Program Overview
Social Science Perspectives on Cities
The Joint PhD Program in Urban Systems examines the complex interrelationships within urban environments, including the social, cultural, political, economic, geographic, organizational, and bioenvironmental factors that influence urban populations. The program has three specializations: 1) urban health, 2) urban environment, and 3) urban educational policy.
New Jersey's Three Research Universities
University Heights, Newark
The Urban Systems PhD program is sponsored jointly by the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Rutgers University -Newark, and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). The program draws on the academic resources of all three universities, which are located in close proximity in the University Heights section of Newark.
Program Curriculum
Core and Specialization
The 72-credit PhD curriculum consists of a 21-credit core curriculum, a 12-credit research core, a 15-credit specialization component, and a 24-credit dissertation sequence. Transfer credits are acceptable if the coursework is consonant with the student's plan of study.
Prior Academic Training
Diverse Backgrounds
Applicants for admission to the Urban Systems program possess a broad range of academic backgrounds, including degrees in the social sciences (anthropology, sociology, geography and psychology), nursing and other health disciplines, architecture and urban planning, education, and social work.
Coursework
Class Times and Course Schedules
Full time students may complete all coursework within 2 years, although many doctoral students are employed professionals and part time enrollment is common and acceptable. Courses are taught at a range of times and generally meet once a week for 3 hours. The faculty attempt to schedule courses to meet the needs of working students.
Transportation
Getting to University Heights
Newark is just 12 miles from New York City, and 85 miles from Philadelphia. The three campuses may be reached by auto via the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike from north and south, and via Interstate Route 280 from East and West. PATH and New Jersey Transit trains regularly run to Newark Penn Station, and a free 10-minute shuttle bus takes students to and from the UMDNJ Campus. The campuses are also linked by a free shuttle bus (C.H.E.N.).