Why Study Sustainable Design at UIUC?
Design Your Education – Design Your Future
An Interdisciplinary Edge
Collaborate across architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, product and communication design, and environmental science.
Hands-On Learning
Work on projects that connect design with communities, technology, and policy
A Living Lab for Sustainability
Join a campus with green infrastructure projects, advanced studios, and opportunities to test your ideas in action.
Top-Tier Reputation
A world-class university known for innovation, research, and creativity.
Personalized Program, Big University Impact
Small-program attention with access to the unmatched resources of a leading research university.
Launch Your Career
Gain skills to enter fields from green building to policy analysis—or pursue graduate studies in design and sustainability.
Hear from Sustainable Design Students
Want to know more about the Sustainable Design student experience? Click the videos to hear from students about their dynamic journeys in the Sustainable Design program.
Join the Program
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.
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, ARTH 211, FAA 230, LA 101, UP 136, 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)
- Recommended completion of ARCH 172, ARTH 211, LA 101, and UP 136
- Students with higher than Junior standing will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Contact the Sustainable Design advisor at go.illinois.edu/BSSDAdvising to discuss options.
Applying
Spring term: applications accepted May 1 to October 15 for the upcoming spring
Fall term: applications accepted December 1 to March 15 for the upcoming fall
Admissions decisions are provided two weeks after a deadline.
Apply Now
The major in sustainable design will accept new off-campus transfer students for fall and spring semesters.
Requirements
Students wishing to transfer from another institution can find detailed information in the Illinois Transfer Handbook.
Applying
Students desiring to transfer from other institutions should follow the steps for applying to FAA through the online application system. For additional information, contact:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Voice: 217.333.0302
admissions@illinois.edu
Incoming students should declare sustainable design as a major when applying.
Parkland Pathway
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. Download an example pathway.
Other Pathways to Illinois
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.
Scholarships
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.
Learn More
Email sustaindesign@illinois.edu with any questions.