Program Overview

Master of Energy Conscious Construction

The Master of Energy Conscious Construction (MECC) is a professionally oriented master’s degree offered fully online via the Global Campus. It requires 30 semester credits of coursework, including a capstone experience. The program provides a comprehensive foundation in building science, focused on high-performing energy-efficient residential building design and construction in the state of Washington. It covers all phases of the design process from pre-design through construction and post-occupancy evaluation. The MECC program is interdisciplinary, developed as a collaboration between the School of Design and Construction, the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, and Washington State University’s nationally recognized Extension Energy Program. Courses are delivered fully online asynchronously with predetermined deadlines through WSU Global Campus. The program offers two paths to completion: a one-year full-time path or a two-year part-time path.

Admission Requirements

The MECC Degree is open to everyone with an undergraduate degree in Design, Engineering, or Construction fields and requires the following to be admitted:

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 from a WSU program or a program outside of WSU.
• Submitting a resume (3 pages maximum)
• Submitting a statement of intent (one page maximum)
• One letter of recommendation (one page maximum)

Student Opportunities

Students may choose to begin with the 12-credit Energy Conscious Construction Graduate Certificate and migrate to the full master’s program if interested afterwards. The certificate is also offered online through the Global Campus and covers a subset of competency gaps in four courses, namely energy modeling and simulation, performance benchmarks, environmental control systems, and assemblies and structural systems. If students elect to earn the master’s degree, they will need to complete the remaining five courses which cover the two additional competency gaps, namely measured performance data and smart building systems, as well as require the completion of a capstone experience which brings together the learning outcomes from the different courses.

Career Opportunities

The MECC curriculum prepares students for work in energy-efficient design and construction, aligning with Washington State’s initiatives to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings by tackling the following competency gaps:

• Using energy modeling and simulation tools in the design process
• Integrating environmental control systems into designs
• Meeting and exceeding state energy code performance benchmarks
• Integrating high-performing assemblies & structural systems into designs
• Evaluating projects using field-measured performance data
• Understanding human behavior impact on building operation

Career Placements

The program aligns with Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act and addresses the need for a trained workforce in energy-efficient building design and construction. This program aims to create future leaders in the application of knowledge that will enhance the quality of life and the economy of the state, nation, and world. Graduates will be well-positioned for careers in:

• Sustainable architecture and design
• Energy-efficient construction management
• Building performance analysis
• Energy code compliance and consulting
• Green building certification
• Residential energy auditing and retrofitting

Program Details

• Priority Deadlines:
  • Spring: November 15
  • Summer: March 15
• Campus: Global Campus (online)