Are you interested in solving wicked problems in new ways? Are you fascinated with how sustainability, materials and human environments interact? Then you may find this Design School program a fit. Work with exceptional faculty, use cutting edge technology and address some of our world's most pressing challenges.
The MS program in architecture with a concentration in energy performance and climate-responsive architecture educates students to become experts in energy-efficient building design and energy technology.
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.
At A Glance
Architecture (Energy Perf/Climate Responsive Arch), MS
- Offered by: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
Plan of study
The Plan of study is the required curriculum to complete this graduate level program.
Admission
Application Procedures and Requirements
Application period
Online applications are open September 15 with a priority deadline of January 15 for the following programs: MArch 2-year; MArch 3-year; MIA 2-year; MIA 3+; MID 2-year; MID 3+; MLA 2-year; MLA 3-year; MS.Arch; MSD; MUD; MVCD 2-year; and MVCD 3+.
Fall Admission: The MS.Arch program only admit students for the fall semester. We accept applications until July 1st.
Paying for College
Teaching and Graduate Assistantships
Assistantships are appointed each term to a select number of graduate students who are excelling in The Design School. Learn more about teaching assistantships including eligibility and application details.
Financial Aid
Learn more about your financial aid options.
Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP)
Students who live outside of Arizona may be eligible for 150% in-state tuition, find out if you qualify.
Degree requirements
Required Core (21 credit hours)
Electives (3-6 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (3-6 credit hours)
ATE 593 Applied Project (3)
ATE 599 Thesis (6)
Additional Curriculum Information
The applied project option consists of six credit hours of electives and three credit hours of ATE 593. The thesis option consists of three credit hours of electives and six credit hours of ATE 599.
Students should see the academic unit for an approved course list.
Admission requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution 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
*Applicants should refer to the NAAB website for more information about the BArch or MArch.
**Mechanical and civil engineering and construction majors are particularly suited for application to the BS or MS program in engineering.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- official copy of GRE scores
- portfolio; or, a writing sample from applicants who have a science background
- statement of intent
- contact information for two references
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency. The minimum score for admission to the program is 80 (internet-based) or 550 (paper-based) on the TOEFL or an overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS. Other information can be found at https://admission.asu.edu/international/graduate/english-proficiency.
Unofficial copies of GRE scores are not accepted. More information is available at the GRE website or at https://uoeee.asu.edu/testing.
The portfolio or writing sample, statement of intent, and contact information for three references must be submitted via Slideroom. https://asudesign.slideroom.com.
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 need to go through the entire application process again during the year for 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 should see the program website for application deadlines and admission terms.
STEM Designation
The Master of Science in Architecture (MS.Arch) program is a recognized STEM degree program. STEM designation makes MS.Arch students at ASU eligible for STEM specific Scholarships, OPT extension for International Students, and expanded GI benefits for Student Veterans.
Admission Requirements
Master of Science in Architecture (MS.Arch)
- Applicants must hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university recognized by ASU, in one of the professions or fields of study outlined below:
- Individuals who hold a previous five or six-year NAAB (National Architectural Board) accredited professional degree in Architecture (BArch or MArch degree). See the NAAB website for more information.
- Individuals who are licensed landscape architects or those who have completed a four-year Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture degree, or a Master in Landscape Architecture degree. The undergraduate or graduate degree must be granted by an institution that offers the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) accredited degree program in architecture.
- Individuals who have an Engineering degree (BS or MS) with a background in building sustainability issues. (Mechanical & Civil Engineering, and Construction majors are particularly suited for application to this program)
- Individuals who have a Science degree (BS or MS degree) with a background in building sustainability issues.
- Applicants must meet the minimum GPA requirements as established by Graduate College. A 3.0 GPA is preferred, but students with a GPA less than the minimum requirement may still receive consideration if they have evidence of creative work, significant work experience, or other indicators of their potential to succeed in the program. Particular emphasis is placed on the last two years of the applicant's undergraduate GPA record.
- An official copy of GRE scores must be provided (unofficial copies will not be accepted). For more information on the GRE see gre.org (or if you live near ASU see asu.edu/uts). The Design School does not have a minimum score for admission. Please note that the MS.Arch degree does not require the writing section of the GRE for admission; only the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE are reviewed by the admission committee.
- Students must enroll in the semester for which they are admitted. The MS.Arch program commences in the fall semester of each year.
- A personal interview is not required; however, a candidate wishing to visit the school is welcome and should make arrangements by contacting designgrad@asu.edu.
- Applicants to The Design School graduate programs are required to complete a two-step application process. Applicants must submit the Graduate Education application as well as The Design School SlideRoom application. For complete information on how to apply, please view the steps to apply on the admissions page.
Professional Organizations
Professional organizations serve as the public face for their respective professions, providing information to the general public about disciplinary practice and its role in improving the well-being of communities, promoting design excellence through the recognition of notable professional achievements, supporting the exchange of ideas and information about best practices between professional members through the development of conferences and through the support of opportunities for continuing education.
Learn more about professional organizations.
Student Organizations
Joining a discipline-specific student organization is a great way to help your long-term career plans and goals. Membership can add to your academic experience by building a portfolio, making important connections, networking and engaging with local and national professional communities.
Learn more about student organizations.