Programs
MLA First Professional
The Master of Landscape Architecture program is an accredited three-year program designed to prepare the student for the landscape architect's challenging role of providing a holistic approach to environmental planning and design. In order for landscape architects to contribute effectively to an interdisciplinary effort, they must be competent in the fundamentals of landscape architecture and also have an understanding of the subject matter of other professions. Landscape architects must master the communication skills necessary to achieve meaningful collaboration.
Course of Study
The Graduate Program Director advises all incoming students until they have established their major professor. The major professor, whose interests closely align to those of the student, (see areas of faculty expertise above), supervises thesis work. Students, along with their major professor and supervisory committee, determine the 15 credits of electives that best inform their interests. An outside area of emphasis or graduate specialization (see professor specializations under faculty pages) may be pursued by concentrating that elective coursework in another department.
MLA Advanced Professional Degree
The MLA-Advanced Professional degree is a two-year non-accredited program of study. Applicants must hold baccalaureate degrees in landscape architecture from accredited programs. The advanced degree allows outstanding students to expand their knowledge in areas of special interest under the supervision of a major professor and supervisory committee.
Course of Study
The Graduate Program Director advises all incoming students until they have selected a thesis topic. A major professor whose interests are closely aligned to those of the student (see areas of faculty expertise above) supervises thesis work. A minimum of 30 graduate-level credits, including thesis work, is required. Students supplement requirements with courses negotiated with the major professor and supervisory committee. An outside area of emphasis or graduate specialization may be pursued by concentrating elective coursework in another department.
MS Bioregional Planning Degree
The two-year MS Program presents an interdisciplinary core of courses and faculty for addressing complex issues in bioregional planning and management. This joint interdisciplinary program is offered by the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning and the Department of Environment and Society. Emphasis is placed on four problematic content areas associated with environmental planning: biophysical, social/demographic, economic, and public policy. The spatial focus is on the planning for large landscape areas with dispersed populations with a primary economic base in agriculture, energy development, tourism/recreation, retirement communities, and natural resources.
The program requires a minimum of 38 graduate-level credits, including 3-6 credits of work on a thesis or paper/project. Nine of the required credits may be in an area of specialization within the candidate's home department. These nine credits are to be negotiated with the candidate's major professor and supervisory committee.
NOTE: requirements for this degree are subject to change. Click on Bioregional Planning courses for a listing of possible coursework for the degree.