Environmental Design, BS
Blend design thinking, environmental science and emerging technologies to craft innovative solutions that strengthen the built environment and improve quality of life. This environmental design degree turns bold ideas into hands-on impact.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Environmental Design, BSD degree description
The Bachelor of Science program in environmental design at The Design School has an integrated curriculum that emphasizes general knowledge and design research and is built around the three pillars of sustainability, technology and the environment. You develop a specialized understanding of design methods, theories, technologies, social issues and management related to your specific area of interest. You hone a sustainability focus by developing skills in sustainable practices that address climate change, resource conservation and urban ecology.
You gain practical experience through studio projects, internships and collaborations with industry professionals. The curriculum takes an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability --- you work alongside experts in ecology, architecture and social sciences to create holistic design solutions.
This program provides you with a broad base of skills and knowledge drawn from natural science, social science, arts, technology and integrated environmental design, preparing you for a variety of careers in the design, planning and management of the built environment.
Why study environmental design at ASU?
You study in the Sonoran Desert at ASU, where one of the world's most dynamic environments becomes your living laboratory for exploring sustainability, water conservation, climate resilience and urban ecology.
You can join a collaborative design community shaped by studio culture, student organizations, sustainability initiatives, guest lectures and interdisciplinary projects.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| ALA 100 Introduction to Environmental Design |
| ALA 102 Landscapes and Sustainability |
| ALA 121 Design Fundamentals I |
| ALA 122 Design Fundamentals II |
| EDS 200 Design Literacy and Communication |
| EDS 201 Fundamentals of Sustainability in Design |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Examine design creative processes through theory and research articles as measured through the final assignment.
- Apply key skills in the field related to the analysis of existing landscape conditions and the design of new proposals
- Synthesize iterative ideas and design concepts into plans for built works that meet professional standards.
Examine design creative processes through theory and research articles as measured through the final assignment.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Students can complement their ASU coursework with study abroad programs. Programs that focus on topics such as sustainability, design and ecotourism increase a student's multicultural engagement and expose them to the design of built environments in other parts of the world.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | 4.3% | $99,280 | Learn more |
| Commercial Real Estate Associate | 3.7% | $69,990 | Learn more |
| Drafting Technician | 5.2% | $66,150 | Learn more |
| Engineering Manager | 5.5% | $171,270 | Learn more |
| General Manager (GM) | 5.0% | $105,770 | Learn more |
| Graphic Designer | -1.7% | $62,960 | Learn more |
| Industrial Designer | 2.4% | $83,910 | Learn more |
| Interior Designer | 2.7% | $67,190 | Learn more |
| Landscape Architect | 4.4% | $79,870 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this environmental design degree prepares you for
Graduates find careers in design, urban planning and environmental consulting and take on roles in offices, businesses, public institutions and industries that require an awareness of issues that affect environmental design. Graduates may also pursue professional or other graduate degree programs.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
The Design School
|
CDS 101
herbergeradvising@asu.edu
480-965-4495
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
