Dr. Stephen Collier

Professor

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Biography

Stephen Collier studies city planning and urban governance from a broad perspective, incorporating critical social science and expertise in expert systems. His work addresses a range of topics, including climate resilience and adaptation, emergency preparedness and management, neoliberal reform, infrastructure, and urban social welfare. Collier examines contemporary historical issues, engaging with multiple disciplinary fields, such as science and technology studies, governmentality studies, and cultural geography. His current research focuses on urban resilience as a significant new paradigm in the practice of city and regional planning, particularly how planners can anticipate and address future disasters. He has published extensively on the relationship between city planning and various forms of risks such as floods and fires and has co-authored the book "Government Emergency: System Vulnerability, Expertise, Politics Security" (Princeton University Press, 2021), which explores the connections between emergency management and modern government. His previous work critically assessed post-Soviet urban transformations within the context of neoliberal reform, particularly in Russia. Collier has contributed to multiple edited volumes and journal articles, reflecting his broad engagement with contemporary planning issues.

Research Interests

Courses

City Planning Climate Change: Adaptation Resilience Infrastructure Planning Policy: Climate Planning Urban Systems Doctoral Seminars: Doctoral Colloquium Planning Theory

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.