Overview

The Architecture - Sustainable Design programme at the University of Minnesota provides a comprehensive exploration of regenerative design concepts aimed at improving the global environment. This Master of Science track addresses critical social issues and human wellbeing by connecting energy, water, and food use to local ecosystem capacities. Students are challenged to redefine sustainable development through a rigorous academic framework that balances theoretical inquiry with practical application.

The curriculum is designed to be flexible, offering two distinct pathways to suit different professional goals. Plan A is a thesis-focused route intended for those preparing for doctoral studies, while Plan B is project-based and tailored for immediate career advancement.

Why Architecture - Sustainable Design at the University of Minnesota?

Students benefit from direct integration with the Center for Sustainable Building Research (CSBR), a leading institution that influences energy codes and sustainable building policy across the region. This partnership allows learners to collaborate on influential projects involving affordable housing and environmental equity. The university's location provides a unique link to industry, as many directors of prominent sustainable firms in the Twin Cities are alumni of the programme.

The College of Design also offers extensive facilities, including fabrication shops, computer labs, and specialized research centres like the Minnesota Design Center. For those seeking broader expertise, the university supports concurrent degree options, enabling students to pursue a professional Master of Architecture alongside their Master of Science in Sustainable Design.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 35294 per year
National fee: USD 35294 per year
Local fee: USD 35294 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The core curriculum consists of four foundation courses that establish a deep understanding of environmental systems. Modules may include:

Sustainable Design Theory and Practice
Energy and Indoor Environmental Quality in Sustainable Design
Material Performance in Sustainable Building
Site and Water in Sustainable Design
Sustainable Development
Evidence-Based Design
Environmental Life Cycle Analysis
Land Use Planning
Energy and Environmental Policy

Careers with Architecture - Sustainable Design

Graduates are prepared for specialized roles within architecture firms, environmental consultancies, and governmental agencies. The programme equips students with high-demand skills in sustainable building policy, energy modelling, and material research. Many former students have secured leadership positions as directors of sustainability within the design industry. The research-heavy nature of the degree also provides a strong foundation for those pursuing academic careers or advanced research roles in environmental design and regenerative systems.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Sustainable Design Theory and Practice

Site and Water Issues in Sustainable Design

Energy and Indoor Environmental Quality Issues in Sustainable Design

Materials Performance in Sustainable Building

Material Investigation: Concrete

Material Investigation: Steel and Glass

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

More details

The priority deadline for funding consideration is January 15.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

34 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Minneapolis, United States

Disciplines

Architecture Design Sustainable Development View 152 other Masters in Sustainable Development in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To pursue an Architecture MS a bachelor of arts or science in humanities, sciences, environmental studies, or engineering is required, and a GPA greater than 3.0 is preferred. International applicants must be proficient in English

We also encourage individuals with professional degrees in architecture and landscape architecture, as well as current M.Arch or MLA students seeking a dual degree, to apply

Complete University of Minnesota Graduate School Application

Unofficial transcripts of all college or university coursework

A statement (up to 1,000 words), outlining sustainable design as an area of study

Three letters of recommendation

Portfolio

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores

Application fee of $75

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

35294 USD / year

≈ 35294 USD / year
Out-of-State

35294 USD / year

≈ 35294 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

35294 USD / year

≈ 35294 USD / year

Living costs

Minneapolis

United States

1130 - 2045 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Architecture - Sustainable Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Minneapolis

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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