Students may have to buy their own computers and drawing tools. Summer sessions and study abroad options are important additions to many programs in environmental design and architecture.

When undergraduate programs require applicants to submit a portfolio, it can include various types of creative work from high school, hobbies, clubs, volunteer work, and community projects.

Environmental designers and architects begin to develop the professional portfolio in projects during college. You can include samples of work from team or independent projects. Usually the senior project is completed independently and becomes an important part of the portfolio.

Many states require that architects work as interns for a period before taking the licensing exam and claiming the title of architect. Project work during internships also becomes important to your portfolio.

Some schools call their program environmental planning.

Often, a master's degree in environmental design can be combined with master's degrees in landscape architecture, urban planning, or law.

Graduates need a license from their state to practice.