Research in the Environment and Behavior emphasis explores human and environmental dimensions of wellbeing in built environments. Our work engages and advances theory across a range of disciplines to improve the capacity of design practice to address emerging physical and social challenges.

Faculty in this area employ diverse social science methods to study the use, and thereby the design effectiveness, of a range of interior and architectural environments. Much of our work focuses on sustainability and the need to respond effectively to shifting environmental and socio-cultural contexts. Current faculty areas of specialization include the study of academic buildings, schools, and offices. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the research interests of program faculty prior to applying.

This area of interest may be pursued as a design project that leads to the MA or research projects that lead to MS or PhD degrees.

Contact Janna Lancaster at  jlancaster@missouri.edu for more information about the Department’s Graduate program or the emphasis in environment and behavior.