Degree Requirements

Students in the Sustainable Building Systems concentration are expected to meet all of the requirements for an M.S. professional degree in Environmental Conservation, , including the following:

  • A minimum of 30 credits is required:.

  • 3  of which will be ECO 692C Sustainable Building Systems Seminar (1.5 credits each semester).  Note: 692C is not included in 600 level credit requirements.

  • 3 of which will be EC0 692S Readings in Sustainable Building Systems  (3 credits). Note: 692S is included in 600 level credit requirements.
  • The remaining 24 credits are to be specific to this concentration and approved by the student’s advisory committee.
  • 9 credits of the remaining 24 credits must be at the 600 level or above.  ECO 692C Sustainable Building Systems Seminar is not included in any form in this metric.
  • The remaining 15 credits will be fulfilled with 500 level (or higher) credits.
  • A total of 21 credits must be designated as ECO or BCT courses. For exceptions see Professional Masters advisor.
  • Up to 6 of the 12 minimum 600 level credits may be an Independent Study/Practicum (ECO 696/698).

  • Up to 6 credits can be transferred from previous course work from UMass or another university (subject to approval of the Graduate School).

  • Successful completion of all course work, while maintaining a good academic record during professional master’s studies. The student’s grade-point average (GPA) must be at least 3.0 and only courses with a “C” or better can count toward the degree. All courses must receive a letter grade.

  • Successful completion of an Exit Interview based upon the student’s academic training, with the format and extent determined by the student’s faculty advisors.

More information:

 Sustainable Building Systems Concentration

 Prof. Masters Practicum Guidelines

 ECo Graduate Student Handbook

 Environmental Conservation (ECo) Graduate Program

 UMass Grad School Student Handbook

Courses and Curriculum

Courses satisfying our degree requirements come from BCT and several other disciplines and are listed on this page:

A page showing all BCT courses offered (including our undergraduate courses) is available on this site as well.

Incoming students will develop an individualized curriculum based on their background and currently available courses with the Professional Master’s Chief Advisor.

Graduate Studies Course Listing related to the Built Environment