picture from http://www.pdx.edu/media/u/s/usp_presentations.jpg 

 
            According to one 2008 gazetteer, approximately 27 cities in the world could be classified as megacities, those having more than 10 million residents. Developing these megacities will require specialized knowledge of the specific problems faced by urban dwellers.

             In other nations, many universities have introduced programs in urban development. One notable program is the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs (CUPPA) at University of Illinois.

             This college was founded in 1995. Its objective is to promote research needed to understand the challenges and opportunities facing large cities, both in America and around the world. This college houses seven research centers, which merge the knowledge they have gained through research with classroom discussion. These centers include: (1) the Center for Urban Economic Development, (2) the Nathalie P. Voorhees Center for Neighborhood and Community Improvement, (3) the Urban Transportation Center, (4) the Survey Research Laboratory, (5) the Great Cities Institute, (6) the Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy (IRRPP), and (7) the Great Cities Urban Data Visualization Laboratory.

             All students in this program are required to complete a research component. Each must specialize in one subfield within urban studies, an area needing solutions, and then create a development plan for that particular urban development situation. Academic degrees offered by the college include a Master Degree in Public Administration and Urban Planning and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning and Public Policy Analysis. Certificate programs are available in Non-Profit Management, Information Technology, Budgeting and Financial Management, or Management of Public Organizations.

             CUPPA is working together with 50 other state organizations and many private companies in Chicago that accept CUPPA students as interns. In addition, CUPPA has cooperative agreements with other academic institutions that also specialize in urban studies, thus promoting knowledge exchange. More importantly, CUPPA also plays an active role in promoting their groundbreaking ideas to policy makers and politicians at both the state and municipal level in many cities. 

             The Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning (TCAUP) at the University of Michigan is another notable institution devoted to strengthening life in urban centers. This college focuses on urban and environmental design for cities. Here students are also given the chance to complete a practicum in the field, that is, in community organizations directly involved in urban management. Study streams offered here include:
 
            (1) Architecture. This subfield focuses on the physical structures that impact the urban environment. Moreover, the teaching here integrates the studies of architectural theory and urban planning, involving a consideration of the history of that area. Academic degrees granted include a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Architecture, a Master of Science (MSc) in Architecture, a Master of Architecture (MArch), all in either a 2 or a 3 year track, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Architecture. 

            (2) Urban and Regional Planning. The goal of this course is to develop students into leaders who can manage planning organizations in either the state or the private sector, in nonprofit organizations, or in other organizations responsible for planning. Training also includes the inculcation of research and scholarly skills. All students in this course complete a research project at the city or community level. This trains them to be urban developers and planners. Academic programs offered include a Master of Urban Planning (in 2 years) and a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning.

            (3) Urban Design. In this program, students learn to become environmental designers for cities and megacities by analyzing the economic and historical backgrounds of one specific area. Students are required to choose both a smaller community project as well as a megacity-sized project. Possible megacities could include, for example, New York, Chicago, Detroit, Portland, Los Angles, San Francisco, or other cities in the world. Students graduate with a Master of Urban Design           (1 year). In addition, it is possible for the students to integrate two or more areas for a master’s degree. Possibilities include Architecture/Urban Design, Architecture/Business Administration, Architecture/Engineering, or Urban Planning/Law, etc. 

          (4) Real Estate Development. This program focuses on developing and improving what already exists. Students can choose to focus on Urban Planning, Architecture, Business Management, or Law. Their studies include every aspect of Real Estate Development. This academic program offers a Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development. 
 
             In addition, more than 100 other universities have established colleges or programs focusing on Urban Development. 
 
             In my book The Bangkok of my Dreams (2003), I proposed the idea that our city should establish its own specialized university. One focus of this locally-oriented university would be to research urban development in Thailand and especially in Bangkok. Possible majors could include Urban Planning, Environmental Development, Urban Economics Development, etc. as they pertained to the needs of Bangkok. This university would be named “Rattanakosin University” or something else that denoted its focus on Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.

             Moreover, this university would serve as the brain center of the city. This university would be a think tank for professors, scholars, and researchers who want to study capital cities and their suburbs. This university would ensure that all of Bangkok’s development policy would be based on solid academic research findings. It would integrate all knowledge on Bangkok in such a way that urban development would become sustainable and truly beneficial to those who live there.