Landscape Architecture, MLA
Design sustainable spaces that enhance livability and support the natural environment. You'll learn the art, science and technology of design and use nature-based solutions to address some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges of our time.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation and professional licensure
The program is accredited by Landscape Architectural Accreditation Boa...
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The Master of Landscape Architecture program at The Design School is an accredited graduate professional degree offering that prepares you for professional practice, advanced study and leadership in landscape architecture. The program integrates knowledge from arts, science and technology and trains you to design the built environment through integrated systems thinking and transdisciplinary skills and knowledge. You cultivate your capacity to work with communities to address pressing issues such as climate change and environmental justice. The program also prepares you for advanced research study toward a doctoral degree.
The program offers three pathways to accommodate applicants with various undergraduate and professional backgrounds, and you can complete the program in two to three years. If you come from a nondesign background, you are encouraged to apply to the three-year program.
This program values and supports the landscape architecture profession's mission to design more sustainable, resilient and just neighborhoods, cities and regions.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
56 credit hours and a thesis, or
56 credit hours including the required applied project course (LDE 593), or
56 credit hours including the required capstone course (LDE 622)
Required Core (23 credit hours) Research (9 credit hours) Electives (18 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
LAP 513 Landscape Architecture Theory and Criticism (3)
LAP 571 Advanced Landscape Architecture Professional Practice I (1)
LAP 572 Advanced Landscape Architecture Professional Practice II (1)
LAP 613 Design Synthesis (3)
LDE 521 Advanced Landscape Architectural Studio I (5)
LDE 522 Advanced Landscape Architectural Studio II (5)
LDE 621 Advanced Landscape Architectural Studio III (5)
LAP 514 Research in Landscape Architecture (3)
Research area electives (6)
Design professional elective (18)
LDE 593 Applied Project (6) or
LDE 599 Thesis (6) or
LDE 622 Advanced Landscape Architectural Studio IV (6)
Students complete nine credit hours of research: three credit hours of LAP 514 and six research area electives. Students should see the academic unit for an approved elective list.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Examine design creative process through theory and research articles measured through the final assignment.
- Apply key skills in the field related to the analysis of existing landscape conditions and the design of new proposals.
- Learn how to design a professional level in landscape architecture studio project.
Examine design creative process through theory and research articles measured through the final assignment.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information The Design School requires that the letter of intent, portfolio, resume or CV, and contact information for professional references be submitted via SlideRoom; the applicant also must complete the application requirements for the Graduate College. https://asudesign.slideroom.com/#/Login In the letter of intent, applicants should explain their motivation for applying to the program and their goals in the field, briefly describing their background and the experiences and qualifications that make them a suitable candidate. The portfolio is a curated collection of the candidate's design works, projects and creations. It should visually represent the applicant's skills, creativity, design sensibilities, and ability to conceptualize, innovate and effectively communicate design ideas. Admission to the program is selective and cannot be deferred. Students must enroll in the semester for which they are admitted, otherwise another application must be submitted. Admission requirements for the two-year pathway Admission requirements for the two-plus pathway Admission requirements for the three-year pathway Additional Coursework Additional courses may include: LAP 231 Introduction to Digital Applications for Designers
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
An applicant must have completed a four-year or five-year bachelor's degree program with a major in landscape architectural studies or be a licensed landscape architect. The undergraduate degree must be granted by an institution that offers the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board or equivalent accredited degree program in landscape architecture.
Applicants must have earned an undergraduate or graduate degree in architecture, urban design, landscape design, planning, urban design, environmental design or a related design field, or a baccalaureate degree with a major or minor in landscape design.
Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate or graduate degree in any field other than landscape architecture or a design-related field.
If a student is assigned any additional coursework by the academic unit upon admission, depending on the undergraduate background, those courses must be completed with a grade of "B" (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher before completing the master's program required coursework. For students who are assigned additional coursework, there are two pathways.
LAP 251 Plant Materials for Sustainable Landscapes
LAP 311 History of Landscape Architecture
LAP 312 Contemporary Topics in Landscape Architecture
LAP 332 GIS Applications in Environmental Design
LAP 341 Landscape Construction I
LAP 342 Landscape Construction II
LAP 352 Ecosystems and Sustainable Design
LAP 353 Planting Design for Sustainable Landscapes
LDE 501 Foundation Landscape Studio I
LDE 502 Foundation Landscape Studio II
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 05/01 | Final* |
| Session A/C | In Person | 01/15 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 11/15 | Priority* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Explore expanded study opportunities
The Design School is committed to the merging of global and local contexts and experiential learning through travel experiences. Graduate students may incorporate travel as part of their studio design learning experience. The school also offers a number of summer study abroad programs in an effort to extend the learning opportunities through field studies and global engagement.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates are prepared to work across diverse areas of the landscape architecture profession, including public and private sectors and nonprofit organizations. Examples include:
- climate change mitigation and adaptation
- community development
- creative placemaking and placekeeping
- ecosystem services and restoration
- environmental and climate justice
- low-impact development
- parks, open space and recreation
- smart cities
- sustainable cities and landscapes
- transportation and infrastructure development
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
The Design School
|
CDN 162
designgrad@asu.edu
480-965-3536
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
