Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design
A degree that combines creativity, systems thinking, and sustainability to solve real-world challenges.
→ Follow a Unique, Interdisciplinary Path
→ Gain Skills for Real Impact
→ Shape a More Sustainable Future
What is the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design?
The Sustainable Design Program incorporates design, architecture, landscape architecture, and urban and regional planning to address the places, things, systems, and policies needed to help solve problems in a sustainable society. Students follow an innovative, interdisciplinary, and unique course of study that prepares them for jobs in the public or private sector, or to continue their education in a variety of graduate programs.
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News & Events
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Location changed for Info Session!
Are you Interested in participating in ARCH 499: Community-Based Sustainable Design in Puerto Rico Course?
Dr. Yazmín M Crespo-Claudio will host an information session to share the rich history of this course and the community of Casa Pueblo in Adjuntas, Pr.
Join the next cohort and become part of this growing community!
Sustainable Design Students are encouraged to apply!
@archatillinois
@sustainabledesignil
@casapuebloorg
@y_crespo
BSSD opportunity scholarships for fall 2026 applications are now open!
This scholarship is designed to provide financial support to students within the Sustainable Design program to pursue academic and professional opportunities that would not be attainable without additional funding.
Apply now--> https://go.illinois.edu/BSSDOpportunityScholarship
Deadline: October 26, 11:59 PM
Awards are $300 or $500. Winners will be notified by October 30.
Signed acceptance letters from winners will be due to BSSD by November 4.
Images contain examples of Past BSSD Opportunity Scholarship Recipient Projects. You can view all past BSSD Opportunity Scholarship Projects at www.instagram.com/sustainabledesignil
Did you know FAA offers faculty-led, short-term study abroad opportunities?
With so many programs to choose from, there’s an opportunity for every student to experience new cultures, participate in hands-on workshops, and learn beyond the classroom!
For general study abroad advising, please schedule with Andy Hinnant. For course planning your study abroad, please meet with BSSD Coordinator Ashley Smart.
Intrested? Scroll to read more!
FAA Faculty-Led: London: Urban Design & Sustainability
Spring break 2027
Prof. Ben LeRoy, Academic Advisor & Instructor, Department of Urban and Regional Planning
Course: UP 494, 3 credit hours
Deadline to apply: November 1st
FAA Faculty-Led: Basque Design Center in Spain
May 27 - June 6, 2027
Prof. Savio Mukachirayil, Assistant Professor, Industrial Design, School of Art & Design
Course: FAA 313, 3 credit hours
Deadline to apply: December 7th
FAA Faculty-Led: Community-Based Sustainable Design at Casa Pueblo in Puerto Rico
Spring break 2027
Prof. Yazmin Crespo Claudio, Assistant Professor, School of Architecture
Course: ARCH 499, 4 credit hours
Deadline to apply: TBD
Information Session Monday October 19, 12:00PM in the Cafe in Temple Buell Hall.
FAA Faculty-Led: Urban Sustainability in Copenhagen
May 18-28, 2027
Prof. Dustin Allred
Course: UP 494, 3 credit hours’
Deadline to apply: December 1st
Come learn about the 4+1 programs open for juniors in BAUSP and BSSD!
The Department of Urban and Regional Planning invites Juniors in the BAUSP and BSSD programs to join us for an information session about the 4+1 program.
The 4+1 program allows highly qualified BAUSP and BSSD students with senior standing to complete their undergraduate degree and Master of Urban Planning (MUP) degree in a total of 5 years.
Students apply in their Junior year, and if admitted in the 4+1 program, begin taking graduate courses in their senior year. Join us for an information session on the 4+1 program and how to apply.
This event is organized by the department of Urban and Regional Planning.
Friday, October 16, 2026
Noon- 1:00 pm
TBH 227
We hope to see you there!
October is here, let`s see what this month has in store for students! 🍂
October 5th- Spring class schedule is available on course explorer
October 19 – POT B, 2nd 8 week, courses begin
October 23 – deadline to add/drop POT B course
October 26 – Time Tickets for registration available in Self-Service
November 2 – Priority registration for Spring 2027 begins
November 19 – Open registration for Spring 2027
Say hello to… the peer critique team!!
