Southern Methodist to Launch Sustainable Design Degree Program

DALLAS, Texas — Bringing together leaders from industry, government and academia, SMU is working to develop an advanced degree program in sustainable design that combines ideas from engineering, architecture and technology into a forward-looking Master's degree program.

The school's Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering (ENCE) is currently brainstorming with leaders from these fields to develop the strongest course of study for the new program, which will launch in the 2008-2009 school year and will complement the degree it offers in Environmental and Civil Engineering.

"Very few universities have a sustainable design degree program," said Dr. Laura J. Steinberg, Chair of the ENCE. "SMU has always been at the forefront of delivering relevant courses. That's why we are currently exploring all of the elements of green design that would complement our program offerings in environmentalism."

SMU convened a symposium late last month to begin shaping the new program, bringing together a wide-ranging group of experts to explore possibilities, including renowned architects, government leaders, interior designers, members of the U.S. Green Building Council, developers, urban planners, engineers, preservationists, general contractors and technologists.

The school also noted the appropriateness of the location for students enrolling in the sustainable design program: the SMU Engineering Department's J. Lindsay Embrey Building, which was recently awarded LEED Gold status with 43 points, one of the highest totals ever awarded.