Design (Space Architecture and Extreme Environments), MSD
Everything we do in space is for the Earth. In this innovative research program that combines elements of architecture, aerospace engineering, industrial design, immersive technologies, and environmental design, you'll develop the knowledge and skills to design sustainable habitats, structures and systems for future space missions and inhabitation.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
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
If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of design and engineering to shape the future of human habitation beyond Earth, the Master of Science in Design program with a concentration in space architecture and extreme environments at The Design School is for you. This interdisciplinary program breaks conventional barriers and connects learners to the emerging space sector through innovative partnerships.
You investigate how to live on another planet while discovering ways to improve lives on Earth. Through a curriculum that emphasizes innovation, research and hands-on projects, you explore human factors in space, limited resource utilization, microgravity effects and psychological well-being in extreme environments. You learn in state-of-the-art facilities and have access to pioneering experts in the fields of space architecture and extreme environments.
You are prepared for a rewarding career in designing alternatives for humanity to live, work and thrive in space. It involves exploring, learning and adapting to extreme environments to design habitats, structures and systems for an interplanetary future. Working collaboratively with people across disciplines and delving into ASU's broader space initiatives, you contribute to designing an inclusive and sustainable pathway to space with humans at the center.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
36 credit hours and a thesis, or
36 credit hours including the required applied project course (DSC 593)
Required Core (3 credit hours) Concentration (6 credit hours) Research Methods (3 credit hours) Electives (15 credit hours) Research (3 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information In alignment with students' academic and professional aspirations, the culminating experience gives students the flexibility to choose between a traditional thesis and an applied project. The applied project is an opportunity for hands-on experience in solving practical challenges within extreme environments.
DSC 501 Qualitative Research in Design (3)
DSC 550 Prototyping Futures (3)
IND 544 Human Factors Systems and Documentation (3)
DSC 500 Research Methods (3)
DSC 592 Research (3)
DSC 593 Applied Project (6)
DSC 599 Thesis (6)
A wide variety of elective options are offered by The Design School and collaborating units, enabling students to tailor their education to align with their research interests and career objectives. Students may also explore other elective courses from affiliated schools with approval. As part of these elective opportunities, students may take nine credits of the elective core or pursue a certificate at the Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center, either as part of a focus area in immersive technologies or through the digital twin microcertificate.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Analyze complex spatial challenges in space architecture and extreme environments, leveraging knowledge from technology and media applications relevant to the field.
- Develop a thesis or design proposal utilizing both traditional and digital media technologies, applying their understanding and design practice to address challenges in extreme environments.
- Develop innovative solutions for sustaining life and designing habitats in space and extreme environments through transdisciplinary, multi-stakeholder collaboration and the application of scientific and technological knowledge.
Analyze complex spatial challenges in space architecture and extreme environments, leveraging knowledge from technology and media applications relevant to the field.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in architecture, engineering, environmental design, interior design, urban planning or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Applicants are required to submit: Additional Admission Information The Design School requires that the letter of intent, portfolio, resume or CV, and contact information for professional references be submitted via SlideRoom; the applicant also must complete the Graduate College application requirements. https://asudesign.slideroom.com/#/Login In the letter of intent, applicants should explain their motivation for applying to the program and their goals in the field, briefly describing their background and the experiences and qualifications that make them a suitable candidate. The design portfolio must be a curated collection of a candidate's design works, projects and creations. It should visually represent the applicant's skills, creativity, design sensibilities and ability to conceptualize, innovate and effectively communicate design ideas. Applicants must submit contact information for two professional references. These can be current or past faculty members, professional mentors, supervisors, or community leaders or elders. Admission to the program is selective and cannot be deferred. Students must enroll in the semester for which they are admitted; otherwise, they must submit another application.
An applicant whose native language is not English is required to provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 05/01 | Final* |
| Session A/C | In Person | 01/15 | Priority* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
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.
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 receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates are prepared to pursue careers as:
- space architects
- space artists
- space eco-tourism consultants
- space industry analysts
- space industry consultants
- space industrial designers
- space interior designers
- space tourism experience designers
- space visual graphic designers
Graduates can specialize for roles specific to the aerospace industry, such as:
- aerospace entrepreneur
- environmental control and life support systems designer
- environmental impact assessor
- environmental scientist
- extraterrestrial habitat designer
- planetary designer
- science communicator
They also have the skills to work outside the space industry as:
- educators
- human factors specialists
- materials scientists
- sustainable design consultants
- urban space planners
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
|
CDN 288
designgrad@asu.edu
480-965-3536
Admission deadlines
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.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
