Half of the world’s population today lives in cities. That percentage is predicted to climb in the coming years, though natural resources aren’t expected to keep pace. The discrepancy between the two forecasts has caused wide concern, with sustainable urban growth becoming an increasingly important area of study and action.

NYU-Poly’s BS in Sustainable Urban Environments (SUE) program prepares you to join the scholars, policymakers, and global community as they work to nurture urban areas. The SUE program is a rare combination of liberal arts and technology, combining offerings in a way that will ensure that you are conversant with both the technical and social aspects of sustainability issues facing our cities.

 

SUE students tour Freshkills Park--the former site of the world's largest landfill, now being redeveloped as a sustainable park in Staten Island, NY

Set in one of the world’s largest cities, our program offers a natural laboratory for those hoping to examine the effects of financial capitalism, skyscraper construction, or transit management on a globalizing city. New York City and its environs also showcase some of the most innovative responses to runaway urban growth — be they eco-friendly buildings or creative approaches to economic development — and our students take full advantage of opportunities to study such solutions.

A project-oriented semester bridges the gap between academics and the outside world. Directed studies and capstone projects will provide students with essential experience in conducting and presenting research at public forums within NYU-Poly.  By the program’s end, our graduates discover they can enter various fields, including urban planning, architecture, historical preservation, and civil engineering. They also find opportunities in social work, urban planning, law, and journalism, as well as education and museums.

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The major in Sustainable Urban Environments is found in the Department of Technology, Culture and Society.