Big news for students passionate about architecture, sustainability, and affordable education—Palomar College is officially launching its first bachelor’s degree program in Fall 2026. The new Bachelor of Science in Building Performance and Environmental Design marks a bold step for the community college, which has long been known for its strong associate programs but has never before offered a four-year degree.
This groundbreaking program is designed to prepare students for in-demand careers that focus on designing, building, and managing energy-efficient, climate-responsive spaces. With a curriculum centered on four core pillars—design, construction, sustainability, and professional development—graduates will be well-positioned to become the next generation of sustainability specialists and green building leaders.
Unlike traditional architecture programs, which can take nearly a decade and cost upwards of $200,000, Palomar’s degree offers an accessible and cost-effective pathway. The total estimated cost of the four-year program is just $12,000. To qualify, students must first complete an associate degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or Building Information Modeling, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in their core courses, and submit a portfolio as part of the application.
Palomar officials say this program fills a critical regional gap. San Diego has limited public options for four-year architecture-related degrees, and private programs can be prohibitively expensive. With nearly 1,900 annual job openings in this field locally—and almost 19,000 across California—this degree arrives at the perfect time.
“This program will have a direct impact on fulfilling our region’s workforce needs,” said Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey, Superintendent/President of Palomar College. “It’s about building a more sustainable future—and giving our students a chance to be at the forefront of that change.”
Faculty and students alike are excited about the launch. Professor Jessica Newman, Chair of the Interior Design department, emphasized the real-world stakes: “The built environment is responsible for over 40% of global emissions. If we’re part of the problem, we want to be part of the solution.”
Want to learn more or see if you qualify? Visit Palomar College’s program page for more information about admission requirements, deadlines, and degree details.
