Many students with majors in the social sciences wish to focus their course work on the problems of cities. Participation in the Urban Studies specialization enables these students to pursue their interests in a more structured way, while at the same time completing all course work requirements in their own majors. Participation in the Urban Studies specialization in no way replaces a major. Rather, it provides a setting for students to choose their elective courses around urban themes, to meet students and faculty from other majors who share these concerns, and to participate in interdisciplinary Urban Studies seminars and field research.

Urban Community Development (Interdisciplinary Minor)

This interdisciplinary program is a minor designed to introduce students to a variety of topics and issues in urban community development. Students will be exposed to community-based local, national, and international social, political, and economic analyses, as well as to political figures, philosophies, theories, and movements. The minor is designed especially for students who wish to combine an interest in community development with majors such as African and African American Studies, Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Latin American and Puerto Rican Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, and Sociology.

Upcoming Events

October 3, 2026

10:30 AM - 4:30 PM

2nd Annual Fall Alumni Rendezvous

Reminisce. Reconnect. Celebrate. Join us for the 2nd Annual Fall Alumni Rendezvous, a festive day back on campus celebrating all things Lehman. Reconnect with classmates, explore campus, and enjoy live music, the Name That Sim Contest, the Lehman Link-Up Walkway, guided tours, a Performing Arts Showcase, raffles and giveaways, a beer garden, and a BBQ-style lunch with gluten-free and vegetarian options. Celebrate the memories, connections, and community that make Lehman special!

October 6, 2026

3:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Bachata Event: Music, Movement & History

A Hispanic Heritage month celebration with Bachata artist Fermin Ceballos, involving music, movement and history.

October 8, 2026

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Beat the Bots: A Writer's Guide to Surviving and Thriving in the Age of AI

You have a story to tell, an important story, your story. Getting that story down on paper is hard, though, and with bots taking over the writing market, authors worry they’ll soon become irrelevant. The answer isn’t to surrender to the doom and gloom predictions. On the contrary, it’s time to lean into your humanity, to do what artificial intelligence can’t—be creative.

October 15, 2026

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

A Reading and Celebration with CUNY Alum Dr. Ayendy Bonifacio

Come join us to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Dr. Ayendy Bonifacio and his Novel Bless Me, Papi. There will be a book signing, refreshments and a book raffle.

October 21, 2026

4:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Dance in Dialog

Choreography by Lehman Alumni Choreography fellows Ana Pri and NiNi Sunrose followed by a conversation with the choreographers moderated by Dianna Cruz.

November 4, 2026

4:00 PM - 5:25 PM

New Voices: Student Playwriting Festival Fall ’26

The New Voices Student Playwriting Festival is produced each fall by Lehman Stages in collaboration with The Department of Theater, Dance, Multimedia Performing Arts, and the Lehman Art Gallery.