Sustainable Urban Environments

In an unprecedented historical development, 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.

SUE students in a class on healthy cities conduct observations in a local park.

The Future of Cities

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 (such as urban history and environmental psychology) and technology (civil and transportation engineering), 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. 

Set in a campus located in one of the world’s largest cities, one that has committed itself to becoming "green," 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 — be they eco-friendly buildings or creative approaches to economic development — to runaway urban growth, and our students take full advantage of opportunities to study such solutions.

Careers

We support our students' initiative through courses that establish a core competency in urban topics, as well as a broad understanding of historical and social contexts. A project-oriented semester — studying abroad or engaging in a service-learning internship — 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.

Learn More

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