Online M.S. in
Environmental Design
Texas Tech’s nationally recognized online master’s in Environmental Design prepares you to lead at the intersection of human behavior and the built environment — with a focus on sustainability, healthcare, and specialized populations. Complete your degree fully online, from anywhere in the world.
Design spaces that shape human experience
Texas Tech’s online Master of Science in Environmental Design is built for working designers ready to advance their expertise. The program explores the relationship between human behavior and the built environment, with specializations in sustainability, healthcare design, learning environments, and special populations.
Whether you come from a background in interior design, architecture, or a related field, the program offers a focused graduate experience designed to elevate your practice — all from the convenience of your own space.
Upon successful completion, you will be prepared to:
- Apply evidence-based design principles to complex human environments.
- Lead design projects addressing sustainability, accessibility, and specialized populations.
- Conduct and publish original research in environmental design.
- Demonstrate expertise in healthcare, residential, or commercial design contexts.
- Earn industry-recognized professional credentials including LEED, WELL, BIM, EDAC, or OLE!
Career Paths
Graduates pursue roles across interior design, architecture, research, and academia. Common job titles include:
- Interior Designer
- Environmental Designer
- Healthcare Design Specialist
- Sustainability Consultant
- Design Researcher
- Historic Preservation Specialist
- Postsecondary Design Instructor
What can you do with this degree?
Graduates move into leadership and specialized design roles in a competitive field. Interior designers earn a median annual wage of $63,490, with about 7,800 openings projected each year on average from 2024 to 2034.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2024
Not ready to commit to the full master’s? Start with a graduate certificate.
The Graduate Certificate in Human Centered Design is a 12-hour, four-course program designed for working professionals and graduate students seeking advanced capability in human-centered approaches to complex design challenges. The program emphasizes understanding human needs and behaviors to develop effective design solutions.
Every credit you earn in the certificate counts toward the online M.S. in Environmental Design — and credits may also be applied toward the Ph.D. in Interior and Environmental Design at Texas Tech. It’s a flexible entry point that lets you build credentials now and continue toward a full master’s degree on your own timeline.
Total: 12 credit hours | Credits apply toward the M.S. and Ph.D.
ENVD 6370 and ENVD 6381 are offered in the fall.
Certificate Coursework
Required:
- ENVD 5383: Sustainable Communities and Design
- ENVD 5385: Design for Health
- ENVD 6370: Technology and Development
Guided Elective (choose one):
- ENVD 5380: Human Factors: Ergonomics in Environmental Design
- ENVD 6381: Environment and Behavioral Design Analysis
- ENVD 5382: Environmental Design Systems
- ENVD 5388: Design for Inclusion
Why Texas Tech Environmental Design?
Faculty Expertise
Our faculty combine doctoral expertise with years of professional experience in commercial, residential, healthcare, and environmental design — and Texas Tech has earned widespread recognition for innovations that accommodate elderly, disabled, and other special populations.
Industry Certifications
Instead of a traditional thesis or capstone, the program culminates in a professional certification component. Students choose two credentials from a select list — including LEED, WELL, BIM, EDAC, and OLE! — and prepare for and sit for the corresponding exams. The program boasts a 90%+ pass rate among graduates.
Note: Students are not required to pass the exams to graduate.
Professional Network
The department’s advisory board of alumni and practicing designers provides a built-in professional network to support your career development.
Publication Opportunities
The department’s research reputation opens doors for student publication in journals including the Health Environment Research & Design Journal and Journal of Environmental Psychology.
Texas Tech’s online M.S. in Environmental Design is structured to be completed in approximately one year and is open to applicants from interior design, architecture, and related fields. Part-time enrollment is available for those in professional practice.
How to Apply
All application materials must be submitted through the Texas Tech Graduate School online portal.
Apply NowApplication Deadlines
- Fall: June 15
- Spring: October 15
- Summer: February 15
Requirements
- GPA from undergraduate/graduate study
- TOEFL scores (international students)
- Copies of official transcripts
- 3 letters of recommendation (preferably from both academic and industry sources)
- Portfolio review
- Personal statement including career goals and objectives
- Writing example
- CV or resume including special accomplishments, leadership experience, and other relevant experience
- Phone and/or on-campus interview
Questions? Contact erin.r.sopronyi@ttu.edu or request information online.
Application Deadlines
Fall: June 15
Spring: October 15
Summer: February 15
Department of Design
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Address
Texas Tech University, P.O. Box 41220, Lubbock, TX 79409-1220 -
Phone
806.742.3050 -
Email
hs.webmaster@ttu.edu