Pressing issues like urban sprawl and efficient energy use have resulted in an increase in “green” degrees. This trend’s focus on energy-efficient structures and environmental sustainability has resulted in an increased demand for green architects.
Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, located in Tempe, Arizona, offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Design, Environment and the Arts. The program encompasses elements from a cross-section of disciplines, such as applied sciences, engineering, art, urban design, architecture and landscape architecture. Coursework includes a focus on environmental issues such as buildings and energy performance, ecological design, greenways, sustainability, water quality and bioremediation.
California Polytechnic State University’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design, located in San Luis Obispo, California, offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture, architectural engineering, city and regional planning, and landscape architecture. Programs include a focus on environmental analysis, planning and sustainability. Undergraduate programs offer a cooperative education option in which second, third and fourth-year students can earn academic credits for part- or full-time employment related to their degree. Master’s programs offer concentration in areas such as sustainable architecture and innovating material practice.
The University of South Florida’s School of Architecture and Community Design, located in Tampa, Florida, offers a master of urban and community design. The program takes three years and requires 45 credit hours. Coursework focuses on issues related to urban planning and design, such as urbanism and ecology, transit, ecology and sustainability. Along with classroom instruction, students receive hands-on experience in settings such as municipal planning offices. Students concentrate in areas including sustainable urbanism, smart growth, urban ecology and suburban sprawl.
Ball State University’s College of Architecture and Planning, located in Muncie, Indiana, offers a bachelor’s degree in environmental design. The program is designed for students who do not wish to work as licensed architects, but rather can lead to careers in fields such as environmental design planning, environmental affairs, urban planning, real estate, government or non-profit. The degree takes four years to complete. Required courses include environmental systems, building technology, architectural design and design communications media.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Center for Architecture Science and Ecology, located in Troy, New York, offers a master of science and a doctorate in architectural sciences with a built ecologies concentration. The programs focus on making buildings, structures and systems work more efficiently and sustainably within natural ecologies. The master’s degree requires completion of 30 credit hours and takes about one year. The doctoral degree requires completion of 42 credit hours beyond the master’s degree. Coursework includes topics such as design research, strategies and culture.
Forbes: For Job Market, Green Means Growth
Arizona State University, Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts: Doctor of Philosophy in Design, Environment and the Arts
California Polytechnic State University: Architecture and Environmental Design at Cal Poly
University of South Florida, School of Architecture and Community Design: Master of Urban and Community Design
Ball State University, College of Architecture and Planning: Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Design
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Center for Architecture Science and Ecology: Graduate Programs
