The program of study emphasizes general knowledge and design research as well as focus areas. Focus areas include histories and theories of design; innovation, technology and design strategies; and sustainability in environmental design. The curriculum provides special understanding of theories, technologies, social issues and management aspects related to the student's chosen focus area. While studio courses cannot be taken as electives, students take career-specific design electives and the degree prepares students for all graduate programs in The Design School. The program is not a professional degree program but provides a broad base of skills and knowledge in environmental design.

First-year students must have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Transfer students must have a minimum 2.50 GPA (a "C+" or better where "A"=4.00) from a college or university. Some ASU programs require a minimum transfer GPA of 3.00, including the W. P. Carey School of Business and Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Some ASU programs may have higher admission requirements and may require a minimum ACT or SAT score. Must have three years of high school work (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade work. If you have completed high school then ASU needs to see 10–12 grade work). Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate. International students who attended four years of high school in the U.S. are required to meet the competency requirements. English: four years (composition/literature based). Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite). Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences, and physics) . Social science: two years (including one year American history). Foreign language: two years (same language). Fine arts: one year. International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements: Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite). Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics). Pass the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE TOEFL Score of at least 61 (iBT) IELTS Overall band score of the academic test of at least 6.0. Pearson Test of English (PTE) Score of at least 53.