CED Summer [IN]STITUTE
university
CED Summer [IN]STITUTE

CED Summer [IN]STITUTE

Summer Institute is a fast track to launching your environmental design career.

230 Bauer, Wurster Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA

About CED Summer [IN]STITUTE

The CED Summer [IN]STITUTE at UC Berkeley's College of Environmental Design offers intensive six-week post-baccalaureate programs designed for young professionals and prospective graduate students, with no prior design experience required. Established in 2008, the institute provides a fast track to launching an environmental design career, fostering exploration of methods, theories, and studio culture in architecture, city planning, and landscape architecture. Each program includes a lecture series, a design or planning studio, media workshops, and site visits, culminating in a portfolio for job and graduate school applications. Students receive a certificate of completion and official UC Berkeley transcript credit. Classes are held in Bauer Wurster Hall, and the program encourages international student applications, providing an opportunity to build networks with faculty and peers. Alumni have progressed to prestigious graduate programs and influential roles in environmental design.
Program NameDetails
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture
Bachelor

The undergraduate program in architecture leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree, providing a broad introduction to the field with opportunities for varied individual programs. It combines environmental design and architecture courses to prepare students for specialization in architectural design, technologies, history, and culture.

Varies
English
Varies
Deadline: November 30
Master of Architecture (MArch)
Master

The Master of Architecture program prepares students for architectural practice, fostering design excellence and multidisciplinary collaboration. The program addresses pressing issues such as the climate crisis, housing affordability, and technology integration.

Varies
English
Varies
Deadline: Announced
Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD)
Master

The Master of Advanced Architectural Design is a year-long, non-accredited program centered around a design studio integrated with seminars and lectures. The program explores design theory, history, digital applications, and building technology.

1 year
English
Varies
Deadline: Announced
Master of Science in Architecture (MS)
Master

The MS in Architecture is an academic, nonprofessional degree focused on advanced research in architecture's subfields. Two tracks are offered: Building Science, Technology and Sustainability, and History, Theory and Society.

Varies
English
Varies
Deadline: Announced
Ph.D. in Architecture
PhD

The Ph.D. program in Architecture is interdisciplinary, incorporating knowledge from various fields related to architecture. Students can choose between Building Science, Technology and Sustainability, and History, Theory and Society.

6 years (normative)
English
Varies
Deadline: Announced
Bachelor of Arts in Landscape Architecture
Bachelor

The Bachelor of Arts in Landscape Architecture offers a foundation in environmental design with classes in landscape architectural design and visual representation. The program integrates ecology, climate resilience, social impact, and cultural meaning.

Varies
English
Varies
Deadline: November 30
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
Master

The Master of Landscape Architecture integrates design excellence with ecological integrity and social justice, engaging with landscapes from gardens to wilderness areas. The program has two tracks: landscape architecture and environmental planning.

Varies
English
Varies
Deadline: Applications closed for fall 2026
Master of Urban Design (MUD)
Master

The Master of Urban Design is a one-year STEM-designated program for students with a prior professional degree in architecture, landscape architecture, or city planning. The program offers advanced training in an interdisciplinary curriculum.

1 year
English
Varies
Deadline: January 18, 2026

Performance & Metrics

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Students
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Alumni
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Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
The parent institution, UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design (CED), has accredited degree programs. The Master of Architecture (MArch) program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The City & Regional Planning program is accredited for five years (effective October 2023 through December 31, 2028) by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB). The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design degree program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) for six years, effective 2025. The Summer [IN]STITUTE itself, as a non-degree program, awards credit on an official UC Berkeley transcript.
Admissions
Deadlines
Applications for 2026 are open with rolling admissions beginning mid-February. Early submissions are strongly encouraged for priority consideration and financial assistance. International students have an additional deadline to register with Summer Sessions upon admission.
Requirements
Applicants need to submit a complete application including a thoughtful answer to essay questions, transcripts, and a resume. No previous design experience is required for the foundational programs.

CED Summer [IN]STITUTE Academic FAQ

CED Summer [IN]STITUTE is Summer Institute is a fast track to launching your environmental design career.

Applicants are typically required to submit: Applicants need to submit a complete application including a thoughtful answer to essay questions, transcripts, and a resume. No previous design experience is required for the foundational programs..

CED Summer [IN]STITUTE provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Master of Architecture (MArch), Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD), Master of Science in Architecture (MS), Ph.D. in Architecture.

CED Summer [IN]STITUTE is situated in Berkeley, United States, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, CED Summer [IN]STITUTE holds accreditations from: The parent institution, UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design (CED), has accredited degree programs. The Master of Architecture (MArch) program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The City & Regional Planning program is accredited for five years (effective October 2023 through December 31, 2028) by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB). The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design degree program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) for six years, effective 2025. The Summer [IN]STITUTE itself, as a non-degree program, awards credit on an official UC Berkeley transcript..