Urban Affairs MA

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

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 Staff

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 Catalog

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 $36115.00, or 31 credit hours at a cost of $1,165.00 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.

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 Appointment

The 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.

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Visit 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.

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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

  • 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

Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts 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.

Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.

International Applicant Requirements
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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