Online MDS in Sustainable Design Curriculum
Online MDS in Sustainable Design Curriculum
With the blended low-residency and online format of the Online Master of Design Studies in Sustainable Design, you can complete your degree in just four semesters. You’ll also have flexibility to schedule your online courses to fit your busy schedule.
As part of the degree, you’ll complete a final thesis project that connects theory and practice through mentored research and design to establish a foundation of knowledge for launching a career in sustainable design. You may choose to develop a building, landscape, or interior design project, or focus on a research, policy, or business interest.
Curriculum
Semester 1
- SUS3000 Sustainability in Nature, Neighborhood, and City*
- SUS3003 Design Thinking*
- DME2073 Visual Communication
- SUS Advised Elective
Semester 2
- TSM2001 Sustainable Systems
- SUS Advised Elective
- SUS Advised Elective
Semester 3
- SUS3004 Energy and the Built Environment*
- DST3011 Thesis Research and Development*
- SUS Advised Elective
- SUS Advised Elective
Semester 4
*Courses include onsite intensive component. These courses are offered only in the fall semester.
Total Academic Credits: 33
Students generally start the program in the fall semester but spring semester starts can be accommodated by taking DME2073 Visual Communication, TSM2001 Sustainable Systems and/or more electives in the first semester. Please contact the program director with questions about starting in the spring semester.
Elective Courses
- SUS2007 Sustainable Design as a Way of Thinking
- SUS2013 Multiple Urbanisms: Sustainable Development
- SUS2014 Sustainable Design and Preservation
- SUS2016 Global Perspectives on Sustainable Design
- SUS2017 Solar Energy: Design with the Sun
- SUS2018 The Zero Energy Home: What, How, and If
- SUS2020 Green Roofs and Green Walls
- SUS2026 Greening the City
- SUS2028 Energy Modeling in Building Design
- SUS2029 Green Practice: Energy and Air Quality Principles
- SUS2030 Materials, Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality
- SUS2032 Lighting Design for Sustainability and Health
- SUS2033 Building Envelope
- SUS2035 Sustainable Communities: Land Use, Transportation, and Planning
- SUS2036 Marketing Sustainability
- SUS2040 Sustainable Design of Healthcare Facilities
- SUS2045 Green Building and Health
- SUS2046 Resilient Design
- SUS2049 Design for Social Resilience
- SUS2050 Renewable Energy Sources