Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.)

Master of Landscape Architecture. Major in Landscape Architecture.

Candidates must fulfill the requirements of the College of Graduate Studies and of the Landscape Architecture program including a 3.0 minimum GPA in order to be considered for admission to the Master of Landscape Architecture degree program. See the College of Graduate Studies section for the general requirements applicable to the degree.

The Master of Landscape Architecture is a professional degree accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board. There are two pathways to obtain the professional MLA. The first is a 39-credit stand-alone Post-professional Pathway for students entering the program with professional undergraduate degrees in Landscape Architecture, Architecture or closely related fields. The second is a 70 - 71 credit First-professional Pathway, which requires 27 credits of core courses (LARC 5550, LARC 5580, LARC 5620, LARC 5000 or LARC 5990), plus additional courses to fulfill the curriculum requirements for LAAB accredited degrees. Students applying to the MLA program must demonstrate baccalaureate-level professional preparation in their application materials (transcripts and portfolio) to be admitted to the Post-professional Pathway.

Students in either the First-professional or Post-professional Pathway programs may choose either the thesis or master's project option, typically completed in the final year of study. The thesis option requires 12 credits of LARC 5000 thesis coursework focused on original research. The Master's Project option requires 12 credits of LARC 5990 non-thesis research coursework focused on original research applied to a landscape architectural project.  

Post-Professional Pathway Requirements:

First-Professional Pathway Requirements:

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
GIS course focusing on landscape planning		3 - 4
Professional Practice course		2
LARC 4400	Grading, Drainage, and Stormwater Management	4
LARC 4410	Construction Materials, Detailing, and Documentation	4
LARC 4880	Plant Materials & Design 1	3
LARC 5000	Master's Research and Thesis	12
or LARC 5990	Non-thesis Master's Research
LARC 5100	Advanced Design Representation and Communication	3
LARC 5120	Landscape Analysis and Site Planning	3
LARC 5540	Landscape Architecture Graduate Studio 1	6
LARC 5550	Master's Project Preparation	3
LARC 5560	Landscape Architecture Graduate Studio 2	6
LARC 5580	Landscape Architecture Graduate Studio 3	6
LARC 5620	Landscape Architecture Graduate Studio 4	6
LARC 5890	History and Theory of Landscape Architecture	3
Plus a minimum of 6 credits of Graduate Electives		6
Total Hours		70-71

The following courses are recommended electives, while other courses may be chosen with advisor approval.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
LARC 4800	The Resilient Landscape	3
LARC 4810	Urban Systems in Ecology	3
LARC 4890	Plant Materials & Design 2	3
LARC 4910	Italian Hill Towns and Urban Centers	3
LARC 4950	Geodesign	3
LARC 5200	Regional and Community Design	3
LARC 5480	Community Design Studio for Non-majors	3
LARC 5640	Summer Study Abroad Design Studio	6
LARC 5970	Teaching Assistant, Graduate	3
LARC 5980	Internship	1-4

1. The graduate will be able to identify and apply applicable research methods common to the discipline of Landscape Architecture to explore and propose solutions for complex contemporary questions in the discipline.

2. The graduate will acquire and possess verbal, written, and graphic communication skills that demonstrate the ability to think critically, organize information creatively, and use an array of traditional as well as emerging digital tools to communicate products of studio and applied research projects.

3. The graduate will demonstrate the ability to create solutions for place that synthesize process, theory, spatial literacy, technology, and knowledge regarding resilient, regenerative natural and cultural systems.

4. The graduate will use design processes to innovatively and systematically generate place-based solutions at various scales, addressing the complex needs of the built and natural environment, applying digital technologies and traditional design tools to successfully explore a range of design and land planning alternatives.

5. Through a range of opportunities including community-based engagement, international travel, independent research, internships, or field trips, the graduate will demonstrate integration of personal abilities and interests with acquired knowledge and professional skills within a global perspective.