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Landscape Architecture

Program Description

Just the Facts

Landscape Architecture. A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of landscape architecture and research in various aspects of the field. Includes instruction in geology and hydrology; soils, groundcovers, and horticultural elements; project and site planning; landscape design, history, and theory; environmental design; applicable law and regulations; and professional responsibilities and standards.

This program is available in these options:

  • Certificate / Diploma
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Master's degree
  • Doctoral degree

High School Courses

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this career cluster:

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this pathway:


Related Careers

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Related Programs

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Additional Information

Attractive public spaces don't just build themselves. Landscape architecture students learn to analyze the natural elements of the site -- climate, soil, slope of the land, drainage and vegetation -- and incorporate them into a pleasing design.

You'll need at least a bachelor's degree, and often a master's, says the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Most states require landscape architects to pass the three-day Landscape Architect Registration Examination in order to be licensed. They also usually require a degree from an accredited school plus one to four years of work experience, although standards may vary.

Dozens of colleges and universities offer accredited undergraduate and graduate programs. But since this is a very specialized field, program space can be limited. Dale Sutliff is head of a university landscape architecture department. He says that his school accepts about one out of every two or three applicants.

Some schools may ask applicants to submit a portfolio of creative work. Students are encouraged to develop a wide range of interests. Candidates with high academic standing are favored.

"In architecture, the ability to mentally manipulate three-dimensional space is fundamental," says landscape architecture professor Patrick Mooney. "The personality type found in landscape architecture likes to work alone [and] deal with detail, places a high value on nature and economic return, and has good people management skills."

Good written and oral communication skills are necessary too. Landscape architects have to write reports, put together proposals, and make presentations in front of large groups.

Lolly Tai, a professor of landscape architecture at Temple University, says that patience and perseverance are important. "It is a 'hard' profession, as it takes a long time to learn, gain experience and mature," she says.

Students will be expected to learn to use computer-aided design (CAD), geographic information systems and video simulation. Professors say that incoming students will also benefit from familiarity with word processing, spreadsheet and graphics programs.

To prepare, Tai recommends asking a local firm if you can visit and see what they do. Sutliff suggests getting involved with environmental and cultural clubs or organizations.

Besides tuition and books, you might have to pay for drafting equipment, graphic supplies and printing fees.


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Landscape Architects

UC Berkeley's Environmental Design Library
Literature on the history of landscape architecture

Landscape Architecture Magazine
Learn more about current landscape architecture in America

Landscape Architects Network
Read about these 10 influential landscape architects

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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