Chicago, Illinois, USA, Published on Unsplash on September 23 2019, SONY, ILCE-6300Academics / Master's ProgramArchitectural Engineering & Sustainable Design Master's Specialization
Designing the built environment of tomorrow for a sustainable future
Architectural engineers shape the built environment at the intersection of technology, design, and sustainability. The Architectural Engineering and Sustainable Design specialization within Northwestern's Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering prepares students to lead the next generation of high-performance, resilient, and human-centric buildings.
This program combines architectural thinking with engineering precision, equipping students with the tools to design buildings that are not only structurally sound and energy-efficient but also support occupant well-being and environmental stewardship. Through interdisciplinary coursework and hands-on studio experiences, students learn to integrate building systems—structural, mechanical, electrical, lighting, and envelope—into cohesive, sustainable designs.
Lead the transformation of the built environment
- Develop integrated building systems with sustainability at the core
- Explore the intersection of design, technology, and human experience
- Learn from top Chicago-based design and engineering firms
- Master energy modeling, daylighting, and indoor environmental quality
- Gain real-world experience through studios and collaborative projects
- Design buildings that perform—for people and the planet
- Build a professional network through seminars, workshops, and career events
Prepare to become a leader in the future of sustainable architecture and engineering.
Curriculum Overview
The Architectural Engineering and Sustainable Design specialization consists of 12 courses, with three core courses and three other courses that must be chosen from a pool of courses focused on sustainability in the built environment (i.e., Sustainability Cores). Students can then choose the remaining elective courses in the same pool of sustainability cores or from the “Sustainability+” or “Data science/AI/ML” focus. Students can also choose to pursue the Research Track (i.e., MS Thesis Option), which includes three dedicated research units in addition to nine courses. The choice of courses must be based on the student's career objectives and interests.
The three core courses are “CIV_ENV_388-1-Building Science: Fundamentals” (Fall), “CIV_ENV_395- Towards Carbon-Neutral Built Environment” (Winter), and “CIV_ENV_395-Climate-Adaptive Design in the Built Environment” (Spring), and they form the intellectual backbone of the Architectural Engineering and Sustainable Design specialization. Together, they provide a progressive and integrated framework. Building Science: Fundamentals establishes the scientific principles governing heat, air, moisture, light, and sound in buildings, equipping students with the analytical tools necessary to understand building performance and building energy consumption. Towards Carbon-Neutral Built Environment builds on this foundation by addressing decarbonization strategies across scales, from materials to systems and districts, integrating life-cycle thinking and climate mitigation approaches. Climate-Adaptive Design in the Built Environment then translates theory into design application, challenging students to develop responsive architectural and engineering solutions able to adapt to environmental and weather conditions that change over timescales from minutes to years. Collectively, these courses ensure that graduates develop strong scientific literacy, systems-level understanding, and design capability, preparing them to lead the transition toward low-carbon, high-performance, and climate-resilient built environments.
Seminars & Career Fair
As part of the curriculum, students must attend the Built Environment Professional Development Seminar, offering students an in-depth exploration of the wide range of career opportunities available within the built environment sector. Through presentations of real-world case studies, leaders from prestigious firms in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector will guide students in understanding how different roles and industries collaborate to solve complex challenges. The course also allows students to practice asking thoughtful questions, being active listeners, and building rapport—skills that help develop professional relationships or "network".
In addition, the department organizes two career fairs annually to connect students to employers and support students to attend the annual steel conference.
Questions?
Contact us with questions about this specialization at civil-info@northwestern.edu and/or giorgia.chinazzo@northwestern.edu