Avg. Salary
$79,540
per year (2022 median pay for urban and regional planners)
Adult & Continuing Studies Programs
Urban Studies Undergraduate Certificates
With an online urban studies certificate, you'll develop the skills you need to work with diverse groups of people to promote equity and meaningful change in urban organizations and communities.
At a Glance
Click to Open
Offered as
Certificates
Format
100% Online
Credits
9
Avg. Time to Completion
1 Year
College/School
Explore the Undergrad Urban Studies Certificates
Offered 100% online, our urban studies certificates for adult & continuing studies students will empower you to successfully navigate complex urban organizations and solve important issues with the goal of bringing about societal change.
Designed for individuals and groups working in human resources, public administration, social work, nonprofit management, philanthropy, educational leadership, criminal justice, and healthcare management, these certificates will prepare you to be a change agent in your organization, community, and workforce.
Our certificates emphasize an intersectional approach and real-world applications:
- Urban Activism certificate: study social movements, public policy, and community change initiatives surrounding race, equity, and representation
- Dynamics of Urban Organizations certificate: study sustainable cities, public/private ventures, and diversity, equity, & inclusion in urban organizations
NOTE: These programs are also offered at the graduate level for students who have a bachelor's or master's degree. Please see our Graduate Studies academic offerings for details about the graduate-level urban studies certificate programs.
Urban Studies Certificate Program Options
Learn about the dynamic relationships between neighborhood and community-based organizations, non-profits, schools & universities, foundations, businesses, and government agencies with this 9-credit online certificate. You'll study how these organizations are funded and structured through real case studies containing organization’s strategic plans and logic models.
As you delve into the economics of community development, you'll learn how to evaluate impact and return on investment for public and private ventures. You'll complete this certificate more confident in your organizational leadership skills to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across different sectors.
With the 9-credit online urban activism certificate, you'll use interdisciplinary and intersectional lenses to study topics including:
- Urban education
- Immigration
- Housing
- Economics & social mobility
- Civil rights
- Environmental justice
- Technology
- Voting rights
You'll consider different forms of urban activism and collaborate to determine ways to provide services to urban communities along with resources for sustained community empowerment. Working with different stakeholder groups, including indigenous perspectives found in urban areas near Widener, your education will be defined by real-world experiences.
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Urban Studies Students
Why Choose Urban Studies at Widener?
Build a Supportive Network of Industry Insiders
In small classes, you'll build relationships with a diverse community of students and faculty who bring diverse experiences—both personal and professional—into your virtual classroom. This inclusive learning environment fosters cultural awareness and growth—exactly what it takes to build inclusive, equitable communities in urban organizations. Every step of the way, you’ll receive individual attention from well-qualified and respected faculty who will help you construct a foundation for career enrichment and success.
Fuel Career Growth at Your Own Pace
With 100% online courses, the urban studies certificates allow you to study on your terms. Complete asynchronous coursework with your morning coffee, over lunch, or after dinner. Engage with classmates and professors when it makes sense for you.
No matter your schedule, you can complete coursework at your pace by learning in a flexible, online format that aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Urban Studies Program Highlights
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
- Completed online application
- All official transcripts from any high school, college, or trade school attended, if applicable
- Proof of high school graduation or GED
The urban studies certificate programs admit applications on a rolling basis; there is no official deadline to apply.
Our admissions team will help you make the most of college-level credits earned after high school. We maintain strong partnerships and articulation agreements with numerous local community colleges and also accept a wide range of course credits earned at accredited colleges and universities.
Curious about how many credits may transfer? Email your transcripts to transfer@widener.edu and our transfer coordinator will personally review your coursework as an unofficial credit evaluation. Applicants are given priority during busy seasons, but you don't have to apply to work with our transfer coordinator.
Transferring doesn't have to be a guessing game—share your stats and we'll take it from there!
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process.
This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey.
Learn more about applying as an international student
*Visa and financial aid not available for international undergraduate certificate students in 100% online courses.
Financial Aid
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Be enrolled or admitted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
Learn more about applying for financial aid as an adult and continuing studies student
Certificate programs are ineligible for federal financial aid, but submitting a FAFSA is still a requirement for qualifying for private scholarships from Widener.
Paths to Savings
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
Widener Scholarships for Adult Learners
Widener is proud to offer several endowed scholarship opportunities to currently enrolled adult and continuing studies students. These scholarships are awarded by the Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies and made possible through generous donor gifts. And the best part? Unlike loans, scholarship awards are yours to keep without the need to pay them back. Students are also welcome to reapply every year.
Learn more about scholarship and grant opportunities
Program Cost
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
Adult & Continuing Studies Admissions Office
-
Hyatt Hall
1 University Place
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies
-
Hyatt Hall
- 610-499-4507
- gcs@widener.edu
- 610-499-4369
Sharmane S. Walker
Associate Director of Academic Affairs
-
Hyatt Hall, Office #211
- (610) 499-4394
- sswalker@widener.edu