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Graduate Programs

Introduction

LAEP's Master of Landscape Architecture [MLA] program emphasizes both traditional site scale planning and design, as well as broader areas of the profession, such as large-scale regional landscape analysis and planning, utilizing GIS (geographic information systems) and planning techniques, while advancing inquiry through research.

In support of this philosophy, the following are the major objectives of the MLA program:

  1. To provide a well-structured curriculum in fundamental professional knowledge and skills.
  2. To research, analyze, and resolve land use and design issues related to the Intermountain West. The scope of the program examines national, regional, and local issues, and their impact on the visual, physical, and cultural setting of the Intermountain West.
  3. To integrate field experience and independent research into major graduate studio courses structured around real world projects.
  4. To provide opportunities for each student for exploration and development of an area of specialization.
  5. To draw upon the regional, national, and international relationships of Utah State University to facilitate a program of academic and professional excellence that will allow the student to achieve eminence in practice, research or education.

In addition to an exceptional and broad program of study, LAEP and Utah State University have much to offer the potential graduate student. First, USU's tuition rates are attractive even to students coming from out of state, making the degree more affordable than 90% of all accredited MLA programs in North America. Second, the university, city and state provide a wealth of outdoor and cultural opportunities. In addition, graduate students in LAEP's MLA benefit from the following:

  • A one-on-one mentor program, pairing every student with a practicing Landscape Architect
  • The MLA studio was completely remodeled in Fall 2009 The program was ranked in the top 15 MLA's nationally in 2009
  • The program has the 8th lowest tuition among accredited programs nationally
  • A dynamic Travel Experience program takes students to destinations such as Berlin, Portland/Seattle, Belize and Vancouver, BC
  • USU was ranked #27 among all US universities by Washington Monthly’s 2009 survey
  • Logan was rated the #1 safest US community in 2008
  • Logan was rated the most walkable community in Utah in 2009
  • Logan was rated among the Top 50 outdoor towns nationally in 2009
  • USU has been named a Princeton Review “Green College” for both 2010 and 2011 among over 700 U.S. schools.

Degree Programs

The department offers two MLA programs and a MS degree in Bioregional Planning. The advanced MLA program is for students who have previously earned baccalaureate degrees in landscape architecture from accredited programs and the MLA first professional program is for students with baccalaureate degrees in other disciplines. The MLA first professional degree is fully accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (next review 2017).

The MS Bioregional Science degree is an interdisciplinary program is offered by the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning and the Department of Environment and Society. This program allows students to research issues in bioregional planning and management.