The Summer Institute in Environmental Design course at the University of California, Berkeley enables students and professionals to learn about architecture and its related fields.

Since 2008, UC Berkeley's College of Environmental Design has offered intensive summer programmes for young professionals and prospective graduate degree applicants.

Each summer, students can choose between three immersive courses in architecture, landscape architecture and city planning. The courses begin in July 2026.

In these foundational courses, students explore methods and theories driving the field, experience the culture of design and planning studios and develop a competitive portfolio for job and graduate school applications with the expert guidance of faculty mentors.

Each of the six-week programmes includes a lecture series, a design or planning studio, media workshops and field work.

Students have ample opportunity to build a network with like-minded peers and connect with faculty and acclaimed guest lecturers.

Programme alumni have been accepted to prestigious graduate programmes in their fields and moved on to become respected environmental designers addressing and impacting today's environmental and social equity challenges.

All classes take place in person on the UC Berkeley campus. International students are welcome and encouraged to apply.

After fulfilling the programme requirements, students receive a certificate of completion and credit on an official UC Berkeley transcript.

School: College of Environmental Design at UC Berkeley
Course: Summer Institute in Environmental Design
Type: Short course
Location: Berkeley, California, USA
Course dates: July to August 2026
Application deadline: 10 May 2026

Find out more about the course here >

What will I learn during this course?

Students choose from one of three cohorts: Architecture, Landscape Architecture, City Planning and Urban Design.

Students will learn:

– Fundamentals of environmental design and planning
– To see design as both a creative process and a form of critical inquiry, linking spatial experimentation with social, cultural and environmental awareness
– To create plans and models and refine designs in response to frequent feedback from instructors
– About career options in environmental design and how to build a portfolio for graduate school

What are the requirements?

– Any bachelor's degree – or close to finishing any bachelor programme if a master in the chosen field is strongly considered
– An online application with essay, statement of intent, most recent transcript and a current resume
– Previous design experience is welcome but not required
– Commitment to fully participate in the full-time programme for six weeks

What facilities and resources are available?

– Studio and classrooms in Bauer Wurster Hall, the home of UC Berkeley's College of Environmental Design
– Field research and exploration, as well as company visits in the San Francisco Bay Area

Dezeen Courses

Dezeen Courses is a service from Dezeen that provides details of architecture, interiors and design courses around the world. Click here for more information.