The one person I know who has gone for an MS in Sus Des. did it for the research aspect, and I'm pretty sure that degree helped him get his upper-level building technologies teaching gig. Not sure how helpful it'd be from prospective employers unless their company also does research/produces white papers etc.

Was he an architect though? I am pursuing planning and urban design.

I would love to do research for a firm, though. I didn't even know firms had a research department,

Yep, he has a B.Arch and is concurrently working at a firm while teaching. What aspect of Sus. Design are you interested in, and why are you considering a second masters?

Also, you should contact UTSOA to see if they can put you in contact with some students who have come out of the dual MSSD/MSCRP program and find out where they are now.

Excellent idea, byen01.  My interests in SD are still developing but it something I would like to pursue.

not that many firms have research departments, and the ones that do are flooded with applications. BUT, the in house research initiative is becoming more popular but the problem is that its expensive to do which is why it usually only exists in the larger/famous firms

I did a masters in sustainability and am now working in the US as a designer and sustainable specialist. I was interested in both the research aspect as well as the practical application. I got really lucky and am working in a city where sustainability is a real issue for most clients and I am using my expertise in my job. We are also doing more research that is not necessarily directly related to a project and I am involved in that as well. I think many of my colleagues from school, however are not using as much from their masters as they would have hoped. Personally, it was worth it for me because I am very interested in the subject and do want to teach, but you have to be patient afterwards regarding the impact it will have on your career.

If there is any future in Architecture it will be one with sustainability in mind, and will come out of necessity. The modern way's of Arc Eng are absurd and will soon be gone. Has anyone noticed that our current way of life is collapsing or is everyone to caught up with degrees and a fraudelent monetary system? Learn how to design (and build) with social, and environmental sustainablity in mind. It might save your life~

with respect

I get paid in puka shells and unicorn poop. I find that hardly fraudulent!