Master of Science (MSc): Sustainable Design and Architecture

Program Highlights

1. Interdisciplinary Curriculum: The program integrates architecture, sustainability design, engineering, environmental science, and data analysis to equip students with the skills to address current and future real-world sustainability challenges. The curriculum allows one to focus on technical expertise and social responsibility with hands-on semester-long projects. 

2. Expert Instructors: Courses are taught by leading experts in architecture, climate policy, renewable resources, sustainability design, and environmental justice. These instructors bring real-world experience and insights, ensuring students learn from those actively shaping the future of sustainable environmental engineering.

3. Practical Experience: Students will engage in semester-long projects that allow them to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. These projects can be undertaken locally, within the U.S., or internationally, providing opportunities for meaningful engagement with communities and stakeholders.

4. Collaborative Learning Environment: The program fosters a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging students to work alongside industry professionals and peers. This partnership enhances the learning experience and builds valuable networks for future career opportunities.

5. Focus on Solutions: The curriculum emphasizes practical problem-solving, equipping students with the tools to analyze complex environmental issues and propose actionable solutions. Students will learn to navigate the intricacies of policy-making and implementation, preparing them for leadership roles in the field.

6. Global Perspective: Focusing on local and global challenges, the program prepares students to address environmental issues in diverse contexts. Students will examine case studies worldwide, gaining insights into different regulatory frameworks and cultural approaches to sustainability.

 Core Courses (9 Credits) 

• Sustainable Urban Design

• Sustainable Design and Architecture Fundamentals 

• Ecological Issues in Sustainable Building Design 

 Electives (12 Credits) 

Select any four electives:

Many of our elective courses are taught by FuEL professors or experts in the industry. Students are welcome to take elective courses from different Masters programs and other universities (part of consortium) in Washington, DC.

• Sustainable Design Ethics and Environmental Justice

• Sustainable Architecture Research 

• Project Management for Sustainable Design and Architecture

• Water Resources Engineering

• Biofuels and Renewable Resources Engineering

• Environmental Data Analysis

• Economics of the Environment and Natural Resources

• Conservation Strategies

• Climate Risk Assessment 

• Sustainability and Humanities 

Research Project (3 Credits) 

During the second to last semester, students will engage in a research project under the mentorship of a FuEL professor, where they will have the opportunity to explore and investigate relevant questions of their interest. Students will need to get approval from the program's director before the start of the semester. 

 Hands-On Project (6 Credits) 

Students travel internationally or nationally during the last semester to implement a sustainable project for a business, governmental, or non-profit organization. This is a four to six-month project and can be based in places like New York, California, Mexico, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, among many others. 

FuEL aids students in finding placements with a variety of institutions and partners. This semester-long project allows students to explore their interests in their locality, other parts of the United States, or abroad. The project offers a hands-on approach to their academic coursework and allows them to gain job-specific skills in a professional setting. Furthermore, it facilitates the expansion of professional networks and readies them for the job market. At the end of the semester, students will be presenting their Hands-On Project. 

If you want to partner with students in different ways - donating, volunteering, hosting... - please check our Contribute page.