We’re so excited to welcome our newest SAC members and can’t wait to see all the amazing things they accomplish in their new positions!
Let`s meet the team-->
What does the peer critique team do?
This team hosts portfolio events to help BSSD students document their interdisciplinary work in a comprehensive design portfolio!
Psst! 1st and 2nd year students!
The peer critics have expert advice on how to thrive in your discipline specific design courses and document your best work!
Kiara Shannon:
Hello everyone! I am Kiara, studying Sustainable Design, with an architecture minor. I have a passion for design, architecture, interior spaces, and sustainable built environments. Through my academic and design experiences, I’ve been able to explore adaptive reuse, sustainable materials, and human-focused design. I am also a member of the Design Team on Illinois Solar Decathlon, an organization here at the university. I look forward to meeting prospective and current students, hearing their perspectives and experiences, and helping create an environment where every student feels heard, supported, and that they belong within the Sustainable Design program.
Jenesse Lo:
Jenesse is a dual major in Sustainable
Design + Cognitive Psychology. This is her second year serving on the BSSD SAC! She is excited to continue working to help shape the Sustainable Design program and support other students experiences in the major.
Olivia Amaya:
Hello! My name is Olivia Amaya and I am a Senior in the BSSD program with a minor and concentration in architecture. I am a transfer student from the University of Rhode Island and found the space I thrive within the college of FAA. I am a regular member of SECS, the Students for Environmental Concerns, and an active member of Alpha Rho Chi, a professional fraternity for architecture and the allied arts. My passions include, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, passive solar practices amongst a plethora of sustainable design principles.
Thinking about taking the next step in your education? Interested in grad school but not sure where to begin? Check out these helpful tips to help you navigate the grad school application process and get started on the right foot!
How to find grad programs:
Petersons.com-- general database
Accreditation Agency Databases
School Websites
Talk to faculty, current students, alumni, supervisors
Speak to Admission Reps
Attend Graduate and Professional School Fair
Talk to real people about the program
Connect with people on LinkedIn
(Talking to people currently in the program you are interested in can provide first hand insight that you won’t get from a website)
Typical application process:
Personal Statement
Letters of Rec - 3
Admissions Exam – often optional
Portfolio-- likely needed for a design related program
Submit Official Transcripts – know how long it takes to get transcripts sent
Prepare for Interviews – know if the program will require an interview
BE AWARE OF DEADLINES
Personal statement strategies:
Opportunity to write about your own personal story, experiences, and academic journey
Why do you want to get this degree & How have you prepared?
Address any gaps in your academic career
Highlight specific faculty/advisors, research or opportunities that draw you to this particular program
Have your statement reviewed – career center and writer’s workshop
Letters of recommendation:
Who should you ask?
A professor who knows you well
Someone who knows your work experience (lab, internship)
Ask early
it is courteous to ask a month in advance, especially if you need multiple letters
provide resume / CV, program description, and a draft of a personal statement if possible
Keep your references informed and updated!
This process will provide great letters of rec that are focused on your program
Required exams:
Does your Program require the GRE?
Is there another exam you need to take?
When is the exam offered?
Become a Sustainable Designer
Join the program through intercollegiate transfer!
Requirements:
Brief application with personal statement.
Demonstrated progress toward campus General Education requirements.
No portfolio requirement.
Sophomore-level transfer:
2.0 GPA minimum (Illinois and cumulative)
Strong applicants will have completed at least one of the following: ARCH 171, FAA 230, LA 101, UP 136, ARTH 211, a drawing course.
Junior-level transfer:
2.25 GPA minimum (Illinois and cumulative)
Must have completed ARCH 171
Must have completed a drawing course (ARTD 225, LA 280, or other).
Recommend completion of ARCH 172, LA 101, UP 136, ARTH 211
Students with higher than Junior standing will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Contact the Sustainable Design Advisor to discuss options. sustaindesign@illinois.edu
Apply Now for Spring admission!
Spring term: Applications accepted May 1 to October 15 for Spring 2027.
Admissions decisions provided two weeks after deadline.
Fall term: Applications accepted December 1 to March 15 for the upcoming fall 2027 term.
