Design (Space Architecture and Extreme Environments), MSD
Aerospace Engineer, Architect, Architecture, Development, Environmental Studies, Exploration, Human Factors, Industrial Design, Innovation, Interior Design, Research, Space, Technology
Everything we do in space is for the Earth. This distinct research program combines elements of architecture, aerospace engineering, industrial design and environmental design to equip you with the knowledge and skills to design sustainable habitats, structures and systems for future space missions and inhabitation.
The Master of Science in Design program with a concentration in space architecture and extreme environments at The Design School is for students passionate about pushing the boundaries of design and engineering to shape the future of human habitation beyond Earth. This interdisciplinary degree program breaks conventional barriers and connects learners to the emerging space sector through innovative partnerships.
Students investigate how to live on another planet while discovering ways to improve lives on Earth. Through a curriculum emphasizing innovation, research and hands-on projects, students delve into human factors in space, limited resource utilization, microgravity effects and psychological well-being in extreme environments. Students learn in state-of-the-art facilities and have access to pioneering experts in the fields of space architecture and extreme environments.
The program prepares students for a rewarding career in designing alternatives for humanity to live, work and thrive in space. It involves exploring, learning and adapting to extreme environments to design habitats, structures and systems for an interplanetary future. Working collaboratively with people across disciplines and delving into ASU's broader space initiatives, students contribute to designing an inclusive and sustainable pathway to space with humans at the center.
- College/school:
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
36 credit hours and a thesis, or
36 credit hours including the required applied project course (DSC 593)
Required Core (3 credit hours) Concentration (6 credit hours) Research Methods (3 credit hours) Electives (15 credit hours) Research (3 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information In alignment with their academic and professional aspirations, the culminating experience provides students with the flexibility to choose between a traditional thesis or an applied project. The applied project is an opportunity for hands-on experience in solving practical challenges within extreme environments.
DSC 501 Qualitative Research in Design (3)
DSC 550 Prototyping Futures (3)
IND 544 Human Factors Systems and Documentation (3)
DSC 500 Research Methods (3)
DSC 592 Research (3)
DSC 593 Applied Project (6)
DSC 599 Thesis (6)
The program provides a wide variety of elective options offered by The Design School and collaborating units so students can tailor their education to align with their research interests and career objectives. Students may also explore other elective courses from affiliated schools with approval.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in architecture, engineering, environmental design, interior design, urban planning or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- letter of intent
- design portfolio
- contact information for two references
- professional resume or CV
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Admission Information
An applicant whose native language is not English is required to provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.
The Design School requires that the letter of intent, portfolio, resume or CV, and contact information for professional references must be submitted via SlideRoom in addition to the Graduate College application requirements. https://asudesign.slideroom.com/#/Login
In the letter of intent, applicants are required to express their intention to apply to the program by outlining the reasons for their application, their motivation for pursuing the program and their future goals in the field, briefly touching upon their background, experiences and qualifications that make them a suitable candidate for the program.
The design portfolio must be a curated collection of a candidate's design works, projects and creations to visually represent the applicant's skills, creativity, design sensibilities and ability to conceptualize, innovate and effectively communicate design ideas.
Applicants must submit contact information for two professional references. These can come from current and past faculty members, professional mentors, supervisors, or community leaders and elders.
Admission to the program is selective. Admission cannot be deferred. Students must enroll in the semester for which they are admitted; otherwise, another application must be submitted for the year in which they are applying.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 05/01 | Final |
| Session A/C | In Person | 01/15 | Priority |
Graduates of the space architecture and extreme environments concentration pursue careers as:
- space architects
- space artists
- space eco-tourism consultants
- space industry analysts
- space industry consultants
- space industrial designers
- space interior designers
- space tourism experience designers
- space visual graphic designers
Graduates can specialize for roles specific to the aerospace industry such as:
- aerospace entrepreneur
- environmental control and life support systems designer
- environmental impact assessor
- environmental scientist
- extraterrestrial habitat designer
- planetary designer
- science communicator
They also have the skills to work outside the space industry as:
- educators
- human factors specialists
- materials scientists
- sustainable design consultants
- urban space planners
The Design School
|
CDN 288
designgrad@asu.edu
480-965-3536
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
