Choose a degree that combines creativity, systems thinking, and sustainability to solve real-world challenges. The interdisciplinary Sustainable Design program develops creative thinkers ready to plan, prototype, and build solutions for the most urgent challenges of the 21st century.
I want my work to have impact. I’ve always cared about the environment and sustainability, but I also care deeply about social equity–and this program has helped me explore how those things intersect. I’ve gotten to work on projects that actually reflect what I want to do in the real world–not just theory, but practice.
Design the Future
Hear Directly from Sustainable Design Students
Click on the videos to hear from students about their dynamic journeys in the Sustainable Design program.
Ready to Join the Program?
Applying as a first-year student, transferring from another institution or applying for intercollegiate transfer? Take the next step with the information below.
Become a Sustainable Designer
Join the program directly from high school as a first-year student!
Visit Illinois:
Prepare to Apply:
- How to Apply as a First-Year Applicant
- How we Review First-Year applicants
- Additional information for International Students
Scholarship Information:
When you apply, you are automatically considered for University-wide and College specific merit-based scholarships.
Become a Sustainable Designer
Join the program from another institution!
Visit Illinois:
Prepare to Apply:
- Sustainable Design Transfer Handbook
- Steps to Transfer to Illinois
- How we Review Transfer Applicants
- Additional information for International Students
- Helpful information about Transferring Credits
- Important Dates and Deadlines for Fall and Spring Transfer Applicants
Why transfer to Sustainable Design:
- Transfer friendly – graduate in as little as two years!
- Download Sample Schedule Worksheet to see what courses you would take if you enter Sustainable Design in your first, second or third year.
- Learn about the Illinois Transfer Guarantee to streamline your application process.
- No portfolio required for admission, but students will develop a design generalist portfolio through their coursework, no matter what year they join the program.
Transferring from a Pathway Partner Institution:
- Parkland Pathways Information:
- Meet with FAA Undergraduate Academic Affairs to discuss Pathway Options
- Details on how to complete the Parkland Pathways information Parkland Pathway to Illinois application
- Other transfer Pathways to Illinois include:
Become a Sustainable Designer
Join the program through intercollegiate transfer!
Requirements
- Brief application with personal statement (500 words total)
- Why do you think sustainability issues are important?
- Describe a personal experience that highlights why society needs to include design in its efforts toward sustainability.
- 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.
Application Periods
- Fall term: Applications accepted December 1 to March 15 for the upcoming fall
- Spring term: Applications accepted May 1 to October 15 for the upcoming spring
- Admissions decisions provided two weeks after deadline
International students are encouraged to apply for first-year, off-campus and intercollegiate transfer to Sustainable Design!
The Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design is a major on the STEM designated degree list (30.3301, Sustainability Studies)
Questions about Optional Practical Training (OPT):
Visit the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for information about STEM designated OPT extension requirements and eligibility.
FAQs
Prospective Student FAQs
What scholarships are available for Sustainable Design Majors?
First-year and transfer students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships when they apply to Illinois. Learn about Illinois Commitment and other need-based scholarships.
Who can I contact to learn more?
Email sustaindesign@illinois.edu with any questions. We are happy to talk and meet with prospective students.
For additional admissions information, contact the Illinois Office of Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@illinois.edu or 217.333.0302
How do I apply to the Sustainable Design Program as a first-year student?
We accept students into Sustainable Design directly from high school as first-year students. Students applying to the program from high school can access the review process and application information hosted by the Office of Admissions.
How do I transfer to Sustainable Design from another major at Illinois?
The Sustainable Design major accepts Intercollege Transfers for fall and spring, with decisions provided two weeks after each deadline (Oct. 15 for Spring and March 15 for Fall). Applicants with higher than Junior standing are reviewed on a rolling basis. Contact the Sustainable Design advisor to discuss options. View applications requirements or apply now.
How do I transfer to Sustainable Design from another college or university?
BSSD accepts transfer applicants in the fall and spring semesters. Requirements and application information can be found in the Illinois Transfer Handbook. Follow the steps outlined to apply to FAA through the online application system and declare Sustainable Design as a major when applying.
Is the Sustainable Design major open to Parkland Pathway applicants?
Yes! The major in sustainable design is open to Parkland Pathway applicants, and all Illinois high school graduates and Illinois GED completers are welcome to apply. Additional information about the process is available from Illinois Undergraduate Admissions. Complete the Parkland Pathway to Illinois application and the Parkland College application for admission.
Other transfer Pathways to Illinois include: City Colleges of Chicago Pathway, Danville Area Community College Pathway, Illinois Central College Pathway, Rock Valley College Pathway
What is the Transfer Guarantee?
The B.S Sustainable Design Program is transfer friendly and you can graduate in as little as two years. Students transferring from any college or university within the United States are guaranteed admission into any of the University of Illinois System locations through The U of I Transfer Guarantee if they meet requirements. Learn more about the transfer guarantee.
Can international students apply to the Sustainable Design Program?
International students are encouraged to apply for admission. The Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design is a major on the STEM designated degree list (30.3301, Sustainability Studies), and international students on F-1 visas who meet the eligibility requirements are qualified for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) STEM extension. For questions about OPT, please review the website information or contact International Student and Scholar Services.