California Studies folks: There’s a great new MA program starting this fall at the University of San Francisco. Although the priority deadline has passed, USF is still recruiting for students to join the inaugural cohort; admissions will be rolling through the summer.  The fall term begins in August.

This is a two-year interdisciplinary masters with an emphasis on urban social justice. The program combines rigorous academics with an internship and applied research; community-engaged projects will contribute to and benefit from the vibrancy of the San Francisco Bay Area. See below for links to the program website.

The program is housed in the Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good, which has this to say about the new MA:

The MA in Urban Affairs Program is ideal for students who wish to become specialists in analyzing the challenges of 21st Century urbanism. The program leverages the advantages of its unique location in the San Francisco Bay Area – one of the most dynamic urban environments in the United States. Students have opportunities to develop practical research skills from extensive engagement in San Francisco and Bay Area cities.

The program includes:

• Core courses in urban studies, public policy, and research methods
• Elective courses offered by prominent practitioners in the field
• An innovative community-based research requirement, which gives students direct experience in conducting applied urban research, analyzing policy alternatives and working with community-based organizations
• A capstone project and internship, where students develop expertise in particular areas of urban policy while building personal and career networks

More information is available on the USF website.