Social and Urban Policy focuses on the content and impact of public policies that seek to alleviate social and economic problems in modern society. Particular attention is given to the role of the public sector, and nonprofit and grassroots organizations. Much of the teaching, research, and service in this area is conducted from a comparative and international perspective. Policy responses to climate change Sustainable development strategies Environmental justice Political economy of energy, environment and international development Comparative energy and environmental policy Integrated resource planning Conservation and renewable energy options Role of Research in the Ph.D. Program in Urban Affairs and Public Policy Research plays a central role in the Ph.D. Program. Students are given opportunities to develop and apply their research skills through a combination of course work and practical experience.
Faculty serve as research instructors and advisors, as well as collaborators.
Our goal is to introduce students to the professional field of urban affairs and public policy through direct engagement in research activities. Student Involvement in Research Centers Students have the opportunity to work collaboratively with each other and faculty through projects carried out in the various Centers linked to the School. They provide a focus for particular research interests and strong support infrastructures for dissertation work as well as sources of funding for research assistantships. All of the centers are interdisciplinary in focus and do a wide range of contract and grant work for public agencies at all levels of government, and for major foundations and nonprofit organizations. The following lists of selected research work shows the range of student and faculty interests.