Northeastern University’s School of Social Sciences, Urban Affairs and Public Policy is launching a Master’s in Urban and Regional Policy, a new interdisciplinary program aimed at developing the next generation of top-level researchers and strategists in urban and regional policymaking.

The program is designed to prepare leaders for positions in an array of urban-focused public, nonprofit and private sector institutions. Students will develop sophisticated analytical skills combined with a thorough understanding of how cities and regions function.

“The generation that shaped urban and regional policy in the past decades is nearing retirement, and a wide range of public, private and nonprofit institutions will soon be seeking new leaders,” said Christopher Bosso, associate dean of the School of Social Science, Urban Affairs and Public Policy. “This program will give graduates the ability to analyze broad economic, technological, and social trends, and develop and implement policy responses to enable their respective cities and regions to adapt to those trends.”

The program benefits from the breadth of experience and research at Northeastern by drawing from faculty across disciplines and specializations. From program evaluation and statistical analysis to applied economic policy and urban development and planning, students are exposed to a broader range of academic disciplines, research opportunities and future career options in urban and regional policy.

The school is accepting applications for the fall 2009 semester through August 1. Recent Northeastern alumni interested in applying can learn about Double Husky Scholarship eligibility by visiting www.northeastern.edu/doublehusky.

Visit www.policyschool.neu.edu/education/masters_urban to learn more about the new Master’s in Urban and Regional Policy program.