We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Urban Economist

Urban economics is the study of the economic forces that shape cities. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including land use, transportation, housing, and public finance. Urban economists use their knowledge to help cities address challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.

Read more

Urban economics is the study of the economic forces that shape cities. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including land use, transportation, housing, and public finance. Urban economists use their knowledge to help cities address challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.

Education and Training

Urban economists typically have a master’s degree or PhD in economics, with a focus on urban studies. Some urban economists also have a background in planning, public policy, or geography.

Skills and Knowledge

Urban economists need a strong foundation in economic theory and quantitative methods. They also need to be able to think critically, solve problems, and communicate their findings effectively. In addition, urban economists should have a good understanding of the social and political forces that shape cities.

Some of the key skills and knowledge that urban economists use in their work include:

  • Economic theory
  • Quantitative methods
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Understanding of social and political forces
  • Knowledge of land use, transportation, housing, and public finance

Day-to-Day Work

The day-to-day work of an urban economist can vary depending on their specific job function. However, some common tasks include:

  • Conducting research on urban issues
  • Developing policies to address urban challenges
  • Advising governments and businesses on urban development
  • Teaching and writing about urban economics

Challenges

Urban economists face a number of challenges in their work. These challenges include:

  • The complexity of urban systems
  • The need to balance competing interests
  • The limited availability of data
  • The political nature of urban policy

Projects

Urban economists may work on a variety of projects, including:

  • Developing a plan to reduce traffic congestion
  • Analyzing the impact of a new housing development
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of a public transit system
  • Advising a government on how to improve its economic development strategy

Personal Growth Opportunities

Urban economics is a field that offers a lot of opportunities for personal growth. Urban economists can develop their skills in research, analysis, and communication. They can also learn about a wide range of urban issues and how to address them.

In addition, urban economists can have a positive impact on their communities by helping to improve the quality of life for urban residents.

Personality Traits and Personal Interests

Urban economists typically have the following personality traits and personal interests:

  • Strong analytical skills
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Interest in urban issues
  • Desire to make a difference in the world

Self-Guided Projects

There are a number of self-guided projects that students can complete to better prepare themselves for a career in urban economics. These projects include:

  • Conducting research on an urban issue
  • Developing a policy proposal to address an urban challenge
  • Volunteering with an organization that works on urban issues
  • Attending lectures and workshops on urban economics

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about urban economics and prepare for a career in this field. Online courses can provide students with the flexibility to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. They can also allow students to access a wider range of courses and instructors than they would be able to find at a traditional university.

There are many different online courses available on urban economics. Some of the most popular courses include:

  • Sustainable Urban Development
  • Designing Cities
  • The Green Economy: Sustainable Cities
  • Sustainable Cities
  • Data and Urban Governance
  • Healthy Urban Systems Part 2: Theories, Models and Tools
  • Shaping Urban Futures
  • African Cities: Restructuring Informal Settlements
  • Cities are back in town: urban sociology for a globalized world

These courses can help students learn about the key concepts of urban economics, as well as the skills and knowledge that they need to succeed in this field.

Online courses can be a valuable tool for students who are interested in pursuing a career in urban economics. However, it is important to note that online courses alone are not enough to prepare students for this career. Students who are serious about pursuing a career in urban economics should also consider pursuing a traditional degree program.

Share

Help others find this career page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Salaries for Urban Economist

City
Median
New York
$154,000
San Francisco
$141,000
Seattle
$172,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$154,000
San Francisco
$141,000
Seattle
$172,000
Austin
$139,000
Toronto
$169,000
London
£111,000
Paris
€70,000
Berlin
€86,000
Tel Aviv
₪472,000
Singapore
S$155,000
Beijing
¥371,000
Shanghai
¥47,000
Shenzhen
¥365,000
Bengalaru
₹327,800
Delhi
₹600,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to Urban Economist

Take the first step.
We've curated nine courses to help you on your path to Urban Economist. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of cities, from their origins to the present day. It is written by Lewis Mumford, one of the most influential urban theorists of the 20th century.
Classic work of urban planning that argues for the importance of diversity, mixed-use development, and walkability in cities. It is written by Jane Jacobs, one of the most influential urban activists of the 20th century.
Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Robert Moses, one of the most powerful and controversial urban planners in American history. It provides a fascinating insight into the politics and power dynamics of urban development.
Explores the decline of social capital in America and its impact on urban life. It argues that the decline of social trust and participation major problem for cities.
Celebrates the importance of public spaces in cities. It argues that these spaces are essential for social interaction and community building.
Presents a vision for a more sustainable and livable urban future. It argues that we need to create urban villages that are walkable, mixed-use, and have a strong sense of community.
Explores the impact of the internet on our brains and our ability to focus and think deeply. It argues that the internet is making us more shallow and less able to concentrate.
Explores the history of advertising and the ways in which it has evolved to capture our attention. It argues that advertising is making us more distracted and less able to focus.
Explores the causes and consequences of loneliness in America. It argues that loneliness major problem for cities and that it is leading to a decline in social capital.
Explores the changing roles of men and women in society. It argues that women are becoming more powerful and that men are becoming less powerful.
Explores the future of capitalism and the challenges it faces. It argues that capitalism is facing a number of challenges, including inequality, climate change, and technological disruption.
Explores the need for a great reset of the global economy. It argues that we need to create a more equitable and sustainable world.
Explores the rise of surveillance capitalism and its implications for democracy and human freedom. It argues that surveillance capitalism threat to our privacy and our ability to control our own lives.
Explores the power of geography and how it can help us understand the world around us. It argues that geography key factor in understanding the past, present, and future.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser