Two EBD degrees--a one-year MEBD and a two-year MSD-EBD--train architects in the new skills and knowledge required for environmental design and especially in the design techniques with which those skills must be integrated into the practice of architecture. Both degrees are STEM qualified and include 3 years of OPT under current visa rules. The course of study includes coursework on building performance simulation, integrated building design, building envelopes and systems, lighting, daylighting, prototyping and monitoring, and the theory and practice of environmental design. Coursework is complemented and extended by a Performance Design Workshop and then explored in a Bio-Climactic Studio and an EBD Research Studio.
The challenge to architects is to operate at scales greater and smaller than that of the building, requiring the understanding of the chemistry of materials as well as consideration of the impact of whole populations of buildings on their local, regional, and global ecosystems.
With the renewed urgency of environmental issues—from global climate change and resource shortages to “net zero” design—architects are faced with demands for new kinds of services that require new approaches to design.
"EBD gave me the tools to understand the ways that energy shapes architecture, and vice versa. It enabled me to speak in terms of building science, HVAC, electricity, and performance simulation, while still in the realm of design, human behavior and aesthetics. On a conceptual level, the content from Ecology, Technology, & Design, especially the focus on systems thinking helped me understand the idea of design leverage - places to intervene in a system to affect change."
Jose Barria ‘17, Entròpica
Our Remarkable Team of Experts
The Department of Architecture at Penn has gathered a remarkable team of experts to teach in the program. The program connects to faculty and related research in energy and environmental studies at Penn to advance architects’ skills in this crucial area of design and technology.
Faculty research
EBD faculty and students conduct research and consulting projects in a number of related research units at Penn. the Center for Environmental Building + Design, the Thermal Architecture Lab, and the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy.
Alumni of the EBD Programs
Students in the EBD programs gain new skills and find new job opportunities after they graduate. About half of the alumni work in architecture practices, mostly in specialized sustainability or research units, but also as designers and project architects. Another 40% work in consulting practices, especially those focused on early design phases, though others have found positions in closely related fields. Finally, a number of students continue on to pursue PhD degrees so they can teach or conduct research.
Program Sponsors
We thank SANKEN SETSUBI KOGYO for their sponsorship of the research courses of this program in 2026-2027.
We thank the National Science Foundation for their support of our graduate students in years 2026-2028.
Contact us for more information
For questions about the program, life at the school, or anything else you can contact the Student Ambassador, a current student, or the Faculty Director of the program.
Student Ambassadors
Shuoqi Ding
Adithi Garood
Faculty
Professor William Braham, Director
Professor Dorit Aviv
FAQ
What is Environmental Building Design (EBD)?
EBD is a post-professional program in Penn's Department of Architecture that trains architects to integrate building performance analysis directly into design practice.
What's the difference between the MEBD and the MSD-EBD?
The MEBD is a two-semester, professionally oriented degree. The MSD-EBD is a four-semester, research-oriented degree. Both share a common first year of coursework; MSD-EBD students continue into a second, research-intensive year focused on innovation and design.
How long does each program take?
The MEBD is one year (2 semesters, 10.0 CU). The MSD-EBD is two years (4 semesters, 16.0 CU).
Are the EBD degrees STEM-certified?
Yes. Both the MEBD and MSD-EBD are STEM-qualified degrees, which under current visa rules gives international graduates up to 3 years of Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Do the two degrees share coursework?
Yes — MEBD and MSD-EBD students take the same required courses and Bioclimatic Design Studio in year one. They separate after that: MEBD students graduate, while MSD-EBD students continue into research methods coursework and an independent research project.
What career paths do EBD graduates pursue?
About half of alumni work in architecture practices, mostly in specialized sustainability or research units, as well as designers and project architects. Roughly 40% work in consulting practices focused on early design phases. The remainder pursue PhDs to teach or conduct research.
Curriculum & Courses
What is the structure of the first-year curriculum?
Fall semester pairs History & Theory of Architecture & Climate (ARCH7180), Fundamentals of Bioclimatic Design (ARCH7520), and Building Performance Simulation (ARCH7530) with designated electives. In spring, Ecology, Technology, and Design (ARCH7510) and the Performance Design Workshop (ARCH7540) run alongside the Bioclimatic Design Studio (ARCH7080), which explores the limits of climate-responsive design integrated with innovative mechanical systems.
What does the MSD-EBD's second-year research project involve?
Semester three adds EBD Research Methods (ARCH7550) and Thermodynamic Systems and Methods for Buildings (ARCH7560). Semester four centers on the EBD Research Project (ARCH7090) — a design-based research project combining invention with evidence-based design and performance analysis. The year ends in a design review and preparation of an article for publication; students may also take a reduced course load in the final semester to focus on research and lower tuition costs.
