Arizona State University Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts 7 courses 36 total credits
If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of design and engineering to shape the future of human habitation beyond Earth, the Master of Science in Design program with a concentration in space architecture and extreme environments at The Design School is for you. This interdisciplinary program breaks conventional barriers and connects learners to the emerging space sector through innovative partnerships. You investigate how to live on another planet while discovering ways to improve lives on Earth. Through a curriculum that emphasizes innovation, research and hands-on projects, you explore human factors in space, limited resource utilization, microgravity effects and psychological well-being in extreme environments. You learn in state-of-the-art facilities and have access to pioneering experts in the fields of space architecture and extreme environments. You are prepared for a rewarding career in designing alternatives for humanity to live, work and thrive in space. It involves exploring, learning and adapting to extreme environments to design habitats, structures and systems for an interplanetary future. Working collaboratively with people across disciplines and delving into ASU's broader space initiatives, you contribute to designing an inclusive and sustainable pathway to space with humans at the center.
| Required Core | 3 credits |
| Concentration | 6 credits |
| Research Methods | 3 credits |
| Electives | 15 credits |
| Research | 3 credits |
| Culminating Experience | 6 credits |
| Total Credits | 36 credits |
Required Core
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DSC 501 | Qualitative Research in Design | 3 |
| Total Required Core | 3 credits | |
Concentration
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DSC 550 | Prototyping Futures | 3 |
| IND 544 | Human Factors Systems and Documentation | 3 |
| Total Concentration | 6 credits | |
Research Methods
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DSC 500 | Research Methods | 3 |
| Total Research Methods | 3 credits | |
Electives
Culminating Experience
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DSC 593 | Applied Project | 6 |
| DSC 599 | Thesis | 6 |
| Total Culminating Experience | 6 credits | |
Additional Curriculum Information
A wide variety of elective options are offered by The Design School and collaborating units, enabling students to tailor their education to align with their research interests and career objectives. Students may also explore other elective courses from affiliated schools with approval. As part of these elective opportunities, students may take nine credits of the elective core or pursue a certificate at the Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center, either as part of a focus area in immersive technologies or through the digital twin microcertificate. In alignment with students' academic and professional aspirations, the culminating experience gives students the flexibility to choose between a traditional thesis and an applied project. The applied project is an opportunity for hands-on experience in solving practical challenges within extreme environments.
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