Program Overview

Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Sustainable Building Design and Operation prepares professionals to design, evaluate and optimize high-performing building systems and sustainable infrastructure. As industries increasingly prioritize climate resilience, energy efficiency and smart-building technologies, the demand for professionals with expertise in sustainable building design and environmental systems continues to grow. 

Through an industry-focused, interdisciplinary curriculum, students develop expertise in sustainable building design, environmental systems performance assessment and smart building control systems. Graduates will be prepared to develop practical solutions that improve building performance, indoor environmental quality and long-term operational sustainability. 

This fully online graduate program leverages the expertise and research excellence of Purdue’s world-renowned College of Engineering faculty. 

Learning Outcomes

  • Design energy-efficient, sustainable and comfortable buildings across varying climates and environmental conditions
  • Apply advanced simulation tools to evaluate building energy use and performance
  • Integrate building envelope systems, mechanical systems and smart building controls to optimize building operations
  • Balance indoor environmental quality, including thermal comfort, lighting, acoustics and air quality, with building energy performance

Curriculum

The Sustainable Building Design and Operation major equips gradates with advanced expertise in building design, indoor environmental quality and energy-efficient building operations. Students learn to design and operate high-performing buildings that prioritize reduced greenhouse gas emissions, occupant comfort and long-term operational efficiency. Specialized coursework explores areas including building envelope systems, smart building controls, thermal systems, lighting, acoustics and air quality management.

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5.4% growth

in annual openings 2023-2027

Lightcast, 2025

89,235

job openings in 2023

Lightcast, 2025

$71,600

average salary

Lightcast, 2025

Career Outlook

The master's in sustainable engineering prepares graduates for roles like**:

  • Building Operations Manager
  • Environmental Health and Safety Manager
  • Building Sustainability Consultant
  • Environmental Project Manager
  • Building/Energy Systems Senior Engineer
  • Indoor Environmental Quality Manager
  • Senior Building Performance Modeler/Engineer

Admissions Requirements

Criteria for Admissions

  • Minimum GPA of a 3.0
  • Math Background: No math is required. Calculus I, Calculus II and either Linear Algebra or Differential Equations is recommended.
  • Engineering Background: Preferred undergraduate degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics or Technology

Application Requirements

  • Transcripts from all universities attended
  • 3 recommenders
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • A professional resume
  • Math prerequisite checklist, if applicable
  • Full admissions requirements

Application Deadlines

  • For Fall Start:
    August 1
  • For Spring Start:
    December 1
  • For Summer Start:
    May 1

Tuition*

  • Resident of Indiana: $1,139 per credit hour
  • Nonresident of Indiana: $1,459 per credit hour
  • Domestic students and permanent residents may qualify for the following types of financial aid: US
    • federal financial aid, Military, veterans, and military-connected students

*The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition cost. **Lightcast, 2025.

Explore All Online Sustainability Engineering Degrees

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Contact Us

You are not alone in taking your next giant leap. Connect with a Purdue University online enrollment counselor to get your questions answered, receive personalized application support and start planning your degree journey with confidence. Simply fill out this form to request more information and receive additional program materials. 

It’s your first step toward becoming a Purdue Boilermaker, joining a community of innovators, leaders and changemakers committed to making giant leaps that shape industries, advance ideas and move the world forward.