Sustainable Building Systems
Master's
The Master of Science in Sustainable Building Systems focuses on the design and operation of buildings to provide a comfortable, healthy, and productive indoor environment with minimal energy and environmental impact.
Program overview
Build a more sustainable future
The Master of Science in Sustainable Building Systems integrates elements of an architectural engineering program with construction management while embracing the concepts of engineering sustainability as related to energy and materials usage and the effect on the environment.
The graduates of the Master of Science in Sustainable Building Systems should display a high level of engineering knowledge in a broad range of architectural engineering, civil engineering, and construction management while embracing the concepts of engineering sustainability as related to energy and materials usage and the effects on the environment.
The Master of Science in Sustainable Building Systems integrates elements of an architectural engineering program with construction management while embracing the concepts of engineering sustainability as related to energy and materials usage and the effect on the environment.
The graduates of the Master of Science in Sustainable Building Systems should display a high level of engineering knowledge in a broad range of architectural engineering, civil engineering, and construction management while embracing the concepts of engineering sustainability as related to energy and materials usage and the effects on the environment.
- Can be combined with a Gordon Engineering Leadership certificate
- Optional participation in Northeastern’s co-op program
- Prepares students to take the LEED Green Associate Exam
- Can be combined with a graduate certificate in the College of Engineering
Upon graduation, you will be prepared to take the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Associate examination, providing them with an internationally recognized certificate in this field.
Prospective students for the MSSBS program are engineering, architecture, business or science majors, and industry professionals pursuing an industrial or public planning-based career who desire to gain cutting-edge knowledge in sustainability practices for building systems development and its infrastructure.
Advance your career with a paired degree: earn a Master of Science in Sustainable Building Systems while completing a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership through Northeastern’s Gordon Institute of Engineering Leadership. This powerful combination lets you gain deep technical expertise alongside hands-on leadership experience, including a 16-semester hour certificate with an industry-based challenge project guided by multiple mentors. Prepare to lead and innovate in engineering organizations. To pursue this path, you must be admitted to The Gordon Institute.
Admissions
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Applications received after the stated deadline dates will be accepted and processed as quickly as possible; however it may not be possible to have a decision rendered in time for the applicant to begin taking classes for the desired term if admitted.
Applications submitted by the referenced dates will receive full consideration for the referenced term. Applications received after the referenced dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Fall Semester Entry
| Early Action | December 1 |
| Final Deadline International Students outside the US | June 1 |
| Final Deadline: International Students Inside the US | July 1 |
| Domestic applicants | August 1 |
Spring Semester Entry
| International Students Outside the US | November 1 |
| International Students Inside the US | December 1 |
| Domestic Applicants | December 1 |
Completed online application form
Two letters of recommendation
Transcripts from all institutions attended
The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
GRE is not required for terms starting during the 2025-2026 academic years
Statement of purpose
Resumé
TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants unless the waiver requirements are met
The application fee is waived for all new applicants applying to any of our Master of Science or Graduate Certificates for the fall 2025 and spring 2026 application terms.
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Develop leadership and decision-making skills to implement sustainable building practices in either the private or public sectors in the global market.
Understand the design and operation of buildings to provide a comfortable, healthy, and productive environment and landscape with minimal energy and environmental impact.
Gain a base training necessary to lead, plan, and implement sustainable practices for the design and operation of buildings, realize energy and materials efficiency improvements, and minimize environmental impact.
Connect with us
Want more information?
We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team.
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$61,728Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
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