The Master of Science in Architecture: Sustainability Concentration course at University of North Carolina Charlotte explores sustainability-focused architecture, with access to specialist facilities.

Master of Science in Architecture (MS): Sustainability Concentration at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte provides a non-professional graduate degree for those who need advanced knowledge and experience in sustainability-focused architecture research. The course goes beyond what accredited professional programmes provide – the curriculum includes core research methods and interdisciplinary skills education with research-driven architectural topics.

The Sustainability Concentration includes topics about regenerative material systems, renewable energy integration, indoor environmental quality, net zero buildings and climate-responsive design.

In this research concentration, students examine architecture as a regenerative systems not static systems capable of benefiting ecological systems, human wellbeing and the built environment, rather than not just reducing harm and/or improving efficiency.

The Sustainable Facade Systems (SFS) course builds upon hands-on regenerative technologies and performance validation activities focused on photobioreactor building envelopes. This course bridges biology and architecture by promoting symbiotic, nature-based solutions that balance microalgae cultivations, human wellbeing and the built environment.

The Sustainability Concentration requires students to develop their research abilities through rigorous research training, including research questions, hypothesis, theoretical frameworks, literature review, as well as qualitative and quantitative research methods.

The programme enables graduates to engage in architectural research that contributes meaningfully to both design creativity and technical innovation across professional practice, building science and academic contexts.

School: University of North Carolina Charlotte
Course: Master of Science in Architecture: Sustainability Concentration
Type: Postgraduate
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA
Course dates: September 2026 to May 2027
Application deadline: Accepting applications

Find out more about the course and apply ›

What will I learn during this course?

– Learn how to conduct architectural research, from forming research questions and hypothesis to validating research inquiry using qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
– Develop regenerative systems that support human wellbeing, ecosystems and the built environment
– Understand sustainable architecture though theoretical framework and emerging technologies
– Engage in hands-on prototyping and performance validation using simulations, testing and digital fabrication

What are the requirements?

– Open to undergraduate and graduate students across design and engineering disciplines
– Active participation in collaborative and interdisciplinary work

What facilities and resources are available?

– Integrated Design Research Lab – including high-graphics PCs, high resolution thermal cameras on both hand-held and unmanned aerial vehicles and various environmental sensors and data loggers
– Computer Lab
– Fabrication Lab – including robotic manufacturing and CNC tooling for metals, woods and plastics which assist fabrication and prototyping

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

Graduates are prepared for careers in regenerative and net-zero buildings, advanced architectural systems and environmental performance.

The programme supports industry roles such as regenerative technology specialist, regenerative design researcher, building performance specialist, facade designer/engineer and climate and energy analyst.

In scholarly research environments, the programme prepares graduates for roles, including doctoral researchers, research associates, professors and academic fellows.

Who teaches this course?

– Kyoung Hee Kim, professor of architecture

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