Department of Sustainable Environments

There has never been a time in history with a more pressing need for sustainable and resilient design solutions to address today’s most challenging issues, such as climate change, rapid urbanization, and social inequalities, to name a few. What will our future on this planet be? What choices do we have to save our planet? How can we, as designers, create a future that allows all people to live healthy lives and create environments that support lives in all forms?

At Thomas Jefferson University, we educate future leaders and change agents to become highly trained experts with an understanding and analytical acumen of the complexity of today’s problems. We give you the tools and skills to engage in real-world projects bringing lasting positive change to the communities we serve.

The Department of Sustainable Environments offers programs across different scales and disciplines united in the belief to improve lives through a holistic approach to sustainable design, emphasizing economic prosperity, environmental quality, and community well-being. We offer award-winning programs in Landscape Architecture (LAAB accredited), Sustainable Design, Urban Design, Urban Analytics & Geodesign, and Real Estate Development that offer students an unparalleled education in becoming experts in their field.

Whether you are looking to strengthen and expand your qualifications, earn a professional degree, or consider a career change, we offer degrees at the certificate, undergraduate, and graduate levels to give you the qualification you aspire to. We give students the flexibility to choose between online and on-campus instruction and part-time and full-time options to complete their degree.

Our programs are taught by expert faculty, renowned researchers, and esteemed professionals who join the collaborative effort to deliver a practice-based education deeply rooted in principles and methods of sustainability. Our signature Nexus Learning approach through collaborative, real-world projects across all disciplines in the college, prepares students to participate in and lead effectively interdisciplinary project teams. 

Thomas Jefferson University is the home of one of the most renowned and oldest graduate programs in Sustainable Design and has been leading sustainable design education and research in the US and beyond for almost two decades. Our newest program, the Master in Urban Design – Future Cities, is uniquely positioned to address urban resiliency, carbon-neutral cities, and smart technologies to achieve urban wellness. We are proud of our many graduates making a difference in countries around the globe in creating a better future for all.

Please contact me to learn more about our program and careers focused on sustainable environments. I would be delighted to speak with you by phone or show you our programs and walk you around our beautiful campus.

Best wishes,

Barbara Klinkhammer, RA (DEU), Dipl.-Ing.
Dean and Acting Department Chair