Urban Development
Why Study Urban Development at TFC?
The Urban Development concentration equips students to understand the challenges and opportunities that shape life in cities while preparing them to serve as agents of transformation in diverse urban contexts. Rooted in the Sustainable Community Development major, this concentration helps students explore how social systems, culture, economics, and faith intersect within urban environments—and how Christian leaders can work toward the flourishing of people and communities.
Students take coursework in social work, public relations, and communication to develop the skills needed to navigate complex community dynamics, engage stakeholders, and lead initiatives that promote holistic well-being. Through these classes, students learn how to address issues such as poverty, housing instability, community health, and cultural diversity while also cultivating strengths in advocacy, relational ministry, and collaborative problem-solving.
The Urban Development concentration is ideal for students who sense a calling to ministry, nonprofit leadership, missions, or community-based work within city settings. Students explore how the gospel can shape urban renewal and how transformational development can help citizens and cities become everything God intends them to be.
As part of the Sustainable Community Development major, this concentration prepares graduates to integrate faith, leadership, and community development in ways that promote justice, resilience, and lasting change in urban contexts.
This concentration focuses students’ attention on the issues and opportunities found in urban settings. Course work in social work, public relations, and communication prepare them to become agents of transformation development, where citizens and cities become everything God intended them to be.
Sustainable Community Development
“Everything we do at The Lawson Center is to disciple our students and teach them discipleship principles that they can carry out into the world so that they can be equipped to disciple others and ultimately share the love of Jesus with them.”
Scott Davis
The Lawson Center Farm Manager
Urban Development Courses
The Sustainable Community Development major with Urban Development concentration is a 126 hour program that includes 71 hours of general education courses (including 30 hours of Bible & Theology), 15 hours of open electives, and 41 hours in Sustainable Community Development-specific courses, with 15 of those dedicated to Urban Development.
Featured Courses:
- Urban Community Development
- Social work
- Public Relations
- Interpersonal Communication
Testimonial
What can you do with an Urban Development degree?
Graduates with the Urban Development concentration are prepared to serve in ministry, nonprofit, and community-based roles that address the unique challenges and opportunities present in city environments. Career pathways include:
Community Development Practitioner
Graduates can work with nonprofits, ministries, or city-focused organizations to design and implement programs addressing housing, poverty, employment, youth development, or neighborhood revitalization.
Urban Ministry Leader
This concentration equips students to lead outreach programs, discipleship initiatives, and community-based ministries that serve diverse populations and meet the practical and spiritual needs of urban communities.
Social Service or Outreach Coordinator
With coursework in social work and communication, graduates are prepared for roles that support individuals and families through advocacy, case support, and resource coordination within city-based agencies or faith-based organizations.
Public Relations or Community Engagement Specialist
Students learn communication and PR skills that translate into roles focused on building partnerships, communicating with stakeholders, and supporting city-focused initiatives or nonprofit campaigns.
International or Domestic Missionary (Urban Focus)
Urban contexts around the world are mission fields shaped by cultural diversity and pressing social needs. Graduates are equipped to engage these communities with compassion, cultural awareness, and strategic ministry skills.