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Designing for a Greener Future: How OU Online’s Sustainable Architecture Program Shapes Tomorrow’s Built Environment

August 1, 2025
by Miriam Olson

The demand for buildings that prioritize environmental performance, occupant health and long-term resilience is growing—and so is the need for professionals who can design them. The University of Oklahoma’s fully online Master of Science in Sustainable Architecture program equips architects and design professionals with advanced knowledge in building science, energy modeling, and sustainable design strategies.

This flexible, forward-thinking program empowers professionals to reimagine their role in shaping a greener built environment. Students develop not only technical skills through critical design thinking and hands-on experience with industry tools but also the confidence to lead in a constantly evolving field.

Giannina Mehdi, a recent graduate of the program, shares in this Q&A how the program further shaped her understanding of sustainability, what it was like to learn online, and how she is applying what she learned in her career today.

When did you begin the sustainable architecture program, and why did you choose OU Online?

I began this program in January 2024. I chose OU Online mainly because of its convenience, and this specific program was available for me to take online as well.

What industry are you in, and what is your career?

When I started this program, I was in the construction industry in hopes of pivoting a bit. Currently, my career is to be determined. I hope to continue in the built industry with a focus in sustainability design and construction.

Based on your career, why did the online sustainable architecture program appeal to you?

It appealed to me because I was able to gain knowledge in the sustainability field, both in design and building, and apply it to my pre-existing construction/building experience. Initially, my plan was to apply to the construction business master’s program, but the sustainable architecture program had a curriculum that not only taught me so much more, but also gave me a leg up in a place that wasn’t solely based on construction alone.

How has the MS in Sustainable Architecture benefited your career?

I believe it’s too early to tell. I am still in the process of applying this program to my everyday work experience. However, I do believe it will benefit me in the way I need it to. I have the flexibility to apply to many more jobs in industries that I was not able to apply to previously.

How did this program prepare you to think critically about sustainability in design?

This program was very focused on critical thinking, which I enjoyed. We forget that design is also very thoughtful and requires a lot of sitting down and thinking, which is exactly what we did. It forced us to think outside of the box and explore options and histories of the topics at hand.

What kind of hands-on experience or real-world applications did you get to engage in as part of the program?

We gained real-world experience with programs like Climate Consultant and Revit! The sustainable architecture class had an array of different career backgrounds, and many did not have opportunities to use programs like these before. It was very key to have courses like this.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering this program?

A piece of advice would be to know how this program would further them in their current field, and how they would utilize it prior to applying. I say this because the sustainability field is still pretty niche and new. While many companies are pushing for sustainability for their projects, there are equally many companies that are not. This will allow them to know where they’d like to focus and where they’d like to take this knowledge and apply it.

Were there any specific faculty members or mentors at OU who significantly shaped your academic or career journey?

No one is specific because every single professor took part in shaping this program and its future. Each professor took their time to share their knowledge and experience in the industry, relaying it to us.

Would you say the university created a strong sense of community among students and faculty in the program? How so?

I love the question because this is an online master’s, and one would think that a community would not be as strong as in person, but I have created some amazing friendships out of this program. In terms of classmates, we continue to chat and be a part of each other’s lives even in a minimal way. For the friends who were closest in distance, we actually talk every day. As for faculty, they have made themselves readily available to us for our needs and questions. We definitely have created a bond, and I have spoken to my professors after we graduated as well. It’s been quite a sweet experience.

How do you see the future of sustainable architecture, and where do you see yourself within it?

This is a tricky question because sustainability runs through many facets, and we hope that it continues to be pushed in all ways, not just building. With that being said, I hope that we continue to see companies eager to use materials, procedures and designs that all benefit a greener future. I hope to see places like Texas adapt these practices more often, as well. In terms of myself, I hope to be part of a growing field such as this one. There’s a lot of interest and eagerness to push a sustainable building field, and I hope to be a part of it every step of the way. I’d love to use what I’ve learned in this program and use it in my everyday life/career.

How did the university prepare you to be a leader in sustainability beyond architecture?

The curriculum helped us a ton. It was flexible and adaptable for each of our career paths. This allows us to go back into our industry and apply the practices taught. This helps us become leaders because now we know how to utilize what was taught in our everyday life.

Whether you’re looking to pivot your career or deepen your impact in the design and construction industry, the University of Oklahoma’s online MS in Sustainable Architecture program is built to help you lead the way. Learn more about the MS in Sustainable Architecture program and how you can start designing for a more sustainable future by visiting the OU Online website.