Why Study Sustainable Design?
Graduates of this program will:
- Be prepared for a future in a sustainable world where ideas from many disciplines will be necessary to solve complex problems.
- Have a deep level of understanding of the fundamentals of sustainability and their functional links to the built environment.
- Have a strong understanding of design thinking and practice.
- Be skilled in applying basic principles of visual and material communication, including sketching, drafting, model making, 2D and 3D design software, and geographic information systems.
- Be savvy at working on multidisciplinary teams.
- Be well prepared for working in sustainability or pursuing more specialized graduate study.
Information Sessions
Visit us during an information session and learn more about applying or transferring to the Sustainable Design program.
On-Campus Information Sessions
The FAA Admissions team coordinates with Sustainable Design to offer on-campus experiences for prospective students. Learn more about these programs.
Virtual Information Sessions
BSSD Information Session
- September 13, 2024
- October 18, 2024
Joining the Program
Incoming First-Year Applicants
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.
Intercollege 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, 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
- No second-semester junior-level transfers will be admitted
Applying
Spring term: applications accepted May 1 to October 15 for the upcoming spring term
Fall 2024 and later fall terms: applications accepted December 1 to March 15 for the upcoming fall term
Admissions decisions are provided two weeks after a deadline.
Apply Now
Off-Campus Transfer
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
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.
Admitted Student Events
2023 Sustainable Design Admitted Events
There will be many opportunities and ways to engage with Sustainable Design at Illinois this spring. Sign up to attend on-campus or virtual events. We look forward to talking with you soon!
Learn More
Email sustaindesign@illinois.edu with any questions.