Environmental Design
Overview
Environmental design programs prepare people to design public and private spaces that take into consideration environmental factors. This program is sometimes called environmental planning.Environmental design programs include topics such as:
- Principles of architecture and landscape design
- Site selection
- Material selection
- Buildings, garden, and interior design
- Sustainable materials and design
People with a degree in environmental design often work for consulting, architecture, or planning firms.
Schools
Several colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree program in environmental design. Some environmental design programs are offered as a concentration in an architecture program. A bachelor's degree in environmental design usually takes five years to complete.
Several universities offer graduate degrees in environmental design. Master's degree programs are common. A master's degree typically takes two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree in environmental design or architecture. For those who have a bachelor's degree in another subject area, a master's degree may take longer than two years. Doctoral (PhD) programs require two or more years of study beyond a master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Architectural Engineering
- Architectural Engineering Technology
- Architecture
- Building Construction Technology
- Civil Engineering
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Community and Regional Planning
- Construction Engineering
- Construction Engineering Technology
- Construction Inspection
- Drafting and Design Technology
- Historic Preservation
- Interior Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Structural Engineering
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
- Architects
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Interior Designers
- Landscape Architects
- University and College Teachers
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet. Proficiency with graphic design software is especially helpful.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Art
- Blueprint Reading
- CAD Design and Software
- Calculus
- Computer Graphics
- Construction
- Drafting
- Geometry
- Physical Science
- Physics
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Undergraduate degree or significant course work in natural sciences, landscape architecture, or planning
- Letters of recommendation
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Architectural Design Studio
- Community Psychology
- Computer Applications in Architecture
- Construction Materials
- Design Theory
- Economics
- Environmental Issues
- Geography
- History of Art and Architecture
- Land Use
- Landscape Concepts
- Lighting Design
- Media for Design Development
- Planning Theory
- Political Science
- Site Analysis
In addition, most schools encourage you to participate in internships with local architecture or design firms. Opportunities with city and state government planning agencies are also usually offered.
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs that lead to a master's or doctoral degree typically include:
- Required courses
- Design project or thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Summer sessions and study abroad options are available in many programs in environmental design and architecture.
When undergraduate programs require applicants to submit a portfolio, it can include various types of creative work from high school, hobbies, clubs, volunteer work, and community projects.
Environmental designers and architects begin to develop their professional portfolio during college. You can include samples of work from team or independent projects. Usually the senior project is completed independently and becomes an important part of the portfolio.
Many states require that architects work as interns for a period before taking the licensing exam and claiming the title of architect. Project work during internships also becomes important to your portfolio.
Sometimes, a master's degree in environmental design can be combined with master's degrees in landscape architecture, urban planning, or law.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- Health-Assistive Smart Environment Design
King-Snohomish Area
University of Washington - Seattle
- Built Environment--Sustainable Systems & Prototypes
West Side Area
Evergreen State College, The
- Sustainability Studies
Western Washington University
- Urban Planning and Sustainable Development