College of Environmental Design

About the school

College of Environmental Design (CED) at the University of California Berkeley, founded in 1959, is a renowned centre for research and intellectual synergy. CED's commitment to shaping a more equitable and sustainable future makes it a leader in environmental design education. The College is dedicated to fostering sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility in the field of environmental design. Its mission is to empower students to address pressing global challenges in landscape architecture through interdisciplinary collaboration, extensive research, and creative design solutions. In the QS ranking, UC Berkeley ranked 6 worldwide in architecture/built environment. Some of the distinguished alumni of the College of Environmental Design are Joseph O. Wong (president of JWDA Architects), Clark H. Wilson (urban designer at Environmental Protection Agency), and Zhu Pei (founder of Studio Zhu Pei). Located in Berkeley, a vibrant city known for its cultural diversity and intellectual vibe, the College has a beautiful campus that welcomes students from all across the globe. Situated within Bauer Wurster Hall, it occupies a prominent position in the Southeastern corner of the Berkeley campus, close to the intersection of Bancroft Way and College Avenue.

Where is the school located?

Life at the College of Environmental Design

Enrolling at UC Berkeley's College of Environmental Design is the beginning of an exhilarating journey. The University boasts a diverse student body with over 35,000 individuals from around the world. In its lively urban setting, students can enjoy a wide range of activities, from cultural performances and campus events to fitness classes and intramural sports. With 30 Cal athletic teams that have won 87 national championships, it is a haven for sports enthusiasts. The Campus boasts excellent housing, dining and a supportive environment, making for an unforgettable Berkeley experience. Graduates have various on-campus housing options. These include residence halls, the Berkeley Student Co-ops, apartments, family student housing at University Villages and the International House for Global Scholars. Cal Rentals is a university portal that offers a list of off-campus rentals. Berkeley Dining serves multiple dining locations, including Cafe 3, Clark Kerr Campus, and Crossroads. These eateries serve a range of dishes for meals and snacks. Berkeley Dining also offers allergen information and caters to different dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. UC Berkeley students can utilise the many transit options. The Bear Transit shuttle connects residence halls, BART, and campus areas. Cycling and walking routes are suggested for the eco-conscious, and a range of public transit options ensure an easy commute. The Loop golf cart service assists those with mobility issues.

Additional benefits of studying at the College of Environmental Design

College of Environmental Design is known for its comprehensive approach to architecture, planning, and landscape architecture that emphasises a sustainable way to design our built environment. The unique design studio experience imparts deep theoretical knowledge and technology understanding through real-time practice. This interactive learning platform is the hallmark of the College. The Green Building Research Center (GBRC) opens its doors to let students focus on advancing, inculcating and promoting eco-friendly building designs and operations. It also offers valuable resources to other universities across California for aligning their efforts with green practices for a better tomorrow.

Admissions criteria

International students applying for a graduate programme at the University of California Berkeley- College of Environmental Design should adhere to the following admission criteria. - Pay a non-refundable application fee of USD155 - Degree certificates and transcripts from all colleges and universities attended - Submit a Statement of Purpose - A personal History Statement in 500 words is required - 3 recommendation letters are required - GRE is only required for some programmes - An English language proficiency test score is required: - TOEFL: At least 90 for IBT and 570 for PBT - IELTS: 7 overall - GPA of at least 3.0 is necessary for admission - Resume/CV is needed - A digital portfolio of design related works is required for certain master’s programmes - Must submit a recent publication, report or writing sample along with application to certain graduate courses Prospective students should review programme-specific requirements and deadlines carefully to ensure a successful application to UC Berkeley's College of Environmental Design. For more details, check the graduate admissions page A general outline of the potential expenses a student could incur while studying at the College of Environmental Design is provided below: - Health Insurance: USD 3,078 - Student services fee: USD 603 - Berkeley campus fee: USD 790.25 - Class pass fee- transit: USD 105 You can check the website of the office of the registrar for any updates on this information.

Job placements

College of Environmental Design is committed to aiding students in exploring their career paths and achieving their goals. CED hosts an annual career fair and professional development workshops that help students find job opportunities and network with industry professionals and potential employers. Students can access job and internship listings through Handshake Students can subscribe to the Architecture, Planning & Environmental Design CareerMail newsletter for career insights and updates A dedicated career counsellor is there to provide guidance on career exploration, job searches, resume development, and more.