Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

Our Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) is a STEM designated degree program. The program is structured through a curriculum of lecture, technical, and studio courses to provide students with the foundational education and skills necessary to pursue careers in landscape architecture and allied design and planning fields. More specifically, the program educates students in the emerging practices of urban ecological design employing design thinking, practice, and craft in the areas of design activism, ecological infrastructure, ecological learning and literacy, human and environmental health, and social justice. Program goals are to provide students with a strong design education, foster creativity, develop graphic and verbal communication skills, facilitate cognitive abilities, and encourage computer proficiency. The program will prepare students for entry level positions in public and private sector jobs and provide a professional education to develop successful long-term careers as Landscape Architects. Departmental courses include the history of landscape architecture, design theory and practice, construction, graphics, and professional practice. Required courses from other departments include urban horticulture, soils, geology, botany, and ecology. Coursework is given practical application in design studios led by departmental faculty and members of the professional community. Studio topics include: site design in the urban environment, design for natural processes, planting design, housing design for communities, cultural landscape studio, and the design- build capstone project. Coursework develops an understanding of the functioning of natural systems and an awareness of the cultural and sociological forces that influence the landscape architect’s work. Individual as well as team-oriented projects encourage the development of strong interactive, verbal, and evaluative skills. The Practicum program offers opportunities to receive credit for work in public agencies or private firms. This unique experience often leads to employment upon graduation.

To be eligible for full admission consideration, applicants must present the following: Completion of a college-preparatory course of study to include the following high school credits: a. 4 high school credits of English; b. 2 high school credits of a single world language; c. 3 high school credits of mathematics: algebra, geometry, and preferably trigonometry (a fourth high school credit of mathematical analysis or calculus is recommended forstudents preparing for majors in the sciences or engineering; d. 3 high school credits of socialscience; e. 3 high school credits of science, including 2 years of labscience; f. 1 senior-year math-based quantitative course; g. 0.5 high school credits of the fine, visual, or performing arts; h. 0.5 high school credits of electives taken from the above areas; One high school credit represents a standard full year of high school coursework.