Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring
Hybrid
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. Graduates are poised to 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.
2024-2025 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 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 $37665.00, or 31 credit hours at a cost of $1,215.00 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.
The Urban Affairs MA program participates in the Segal AmeriCorps matching grant program, up to $2,000 per semester with full-time study. For more information, please visit our Financing page.
For detailed information about tuition, costs, and aid, please visit the SCPS Tuition & Financial Aid page.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Urban Affairs MA are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Fall: June 30
Fall Funding Deadline: February 15
Spring: November 30
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Urban Affairs MA include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
2.7 Minimum GPA
3 Letters of Recommendation
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
Statement of Purpose Details
Please write a brief statement describing your academic and research interests as well as your professional goals.
Official Documents
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts (with U.S. educational credentials) sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived, and unofficial transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Urban Affairs MA program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
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