visit the SCPS Tuition & Financial Aid page.
Visit and Connect With Us
Take advantage of a variety of different visit opportunities to find your place in our Loyola community. Loyola offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
Schedule an Appointment
Early in your search?
Connect with an Enrollment Advisor to help find your fit.
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Connect with an admissions team member to help you through the process.
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Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Urban Affairs MA are listed below. We encourage you to apply early as decisions may take longer during busy periods.
Fall: June 30
Fall Funding Deadline: February 15
Spring: November 30
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Urban Affairs MA include:
2.7 Minimum GPA
3 Letters of Recommendation
Personal Statement
Resume/CV
International Student Requirements
Additional information regarding the application process for international students can be found on the International Student Requirements page.
Additional Details
For general information and a step-by-step guide to applying for graduate and professional study, please visit our Admission Process page.
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