Course work in environmental architecture can lead to a variety of degrees. At the bachelor's degree level, you might major or minor in the field of environmental architecture. For example, the University of California Berkeley offers a minor in environmental design and urbanism in developing countries; Ball State University offers a four-year bachelor's degree program leading to a B.S. or B.A. with a major in environmental design.
At the graduate level, Ph.D. programs in environmental architecture abound. Arizona State University, for example, offers a cross-disciplinary doctorate program in design, environment and the arts. Kansas State University's College of Architecture also offers a doctorate-level program, with a focus on environmental design and planning.
To participate in environmental architecture courses, you must fulfill specific requirements according to the particular program's scope and competitiveness. For example, the University of California Berkeley opens participation in its minor in environmental design and urbanism in developing countries to students in all majors. By contrast, Ball State University's undergraduate program in environmental design is closed to architecture majors. Participation in environmental architecture programs does not necessarily demand training as an architect. For example, Kansas State University's Ph.D. program in environmental design and planning simply requires a master's degree or comparable professional, creative or research experience.
Courses in environmental architecture may cover a range of themes and issues. Among these, many programs address sustainable practices, environmental and energy issues, urbanism and urban planning, public policy and design. Related themes may also include history, theory and criticism of design; related themes from anthropology, history or economics; landscape and interior architecture; and ecology.
Upon completing course work in environmental architecture, your studies may prepare you for a number of professional positions within the fields of architecture, urban planning, construction and design. An undergraduate degree may prepare you for further pre-professional study in architecture or for an architecture-related position other than an architect, such as a position in public policy or urban planning. Graduate and post-graduate programs may prepare graduates for positions at architecture and design firms, at public or private organizations, at governmental organizations or for teaching posts in the fields of architecture, art history or design.