SustainabilityDegrees.com

  • Home
  • Careers in Sustainability
    • Clean Energy
    • Clean Technology
    • Sustainable Business
    • Green Building
    • Careers at the Intersection of Sustainability Management and Public Administration
  • Types of Degrees
    • Environmental Engineering Degrees
    • Environmental Science Degrees
    • Online Sustainability Degrees
    • Sustainable Architecture and Design Degrees
    • Sustainable Business Degrees
    • Sustainable Public Policy Degrees
    • Sustainable Technology Degrees
  • What is Sustainability?
    • Conservation & Energy
    • What is Sustainable Business
    • Sustainable Society
    • Sustainable Technology & Development
    • Climate Change
  • Sustainability Articles
  • Advice for College Students
You are here: Home / Types of Sustainability Degrees / Sustainable Architecture and Design Degrees

Sustainable Architecture and Design Degrees

FIND SCHOOLS
1
2
3
4
Sponsored Content

Featured Programs:
Sponsored School(s)
Southern New Hampshire University Logo
Southern New Hampshire University
Featured Program: MBA with concentration in Sustainability and Environmental Compliance
Request Info
Johns Hopkins Advanced Academic Programs Logo
Johns Hopkins Advanced Academic Programs
Featured Program: Online Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy
Request Info
Liberty University Logo
Liberty University
Featured Program: BS: Business Administration: Green and Sustainable Management
Request Info
Arizona State University - Online Logo
Arizona State University - Online
Featured Program: Online Master of Science in Engineering in Sustainable Engineering
Request Info
Purdue Global Logo
Purdue Global
Featured Program: Bachelor of Science in Sustainability - Environmental Science
Request Info
Maryville University Logo
Maryville University
Featured Program: Online Bachelor of Science in Sustainability
Request Info

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sustainable architecture and design (often called green construction and building) is the “practice of erecting buildings and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource efficient. Green buildings limit their environmental impact by conserving as much energy and water as possible and are constructed of recycled or renewable materials in order to achieve maximum resource efficiency.” Green building jobs include a wide range of roles, including architecture and design, construction, supply of green building materials, maintenance and more.

Buildings have the potential to use — or conserve — large amounts of energy, water and materials, as well as to produce or minimize waste. In addition, they can teach us about history, art and anthropology. As a result, sustainable architecture and design is important to sustainability not only because green practices can lessen a building’s environmental footprint, but also because sustainable buildings can be used to teach those who live, work or study within them about environmental and cultural sustainability.

Popular Sustainable Architecture and Design Degrees

Popular sustainable architecture programs include:

  • Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in sustainability, design or architecture (or some combination thereof).
  • Certificates in sustainable architecture or landscape design.
  • Master of Science in sustainable design.

Few (if any) associate degrees or doctoral programs exist in sustainable architecture. Sustainable design programs are offered primarily at the graduate level and include a Master in Design Studies (with an environmental focus) and a Master of Arts in sustainable design.

Sustainable Architecture and Design Prerequisites and Curriculum

Prerequisites for undergraduate degrees in sustainable architecture and design typically include a high school diploma or GED, including successful completion of courses in basic sciences like Earth science and physics, as well as in mathematics. Undergraduate architecture programs are typically five years long, a year longer than is required for most bachelor’s degrees.

Prerequisites for graduate degrees often include an undergraduate degree in a discipline related to the discipline of the desired graduate degree. (e.g., an undergraduate degree in civil or environmental engineering might be required for a Master in Design Studies with an environmental, risk or resilience focus). For example, applicants to Harvard University’s Master in Design Studies program “normally hold a professional degree in architecture, landscape architecture, or urban planning and design. Applicants with a degree in a related discipline such as engineering, geography, computer science, or industrial design also qualify for admission. The program seeks applicants who have demonstrated overall academic and/or professional achievement in the design fields and who have the potential for advanced work in the area selected for study.”

Many sustainable architecture and design professionals earn the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional (AP) credential. In addition, architects in the U.S. must be licensed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Licensure is a requirement for all architects working in the United States. Becoming licensed usually requires earning a professional degree from an accredited school, completing a 3-year internship, and passing a national exam.”

Sustainable Architecture and Design Careers

With a degree in sustainable architecture or design, graduates can work for professional architecture, building, landscape and design firms. These positions typically require time in the office as well as in the field working with clients to design, construct and monitor/certify designs. Median salaries include $85,030 for construction managers, $77,210 for architects (except landscape), $76,120 for civil engineers, $63,040 for urban and regional planners and $62,090 for landscape architects (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012).

Learn more about opportunities for sustainable architecture and design careers in green building.

FIND SCHOOLS
1
2
3
4
Sponsored Content

Recent Posts

  • The Deep Connections Between Global Sustainability and Racial Equity
  • Top Five Most Innovative High-Tech Sustainability Projects
  • When Will The Circular Economy Finally Take Off?

Related Pages

  • Green Building
  • The 11 Highest-Paying Careers in Sustainability

Copyright © 2013-2025 SustainabilityDegrees.com

About This Site | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use