Built Environment

The MS program in the built environment with a concentration in energy performance and climate-responsive architecture educates students to become experts in energy efficient building design and energy technology. The program is concerned with the relationships between climate and site, thermal and visual comfort in buildings, and the demand and consumption of energy. Courses in this concentration establish a basic core of knowledge of the principles of the natural energies available at the building boundary due to climate and site; thermal and optic behavior of building materials and components; passive and low-energy architectural systems for heating, cooling and lighting; and appropriate integration with mechanical systems. Additional courses are available to support advanced study and research in a variety of related specialties.

30 credit hours and a thesis, or 
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ATE 593)

First Year

Fall

• ATE 521 Building Environmental Science (3)
• ATE 550 Passive Heating and Cooling (3)
• ATE 560 Building Energy Analysis (3)

Spring

• ATE 562 Experimental Evaluation (3)
• ATE 582 Environmental Control Systems (3)
• ATE 598 ST: Building Energy Analysis II (3)
• ATE 598 ST: Sustainability of the Built Environment (3)

Second Year

Fall

• ATE 591 Seminar: Energy and Climate (1)*
• ATE 599 Thesis (3-6)**

Spring

• Elective (3)
• ATE 599 Thesis (3-6)**

*This course is not required for the degree; however, it is a recommended elective. Three credits of electives are required.

**Thesis credits can be taken in either fall or spring semesters for a total of six credits. Completing a thesis is optional but strongly recommended; it can be substituted by an applied project of six credits (ATE 593).

Sample List of Electives:

• CEE 598/SOS 598 Applied Data Analysis for Energy Scientists (3), Spring
• CEE 598/SOS 598 Life Cycle Assessment for Civil Systems (3), Spring
• DSC 558 Daylighting (3), Fall

A maximum of three credit hours of internship may be counted toward the electives requirement. The internship and electives have to be approved by the academic advisor.

All applicants must submit an online graduate admission application.

All applicants must have completed a minimum of a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university recognized by ASU, in one of the professions or fields of study outlined below:

• a five- or six-year National Architectural Accrediting Board-accredited professional degree in architecture (BArch or MArch)*
• a four-year Bachelor of Science in landscape architecture, or a master's degree in landscape architecture which must be granted by an institution that offers the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board-accredited degree program in landscape architecture
• an engineering degree (BS or MS) with a background in building sustainability issues**
• a science degree (BS or MS) with a background in building sustainability issues

*See the NAAB website for more information.

**Mechanical and civil engineering and construction majors are particularly suited for application to this program.

Requirements:

1. Applicants must meet the minimum GPA requirements as established by the Division of Graduate Education.
2. Applicants must provide an official copy of GRE scores (unofficial copies will not be accepted). For more information, visit the GRE website or https://uoeee.asu.edu/testing.
3. Additional application materials can be found online at: http://herbergerinstitute.asu.edu/admissions/grad/applying/.
4. Applicants whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) are required to submit an official TOEFL score. The minimum score for admission to the program is 80 (Internet-based) or 550 (paper-based). Other information for International applicants can be found on the Division of Graduate Education website.

Admission to the program is selective. Admission to the program cannot be deferred; students must enroll in the semester for which they are admitted. Otherwise, they will need to go through the entire application process again for the year in which they are applying.

A personal interview is not required; however, a candidate wishing to visit the school is welcome and should make arrangements by contacting The Design School.

Applicants must fulfill both the requirements of the Division of Graduate Education and those of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.

Scholarships

• Teaching or Research Assistantships
• Global Education