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 555, LARC 558, LARC 562, LARC 500 or LARC 599), 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 500 thesis coursework focused on original research. The Master's Project option requires 12 credits of LARC 599 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 440	Grading, Drainage, and Stormwater Management	4
LARC 441	Construction Materials, Detailing, and Documentation	4
LARC 488	Plant Materials and Design 1	3
LARC 500	Master's Research and Thesis	12
or LARC 599	Non-thesis Master's Research
LARC 510	Advanced Design Representation and Communication	3
LARC 512	Landscape Analysis and Site Planning	3
LARC 554	Landscape Architecture Graduate Studio 1	6
LARC 555	Master's Project Preparation	3
LARC 556	Landscape Architecture Graduate Studio 2	6
LARC 558	Landscape Architecture Graduate Studio 3	6
LARC 562	Landscape Architecture Graduate Studio 4	6
LARC 589	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 480	The Resilient Landscape	3
LARC 481	Urban Systems in Ecology	3
LARC 489	Plant Materials and Design 2	3
LARC 491	Italian Hill Towns and Urban Centers	3
LARC 495	Geodesign	3
LARC 520	Regional and Community Design	3
LARC 548	Community Design Studio for Non-majors	3
LARC 564	Summer Study Abroad Design Studio	6
LARC 597	Teaching Assistant, Graduate	3
LARC 598	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.