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    University of Pennsylvania

    Master of Science in Design (MSD) - Environmental Building Design

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Philadelphia, USMSDIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $126,616.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    16
    Credits
    $80.00
    App fee

    Master of Science in Design (MSD) - Environmental Building Design at University of Pennsylvania is a 16-credit, 2-year, in-person MSD program based in Philadelphia, US. Tuition is $126,616 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The MSD in Environmental Building Design (MSD-EBD) is a research-oriented, four-semester, post-professional degree focused on integrating performance analysis with architectural design. Students complete a second-year design-based research project involving techniques such as prototyping, monitoring, and modelling, culminating in a design review and preparation of an article for publication.

    Focus: research
    QS Architecture #28 worldwide
    Part-time option

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Jan 7, 2027

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min TOEFL: 100 total and a minimum of 25 in each section
    IELTS
    required
    Min IELTS: 7 overall band score and a minimum of 7 on each section

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $20,000.00
    Annual living cost

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    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Science in Design (MSD) - Environmental Building Design at University of Pennsylvania cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Science in Design (MSD) - Environmental Building Design at University of Pennsylvania is $126,616 across 16 required credits.
    Is Master of Science in Design (MSD) - Environmental Building Design at University of Pennsylvania online or in-person?
    Master of Science in Design (MSD) - Environmental Building Design at University of Pennsylvania is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Science in Design (MSD) - Environmental Building Design at University of Pennsylvania take to complete?
    Master of Science in Design (MSD) - Environmental Building Design at University of Pennsylvania is structured around 2 years and 16 credits.
    Is Master of Science in Design (MSD) - Environmental Building Design at University of Pennsylvania STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Science in Design (MSD) - Environmental Building Design at University of Pennsylvania is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.
    What work-permit options follow Master of Science in Design (MSD) - Environmental Building Design at University of Pennsylvania?
    Post-completion work rights for Master of Science in Design (MSD) - Environmental Building Design at University of Pennsylvania: 12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)