Program Requirements - Building Performance and Environmental Design

The Bachelor of Science in Building Performance and Environmental Design (BPED) program at Palomar College builds on an associate degree in architecture, interior design, or building information modeling. This upper-division program prepares students for advanced study and professional pathways in sustainable design, architecture, and environmental performance.

More information regarding program requirements can be found below.

Lower Division Preparation and Admission Prerequisites

To be eligible for admission to the BPED program, applicants must complete the following lower-division requirements before beginning upper-division coursework:

Requirements

1. Associate Degree or completion of all lower-division major coursework in one of the following areas:
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Building Information Modeling (B.I.M.)
Note: B.I.M. students must also complete ARCH 215, ARCH 216, ARCH 217, and ARCH 218 prior to the start of the BPED program.

💡 Degree completion must be verified prior to program entry.
2. Minimum 3.0 GPA in major coursework.
3. Completion of Cal-GETC certification.
📘 Students with catalog rights prior to 2025–2026 and using a prior GE pattern should consult with the BPED Counselor to ensure requirements have been met in accordance with Title 5.
4. Completion of three (3) lower-division prerequisites for the upper-division general education:
1. SOC 180, STAT C1000/E, BUS 204, or PSYC/SOC 205
2. GEOG 100 or GEOG 115
3. COMM C1000
5. All lower-division coursework and prerequisites must be completed by the end of the spring term before the program’s fall start.
6. Portfolio submission that demonstrates applied design, visualization, and communication skills.

Programs Accepted for Admission

The following associate degree programs are accepted for admission into the BPED program:

Associate Degree Major	Recommended Preparatory Courses
Architecture A.S.	ARCH 202, ID 151, ARCH 204
Interior Design A.S.	ARCH 215/216 or 217/218, ARCH 135, ARCH 204
B.I.M. (Building Information Modeling) A.S.	ARCH 215, ARCH 216, ARCH 217, ARCH 218 (*all must be completed*)

💡 Note: Degree completion must be verified prior to program entry.

An example of an external college that has an Architecture A.S. and Interior Design A.S. that meets the admissions requirements for BS-BPED, Mesa College has A.S. Degrees that meet the requirements. Confirm your program pre-requisites have been met by scheduling a meeting with Counselor Katie Morris. See BPED Admissions Checklist for contact information for Counselor Morris.

General Education and Transfer Courses

General Education Course	Required Prerequisite	*Recommended Prep
SOC 300: Applied Social Science	SOC 180, STAT C1000/E, BUS 204, or PSYC/SOC 205	SOC 100
GEOG 300: Environmental Analysis	GEOG 100 or GEOG 115	GEOG 120
SPCH 300: Communication	COMM C1000 (formerly SPCH 100)	SPCH 105, 115, or 120

Upper Division Course Sequence

All Upper Division Curriculum is Pending Approval as of September 2025

Once admitted, students will complete a two-year, full-time upper-division sequence of coursework focused on building performance, energy systems, and sustainable design.

✅ Program Highlights