MSc/MA in Urban and Regional Studies (Okanagan) in Kelowna Canada | The University of British Columbia

The Urban and Regional Studies (URS) program offers an interdisciplinary environment for exploring key urban challenges and their connections to surrounding regions and rural areas. Faculty members bring expertise from diverse fields including Anthropology, Economics, Engineering, Management, Geography, Health Studies, History, Politics, and Sociology. Students examine critical topics like cultural place dynamics, economic growth, wealth disparity, neighborhood transformation, governance approaches, housing insecurity, policy frameworks, spatial identity politics, land use disputes, community health, economic systems, local history, eco-friendly transit, responsible growth, municipal governance, and the interplay between identity, location, and society. URS research bridges theoretical urban/regional concepts with practical policy applications. Students can leverage cross-faculty mentorship opportunities spanning four faculties and eight departments.
The MA and MSc programs provide graduate students with structured access to renowned scholars across multiple disciplines within an integrated thematic approach.

Program alumni develop sophisticated knowledge of urban-regional systems and acquire skills to conduct interdisciplinary research in this domain.

PROGRAM MILESTONES
Forming an academic advisory committee
Fulfilling course requirements
Developing, presenting, and approving a thesis proposal
Conducting research, completing thesis writing, and successfully defending the work