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MS in Sustainable Design
The Future of Sustainability

The MS in Sustainable Design Program, an award-winning transdisciplinary degree, creates leaders for the fight against climate change. Setting itself apart with a "Sustainability-First" approach, the program seamlessly integrates great design as an intrinsic part of sustainable solutions. Employing innovative frameworks like the Integral Sustainable Design Framework and Systems Thinking, students collaborate side by side with faculty across disciplines such as Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, and Landscape Architecture.

Offering a unique design approach to net-zero buildings and working with communities, the program provides a comprehensive two-year, full-time, online, or hybrid/flex option. Jefferson offers alternatives to the full degree with Graduate Certificates in Sustainability Leadership, Design of Living Buildings, Resilient Communities, and Green Building Operations, empowering students to pioneer market-driven solutions in sustainable design for societal advancement.

Apply by February 1 to be considered for Graduate Student Assistantships and Scholarships. 

Sustainable Design Program Highlights

  • The program received national awards from the United States Green Building Council and the National Institute of Building Science in recognition of its comprehensive and innovative approach to sustainability
  • The MS in Sustainable Design program was ranked #17 in Best Online Master’s in Environmental & Sustainability Management by College Consensus
  • The faculty are recognized with teaching awards and are at the forefront of sustainability education through academic scholarship and the publication of key books in sustainable design

Jobs in the Industry

  • Sustainable Design Specialist
  • Director of Sustainability
  • Sustainability Analyst 
  • The degree also enhances the capabilities of existing positions with titles such as: Project Architect, Interior Designer, Interior Architect, Landscape Architect and Construction Manager

Jefferson Industry Partners

  • Gensler
  • Francis Cauffman Architects
  • Perkins Eastman
  • The Sheward Partnership, LLC
  • Stantec
  • ARUP
  • Lutron
  • AKF

The program has helped me integrate high performance design decisions with the help of tools that were taught in the courses. The MSSD has a lot more to offer than merely a passive design approach. It taught me not only to harmonize with nature but also the users through different approaches. Apart from curriculum, the professors were personally involved to encourage every student in their particular field of interest. I highly recommend this program to everyone!

Herisha Kothari, program graduate

About the College of Architecture & the Built Environment

The College of Architecture & the Built Environment at Thomas Jefferson University focuses on educating the next generation of industry leaders. Our graduates are building a better world through unique and cutting-edge design and construction, creating an equitable and sustainable future. Our programs focus on our values of sustainability, social equity and design excellence, ensuring our commitment and passion for creating a thoughtfully built world. As part of Jefferson, a distinguished national research university, we’re proud to be recognized among the top 50 universities in the nation by the Wall Street Journal. 

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The College of Architecture & the Built Environment website has detailed information about our programs, curriculums and more. 

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