Sustainable Design

The MSAS|SD program is offered in a low-residency online format, integrating pre-recorded content with live online meetings. In addition, students participate in three short in-person sessions: an orientation in Gainesville, a field trip, and a final on-site presentation.

Sustainability in the design, construction, and planning of the built environment serves as the unifying focus across the professional programs in our college, aligning with the University of Florida’s strategic plan. The University is recognized nationally and internationally as one of the leading public institutions in teaching, research, and consulting on sustainability. The MSAS|SD program brings together the diverse expertise of our faculty around a shared commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the built environment.

Students gain rigorous exposure to sustainable design thinking from a global perspective, the opportunity to conduct in-depth research within their area of focus, and the distinction of earning a degree from one of the world’s top public research universities.

Why Choose a Low-Residency Distance Learning Program

The Low-Residency Distance Learning format is designed for students whose professional or personal commitments make relocation impractical. It combines the flexibility of advanced online learning with the depth of intensive, face-to-face workshops, fostering engagement among faculty and peers from around the world. This structure enables students to pursue graduate study in sustainable design while continuing their professional and personal pursuits.

Extensive research, including a 12-year study by the U.S. Department of Education (2009) and findings from Boston University, shows that students in well-structured online programs perform as well as—or better than—those in traditional classroom settings. MSAS|SD students enjoy the same rights and privileges as all University of Florida graduate students, including full access to UF’s digital library collections and academic advising. Through this model, high-quality instruction and immersive workshops are delivered directly to you, wherever you are, making sure that distance never limits your access to an exceptional education in sustainable design.