City Studies Major

• CITA01H3 and 1 credit from: ANTA01H3, ANTA02H3, POLA01H3, POLA02H3, SOCA03Y3, GGRA02H3, GGRA03H3, MGEA01H3/(ECMA01H3) OR MGEA02H3/(ECMA04H3), MGEA05H3/(ECMA05H3) OR MGEA06H3/(ECMA06H3).  
• Consider research methods courses GGRA30 or STAB23.
• Use Degree Explorer and UTSC Calendar to plan your degree.

• First year courses allow you to develop basic academic reading, writing and research skills.
• Develop your research methods skills by enrolling in relevant courses.
• Visit the library for assistance when doing research for your assignments; writing support is also available at the CTL Writing Centre.

• Apply to the Department of Student Life’s (DSL) First Year Experience Program or Arts First Year Learning Community.
• Volunteer in your community, for example, a Food Program, a Community Garden, or a Youth Program; or check out a City Council meeting to see how decisions are made.
• Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR).

• Join the Geography & City Studies Student Association (GCSA) and attend their events and programs. See what other student clubs exist on campus and how to get involved.
• Volunteer in East Scarborough through DSL’s Community Action Projects, and Alternative Reading Week.

• Volunteer with organizations to explore your interest within industries related to your program of study; check listings on the Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx>Jobs & Recruitment).
• Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September or register with Scarborough Campus Students Union’s (SCSU) Volunteer Network Program.

• 1.5 credits from the following: CITB01H3, CITB03H3, CITB04H3, CITB08H3.
• CITB02, the gateway course into this program, introduces City Building, Community Development, and City Governance; choose additional B-level CIT core courses to explore these areas.
• Use Degree Explorer to ensure you meet your degree and program requirement.

DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS

• Think about which areas of City Studies are of interest to you and what academic and research skills might be most useful to expand on.
• Seek support from your professors and TAs during office hours.
• Check the Research Catalogue on CLNx for possible undergraduate co-curricular research opportunities.

APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE

• Consider enrolling in CTLB03, a service learning course offered by Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL). 
• Continue exploring ways to get involved in your community on an issue that you are interested in. 
• Use social media to stay informed about what is going on in the city in terms of politics, planning and community issue.

BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)

• Open yourself to other cultures by participating in the International Student Centre’s (ISC) Development and Culture events in February and consider doing their Global Citizenship Certificate.
• Explore Global Learning opportunities such as a Summer Abroad through the ISC.

PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER

• Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
• If you are considering graduate school, speak to professors and program advisors early; they are also potential mentors and references.
• Explore careers through the Academic Advising & Career Centre’s (AA&CC) Job Shadowing and In the Field programs.

CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY

• 1.0 credit from: STAB23H3 and GGRA30H3/GGRB30H3/GGRC31H3.
• 2.0 credits at the C- or D-level from listed CIT courses (check UTSC Calendar for details).
• Complete Approaches to City Studies course requirements.
• Start taking Applications courses in City Studies.
• Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

• Apply to work study  positions on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment>Work Study) focusing on building both academic & research skills within your field of interest.
• Apply for the Summer Research Exchange Program (SREP) or JHI Scholars in Residence Program.
• Enter to win the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum.

• Most experiential learning courses are available to students in 3rd and 4th year; there are a wide variety to choose from: CITC01, CITC02, CITC08, CITD10, CITD04, CITD05 (check the UTSC Calendar); speak to your professor or program advisor for more information.
• Explore summer internships or job opportunities in a related field.

• Look into volunteering or working overseas to expand your network through ISC’s Summer Research Exchange Program or Global Local Program.
• Make a contribution to the well-being of your community through volunteering, attending events and meetings, and taking on a leadership role in an organization.

• Speak with staff at the AA&CC to plan a potential career path.
• Check CLNx for possible networking events or information sessions to attend.
• Consider attending Open Houses from graduate programs; attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.

• 1.5 credits at the C- and/or D-level from listed courses (check UTSC Calendar for details).
• Complete the Applications course requirement and take D-level courses that allow you to apply your research methods skills. 
• Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
• Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

• If you have done well in a C- or D-level course with a faculty member and want to go deeper into the research, explore independent research courses such as CITD30. 
• Check if your professors have research assistantships available.

• Consider taking one or both of the two City Studies Workshop courses for hands-on practical experience. 
• City Studies Workshop courses provide training in a range of career-oriented research, consulting, and professional skills.

• Consider becoming a student member of a relevant professional association; volunteer for their events and get to know people.
• Apply your skills, passion and knowledge by sitting on the board of a nonprofit organization dedicated to an issue you care about or get involved in an election campaign of a political candidate you want to support.

• Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
• Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course”; and for access to full-time job listings.
• Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.