What electives are available?
Designated electives have included topics such as parametric life-cycle assessment, daylighting, and biomaterial architectures, alongside optional electives drawn from across the University to support each student's research agenda. Course offerings can change year to year — check the program's Courses page for the current list.
Is the "Fundamentals of Bioclimatic Design" Coursera course open to the public?
Yes, there is an online Coursera version of Fundamentals of Bioclimatic Design, which is a short version of the on-campus course (ARCH7520). For current enrollment terms and public access, check the course's Coursera listing.
Certificates
What's the difference between the EARC and the EBDC?
The Ecological Architecture Certificate (EARC) is a flexible selection of courses open to MArch students or other Penn graduate students — 2 required courses plus 3.0 CU of designated electives tagged with the FMEB attribute in Path@Penn.
The Environmental Building Design Certificate (EBDC) is for Master of Architecture students and lets them complete most MEBD-required courses plus the Bioclimatic Studio in their final semester (6.0 CU total).
Can current MArch students enroll in the EBD Certificate (EBDC)?
Yes. MArch students apply after arriving at Penn by submitting a one-page essay on their interest in environmental building design, a Weitzman certificate application, and a copy of their PennInTouch transcript. Accepted students join the incoming MEBD cohort's Bioclimatic Design Studio (ARCH7080); the four seminar courses (ARCH7510, 7520, 7530, 7540) can be taken independently of certificate acceptance.
Is there a certificate connecting EBD to Penn Engineering?
Yes — the Climate-CARE Certificate (Climate Action and Resilience for Extreme Urban Heat), funded by the National Science Foundation, pairs Weitzman and Penn Engineering graduate students on climate-resilience research. It's open to any matriculated graduate student in an eligible program, with a tuition award available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Admissions & Applying
How do I apply to the MEBD or MSD-EBD?
Applications go through Weitzman School's central graduate admissions system.
What does the application require?
A digital portfolio, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement (500 words max) plus a community essay, a resume, transcripts, a writing sample (roughly 3,500 words / 10 pages), and a computing skills and software proficiency statement. Applicants whose undergraduate training wasn't conducted in English must also submit an English proficiency score (IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo).
Is a prior professional architecture degree required?
The EBD applicants must hold a degree in architecture such as a B.A.Arch, B.S.Arch, B.Arch, M.Arch, or an equivalent degree with some design content, such as a Bachelors or Masters in Engineering, Landscape, or Interiors. Both degrees require some experience with architecture, engineering, or design, so the portfolio requirement is designed to demonstrate visual and spatial ability.
What's the application deadline?
Applications are due in January. Specific deadlines are set annually by Weitzman's central graduate admissions office and shift from cycle to cycle. See the school's How to Apply page.
Is funding available for EBD students?
Yes, through program-specific fellowships (see Faculty & Research below) as well as Weitzman's general financial aid process. For tuition and aid specifics, see the school's central graduate admissions pages.
Faculty & Research
Who teaches in the EBD program?
The program is directed by Professor William W. Braham (Director, MSD-EBD Program / Center for Environmental Building + Design), alongside Professor Dorit Aviv, with a wider team of experts in the Department of Architecture connected to Penn's broader energy and environmental studies research.
What research centers are affiliated with EBD?
The Center for Environmental Building + Design, the Thermal Architecture Lab, and the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy. EBD faculty and students conduct research and consulting projects through all three.
Are there fellowships or prizes for MSD-EBD students?
There are three: the Muscoe Martin Green Building Fellowship (a paid stipend to research alongside Green Building United, open to second-semester MSD-EBD students), the Don Prowler Prize (an annual teaching fellowship and TA appointment for a second-semester MSD-EBD student), and the Climate-CARE tuition award for incoming students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Student Life & Contact
Who can I contact with questions about the program?
The EBD site lists two contact routes: current Student Ambassadors for questions about the program or life at the school, and Faculty Director Professor William Braham or Professor Dorit Aviv for programmatic questions.
Can I talk to a current student before applying?
Yes — that's exactly what the Student Ambassador program is for. Prospective applicants are encouraged to reach out directly with questions about coursework, studio life, or the application process.
Where can I see examples of student work?
The EBD homepage's "Recent Work" section features current studio and thesis projects — recent examples include a façade-integrated thermosiphon ventilation system, a 3D-printed clay envelope for moisture removal, and climate-responsive school designs. A "Meet the Alumni" page also profiles graduates and where they've landed.
