Posted on August 5, 2025
Post categories: Landscape Architecture News Students Urban Design & Planning
The College of Built Environments (CBE) introduces a new undergraduate degree: the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design and Sustainability (BA EDS), offered through the Department of Landscape Architecture.
Developed in response to growing student interest in interdisciplinary, climate-focused design education, the BA EDS provides an accessible and flexible pathway for students eager to build sustainable, resilient communities—locally and globally—offering practical design solutions to today’s climate challenges.
A Career-Ready Degree Centered on Design and Impact
The BA EDS prepares students for meaningful, real-world careers by emphasizing innovative skills such as design thinking and technologies, effective communication, collaborative problem-solving, and community engagement. The program centers just, resilient futures by considering interactions between human and non-human systems in the built environment. Through lectures, hands-on projects, and team-based learning, students develop spatial thinking, environmental awareness, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.
“This program challenges students to think creatively to transform environmental issues into opportunities for just solutions and positive impact,” said Julie Parrett, Associate Teaching Professor and Interim Chair of Landscape Architecture. “It fosters curiosity, intentional action, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to create meaningful, lasting change for humans and non-humans.”
Designed for Students Ready to Create Climate Hope
With no prerequisites, the BA EDS welcomes students from all academic backgrounds. The degree prepares students for careers in design, sustainability, climate action, and environmental advocacy by developing key skills in design thinking, systems thinking, visual storytelling, communication, and community collaboration. Graduates are well-equipped to work with nonprofits, public agencies, design firms, and other organizations in roles such as sustainability advocacy, landscape design, environmental consulting, public engagement, and more.
Why This Degree Matters
As communities worldwide seek positive solutions for a changing climate, employers look for professionals who can communicate complex issues clearly, collaborate across disciplines effectively, and design strategic solutions. The BA EDS prepares students to enter the workforce and lead initiatives that advance environmental design, sustainability, and resilience.
“Our BA EDS graduates will emerge ready to lead by blending knowledge from multiple fields and engaging deeply with communities. This program equips them to create innovative, hopeful solutions that advance sustainability in bold new ways—far beyond traditional design careers,” remarked Ken Yocom, John and Rosalind Jacobi Family Endowed Dean of CBE.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
For more information about the BA EDS program and to discuss your academic path, please contact the BA EDS Academic Adviser Jennie Li at jencyli@uw.edu.