The Master of Arts Degree in Environmental Design trains students to address environment-related issues in research and design using scientific, evidence-based approaches. The program focuses on the complex interdisciplinary nature on sustainable environments. Students will develop a highly individualized plan of study with a focus in sustainable built, natural, and virtual environments. Students who are enrolled in the program will be able to take courses on topics including, but not limited to, built and natural environment planning and design; environment design assessment; social science; environmental resource development; city and regional planning, research methods; or community engagement; in addition to courses in the major.
The Master of Arts Degree in Environmental Design addresses four areas of professional development. These include:
- acquisition of in-depth knowledge in the area of environmental design theory;
- development of problem-solving skills within an interdisciplinary professional context;
- development of technological expertise and a knowledge base in a selected area of environmental research and design; and
- a greater command of analytical, graphic, written, and oral communication skills.
All students will take a core of three courses in environmental design (theory, seminar, and studio), in addition to either a Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). Students will elect relevant courses in fields which pertain to their design area of interest.
The program provides an alternative to traditional professional degrees by addressing the needs of students with undergraduate design backgrounds who wish to work in an interdisciplinary setting while pursuing an area of individual interest.
Admission
To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts in Environmental Design, the applicant must have:
- completed a bachelor’s degree in a design related field such as horticulture, park and recreation, interior design, landscape architecture, or architecture.
- a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 in design and technology courses with an academic background sufficient to indicate probable success in the program.
- a portfolio of design work.
- acceptance as an advisee by a participating environmental design faculty member.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, students must meet the requirements specified below.
Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Environmental Design
Students in the Master of Arts in Environmental Design must complete a total of 30 credits for the degree under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). A minimum of 15 of those credits must be at the 800-level or above, distributed as follows:
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| 1. |
All of the following core courses (12 credits): |
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IDES |
892 |
Research Fundamentals in Environmental Design |
3 |
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LA |
816 |
Environmental Design Theory |
3 |
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LA |
817 |
Environmental Design Studio |
3 |
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LA |
883 |
Environmental Design Seminar |
3 |
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Guided elective courses related to the student’s area of design interest, chosen in consultation with the student’s academic advisor. |
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For Plan A , students must complete a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 9 credits of Master’s Thesis Research (LA 899). They must also prepare a written thesis and pass an oral examination.
For Plan B, students must complete 6 credits of Master’s Thesis Practicum (LA 898). They must also complete either a major planning or design project or pass a comprehensive examination.