Program Overview

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Environmental Design, BS

The Bachelor of Science program in environmental design at The Design School has an integrated curriculum and program of study that emphasizes general knowledge and design research, and is built around the three pillars of sustainability, technology, and the environment. The curriculum provides special understanding of design methods, theories, technologies, social issues, and management related to the student's specific area of interest. Students hone a sustainability focus by developing skills in sustainable practices that address climate change, resource conservation, and urban ecology.

Program Description

Students gain practical experience through studio projects, internships, and collaborations with industry professionals. The program provides an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability, as students work alongside experts in ecology, architecture, and social sciences to create holistic design solutions. This program provides students with a broad base of skills and knowledge drawn from natural science, social science, arts, technology, and integrated environmental design that prepares students for a variety of careers in the design, planning, and management of the built environment.

At a Glance

• College/school: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
• Location: Tempe
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
• First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
• Math intensity: General

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Environmental Design, BS program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in environmental design. Students can view the 2025-2026 curriculum and curriculum archives for more information.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their 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:

• Creative Enterprise and Cultural Leadership, MA

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors. Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• 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.

Global Opportunities

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.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program 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 go on to pursue professional or other graduate degree programs. Example job titles and salaries include:

• Architect: 3.9% growth, $96,690 median salary
• Commercial Real Estate Associate: 3.6% growth, $66,700 median salary
• Drafting Technician: 4.1% growth, $64,280 median salary
• Engineering Manager: 3.8% growth, $167,740 median salary
• General Manager (GM): 4.4% growth, $102,950 median salary
• Graphic Designer: 2.1% growth, $61,300 median salary
• Industrial Designer: 3.2% growth, $79,450 median salary
• Interior Designer: 3.2% growth, $63,490 median salary
• Landscape Architect: 3.5% growth, $79,660 median salary