The field of sustainable architecture has grown since the advent of the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification program in 1998, and now many master's degree programs offer specialized coursework, as well as certificates and degree specializations, in sustainable architecture. These programs focus on things such as preventing environmental degradation and mitigating environmental effects of construction.
Sustainable Architecture Schools
This list of colleges and universities identifies some of the most reputable schools offering sustainable architecture programs.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's | Undergraduate In-state $6,381; Undergraduate Out-of-state $28,659: Graduate In-state $10,770; Graduate Out-of-state $27,335 |
| The University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | Undergraduate In-state $12,467; Undergraduate Out-of-state $36,366 |
| Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | Undergraduate $11,788 |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | Newark, NJ | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | Undergraduate In-state $17,338; Undergraduate Out-of-state $32,750; Graduate In-state $20,232; Graduate Out-of-state $29,960 |
| Cosumnes River College | Sacramento, CA | 2-year, Public | Certificate | Undergraduate In-state $1,104; Undergraduate Out-of-state $8,712 |
| University of Oregon | Eugene, OR | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | Undergraduate In-state $11,898; Undergraduate Out-of-state $35,478: Graduate In-state $14,526; Graduate Out-of-state $26,028 |
| Boston Architectural College | Boston, MA | 2-year, Private | Bachelor's, Master's, Graduate Certificate, Doctoral | Undergraduate $21,924; Graduate $24,244 |
| Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS | 4-year, Public | Master's | Graduate In-state $10,061; Graduate Out-of-state $22,709 |
Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES); School websites
School Selection Criteria
Summary of considerations:
- Find out what kinds of professional experience and possible connections faculty members have at each school.
- Look for programs that offer scholarships or fellowships for those studying sustainable architecture.
- Undergraduate students who plan on pursuing this field can first earn bachelor's degrees in architecture or a related field, such as urban planning and design.
- Specializations in sustainable architecture are generally offered at the master's degree level; some schools offer certificates, bachelor's degrees, and it is possible to take courses online through some institutions.
Master of Science in Sustainable Architecture
An M.S. in Sustainable Architecture can be completed in two years and typically entails completion of a thesis and an independent research project. An undergraduate background in architecture is usually required for admission.
Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Architecture
Graduate students and working architects can complete a certificate program to supplement their architectural portfolios.
Sustainable architecture programs can be pursued at the graduate and undergraduate level. These studies can be taken at a public or private college or university, and some institutions may offer the option of taking some courses online.