Housing and Human Environments: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the dynamic field of housing and human environments, where design, policy, and social well-being converge to shape livable, equitable, and sustainable communities. This interdisciplinary program prepares students to analyze and influence the built environment through a comprehensive understanding of housing systems, spatial planning, and human needs across diverse populations.
- Residential Design and Planning: Examine principles of architectural layout, spatial efficiency, and community-scale development to create functional, accessible, and aesthetically sound living spaces.
- Housing Policy and Regulation: Investigate local, state, and federal policies that govern housing availability, affordability, zoning laws, and tenant rights to foster inclusive urban development.
- Sustainable Housing Practices: Study eco-friendly construction methods, energy-efficient technologies, and materials that reduce environmental impact while enhancing long-term residential durability.
- Human Behavior and Space Interaction: Analyze how psychological, cultural, and demographic factors influence personal and collective use of living environments and inform design decisions.
- Community Development and Equity: Address systemic disparities in housing access and quality, focusing on strategies to promote social inclusion, neighborhood revitalization, and economic resilience.
- Technology in Housing Systems: Evaluate the role of digital tools, smart home systems, data analytics, and building information modeling (BIM) in modern housing design, management, and maintenance.
Housing and Human Environments Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Housing and Human Environments Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Housing and Human Environments degrees, including Interior Designers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 69,580 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designers 27-1025 | $63,490 | $38,480 - $106,090 | 69,580 | $30.52 |
Housing and Human Environments Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $44,120 in Mississippi to $79,490 in Washington—a 80% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, District of Columbia, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 69,580 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Housing and Human Environments by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Housing and Human Environments programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Housing and Human Environments is found at Bob Jones University (BJU) (10 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 10 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Jones University (BJU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Greenville, South Carolina | Private | bju.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Housing and Human Environments programs
How much can I earn with a Housing and Human Environments degree?
Salaries for Housing and Human Environments graduates vary by role and location. Interior Designers earn a median of $63,490 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $79,490 compared to $44,120 in Mississippi. Approximately 69,580 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Housing and Human Environments programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Housing and Human Environments degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Bob Jones University (BJU) (10 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Housing and Human Environments growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 675 in 2010 to a peak of 685 in 2020, before declining slightly to 10 in 2023-24. This represents a 99% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Housing and Human Environments degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Interior Designers. Related occupations employ approximately 69,580 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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