How can I learn more about the Sustainable Design Major's Academic Program?
The Guidebook includes more detail on our program mission, learning outcomes, course descriptions, and policies.
The Course Catalogue includes everything you need to know about degree requirements and courses, including sample schedules.
View sample schedules for students joining BSSD in their first, sophomore, and junior years.
Problem Solving for a Changing World
What You’ll Learn
- Sustainability Principles & Practices;
- Design Thinking & Practice;
- Visual & Material Communication in 2-D & 3-D;
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Design Software;
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration;
- Systems Thinking;
- And how to blend all of the above to address complex environmental problems across scales!
What sets the B.S. Sustainable Design major apart from other programs?
Interdisciplinary & Individualized
Traverse traditional disciplinary boundaries while gaining concrete skills. Our students take courses in graphic and industrial design, architecture, landscape architecture, and urban and regional planning.
Personalized Guidance
As a small program, we have a dedicated team of advisors who meet regularly with students to ensure all have the support they need to choose their path and meet their goals.
Beyond Design
From engineering to environmental science, many students choose to double major or minor to further expand and deepen their knowledge.
The Capstone
A cornerstone of the program, every BSSD student completes a year-long project specific to their interests. Students leverage knowledge gained in previous coursework while learning multiple design and research methods.
Study Abroad
UIUC offers semester, summer, and short-term programs that are open to Sustainable Design majors. Many programs have a sustainable design focus and, with careful planning, our students could have the flexibility to study abroad for as much as a year. Check out the Education Abroad website for current university-wide offerings and talk with your advisor to make a plan.
Accelerated Graduate Programs
Sustainable Design majors can apply for one of three accelerated graduate programs within the College of Fine & Applied Arts, giving them a major boost on their resume without sacrificing too much time or money. It takes just 1-2 years beyond the initial 4 to complete a Master in Urban Planning, a Master of Fine Arts in Design for Responsible Innovation, or a Master in Landscape Architecture.
Career Pathways
Through required coursework, all BSSD students graduate as competent design generalists ready to work in a range of fields. Through careful selection of courses, students can also prepare themselves to be specialists in one or more areas of design and sustainability. Our graduates go on to careers in green building and architecture, urban and regional planning, environmental policy, clean tech, renewable energy, landscape restoration, conservation, and more.