Energy Conscious Construction
Washington State University’s Online Graduate Certificate in Energy Conscious Construction is designed for individuals who want to advance their professional credentials in the design and construction of high-performing, energy-efficient, residential buildings. The coursework is comprised of four courses (12 credit-hours) that address:
- Energy modeling and simulation: Analyzing design performance prior to construction.
- Environmental control systems: Integrating energy-efficient environmental control systems into residential building designs.
- Performance benchmarks: Meeting and exceeding state energy code requirements.
- Assemblies & Structural Systems: Integrating high-performing, energy-efficient assemblies into residential building designs.
Courses are rooted in the fundamentals of building science coupled with the latest industry standards in codes, systems, assemblies, and performance evaluation. Students take four courses – two from the School of Design and Construction in energy modeling and energy codes, one course from the Architecture program in envelope design and detailing, and one course from the Mechanical Engineering program in environmental control systems.
The School of Design and Construction’s programs in Energy Conscious Construction (ECC) is nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Design Designation. This recognition ensures that the ECC provides students with a solid foundation in building science and the opportunity to apply that knowledge in the design process through its various assessment methods.
This certificate is ideal for individuals in the following fields:
| Design and Construction | Engineering | Inspection and Maintenance |
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Program of Study—12 semester credits
All courses are available online through WSU Global Campus during spring and summer semesters. The certificate requires four 3-credit courses (12 credits total). It is recommended that students take three credits in the spring and nine credits in the summer. Students can complete the graduate certificate within one academic year but may take more time as needed. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout the duration of the certificate.
Required Courses
Prior to beginning the certificate, students will need to complete a 3-hour online module in building science fundamentals.
- ARCH 531 – Advanced Tectonics (Envelope Assemblies)
- SDC 552 – Energy Modelling II
- SDC 541 – Building Energy Codes, Standards, and Rating Systems
- ME 579 – Advanced Topics in Mechanical Engineering (Environmental Control Systems II)
Certificate students who decide to pursue a graduate degree from Washington State University should contact the Graduate School at 509-335-1446 or gradschool@wsu.edu.
If you have questions about the curriculum, please contact Omar Al-Hassawi at omar.al-hassawi@wsu.edu. If you have admission and recruitment questions, please contact Jaime Rice at jlrice@wsu.edu.
Awarding of the Certificate
At the beginning of the student’s final semester of coursework, the student should apply for the certificate through myWSU. This will notify the Registrar’s Office to confer the certificate. Here’s how: From the myWSU Student Homepage, select Academic Advising, then Apply to Graduate. The certificate should display as an option to select to Apply for Graduation. Certificates require a separate graduation application and are mailed separately from diplomas.