Master of Arts - Landscape Architecture

The Master of Arts program offers an introduction to landscape architecture. Coursework emphasizes the essential factors involved in the creation of outdoor spaces. This program is appropriate for students who want to learn about the profession but are not interested in practicing as a landscape architect in the future.

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Design Proposals

• Demonstrate basic command of the key principles, systems, and elements of design that inform two- and three- dimensional planning and design as well as graphic composition
• Produce defensible design and planning proposals that reflect an awareness of the historical, ecological and climatic factors of a given site
• Creatively solve planning and design problems

Research and Design Process

• Conduct sufficient research and analyze findings at appropriate junctures in the planning and design process
• Explore sufficient concepts and alternatives, and test them against relevant criteria and standards

Natural Systems

• Identify and evaluate key features and processes found on a site (such as soil types, individual plant species, plant communities, wildlife, climatic conditions, and hydrology) to determine design opportunities and constraints

Human and Social Factors

• Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities that exist between human behavior and outdoor space in planning and design proposals

Technical Systems and Materials

• Apply the principles of sustainability when planning and designing grading and drainage plans
• Select and evaluate materials that will both enhance the aesthetic and ecological qualities of a given site and provide for the programmatic requirements of the client and/or user group

History, Theory, and Criticism

• Demonstrate an awareness of fundamental design traditions, ideas, and influences in planning and design proposals

Visual and Verbal Communication

• Consolidate research and present ideas in concise and convincing verbal and written presentations
• Successfully apply various graphic media to clearly communicate ideas and concepts that reflect the design process and project proposals

Professional Readiness

• Produce a professional portfolio demonstrating their skills and design process

*Note App Fee Waiver in effect for ApplyBoard to reduce the application fee to $50*