Rochester Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The programme combines technical, environmental and computational subjects to prepare students to design, analyse and deliver high-performance buildings. Core themes include building physics and envelope design, environmental systems and HVAC fundamentals, energy and daylighting analysis, and advanced materials and construction detailing. Students also study digital design workflows such as building information modelling (BIM), computational design and scripting, and digital fabrication techniques.

Typical modules and learning activities include:

• Building Science and Envelope Technology – heat, moisture and air flow, thermal bridging, façade performance and detailing.
• Environmental Systems – fundamentals of HVAC, thermal comfort, indoor environmental quality and systems integration.
• Energy and Performance Modelling – whole-building energy simulation, daylighting analysis and optimisation strategies.
• Computational Design and BIM – parametric design, scripting for performance-driven workflows, and BIM-based project delivery.
• Digital Fabrication and Materials – CNC, 3D printing, novel materials and technology-driven assembly methods.
• Research Methods and Project Delivery – applied research approaches, data-driven design, and professional practice skills.

The degree typically offers both a research/thesis pathway and a project-based capstone option, allowing students to pursue academic research or an applied design/technology project. The curriculum emphasises studio work, laboratory testing and hands-on fabrication alongside computational analysis.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree in architecture, architectural technology, engineering, construction management, environmental design or a closely related discipline. Admissions favour candidates with demonstrable skills in design, mathematics or computing, and an interest in building systems and performance.

• Academic record: A competitive undergraduate degree; applicants with strong professional experience may also be considered.
• Portfolio: A portfolio or examples of design/technical work that demonstrate aptitude for design, technical drawing, modelling or research.
• Supporting documents: Statement of purpose, current CV/resume and academic or professional references.
• English language: Proof of English proficiency is required for applicants whose first language is not English (accepted tests include commonly used exams; specific score requirements should be checked with the university).

Some applicants may be asked to provide additional evidence of quantitative skills or to take preparatory coursework if their background is not closely aligned with building technology or design.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles where building performance, technology and digital workflows are central. Typical career paths include:

• Building performance analyst or energy modeller in design consultancies or specialist firms.
• BIM manager or integrated project delivery coordinator on large projects.
• Façade engineer or envelope consultant focusing on thermal, moisture and acoustic performance.
• Sustainability consultant or certification specialist (e.g. green building rating systems).
• Digital fabrication specialist, robotics and prefabrication roles in architecture and construction technology companies.
• Research and teaching positions in universities or applied research centres concerned with building science and technology.

The programme’s emphasis on applied skills, simulation tools and fabrication techniques also equips graduates for roles in construction technology startups, building-product manufacturers and interdisciplinary project teams that bridge design and engineering.

Why study at Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology is known for its applied, career-focused approach and strong links between design, engineering and technology. Students on this programme benefit from access to well-equipped laboratories, digital fabrication workshops and computational resources that support hands-on testing, prototyping and performance simulation.

The university emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling students to work with faculty and peers from architecture, engineering and computing disciplines. RIT’s relationships with regional and national firms offer opportunities for practical projects, internships and industry-relevant capstones. For students aiming to combine technical depth with design sensibility, the programme provides a platform to develop skills that are in demand across contemporary architectural practice and the built-environment technology sector.