Landscape Architect Education Requirements

Landscape architects design functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor sites ranging from pathways to large urban parks. Aspiring architects can enter into the field with either a bachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture. Students enrolled in a landscape architecture degree program must be creative but also comfortable with the technical aspects of architecture.

Education Requirements for Becoming a Landscape Architect

Earning a bachelor's degree can be enough to work as a professional landscape architect. Master's degree programs are also available to those who wish to further their education in the field or who have a baccalaureate degree in another subject. Landscape architecture degree programs at both levels require students to design their own projects.

Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture

Programs at this level generally award a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) or Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA). These programs typically last 4-5 years and result in a professional degree.

Bachelor's degree programs introduce students to the design, planning and management of natural environments and engineered structures. Through the completion of various projects, students learn how to create outdoor areas that are sustainable, cost effective and mirror the characteristics and personality of the community in which they are located. Curricula generally include environmental design and landscape creations. Programs often incorporate computer software programs in computer-aided design and geographical information systems to helps students harness their technical skills.

Design studio courses are the backbone of a bachelor's degree program in landscape architecture and allow students to apply theories and principles of landscape architecture to their own projects. These projects are developed according to certain scale requirements and include projects ranging from rural to urban design. In order to supplement their education with practical work experience, students may consider completing an internship during their studies. By applying learned techniques from design to project management, interns are able to enhance their development in the profession.

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

Students entering a Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program from a bachelor's degree program can typically earn their master's degree in two years. Students with a baccalaureate degree in another subject must take foundational courses in landscape theory and design and typically need three years to complete the program. Students enrolled in these programs can often choose an area of concentration, like site planning or heritage conservation.

Pre-professional and post-professional degrees may be available depending on the school offering the degrees and a student's previous educational background. Entering an MLA program from a bachelor's degree in the architectural field will further a student's existing knowledge of landscape design, history and theory and may allow the student begin work on his or her thesis design project almost immediately. The MLA degree is conferred after the successful completion of the project.

Landscape Architecture Careers

Landscape architects plan and design public spaces, college campuses, city parks, historic sites, public gardens, resorts and more, with an eye towards the environment and society. A Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree typically takes four years to complete and includes coursework in landscape interpretation, urban planning, landscape form, community design, conservation and land design.

Related to Landscape Architect Education

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Be a Certified Landscape Architect: Certification and Career Roadmap

Certified landscape architects have a combination of experience and education in landscaping, and have passed a...

Landscape Architect Vs. Civil Engineer: What's the Difference?

Both landscape architects and civil engineers make designs and may even work together on certain projects; however,...

Landscape Architect: Career Profile and Educational Requirements

Landscape architects use their knowledge of horticulture, design and biological science to create and maintain outdoor...

Landscaping Architect: Employment Info and Requirements for a Career in Landscape Architecture

If you're looking for a career as a Landscaping Architect, you'll need at least your bachelor's degree in a field like...

Become a Residential Landscape Architect: Career Information

4 Popular Schools

  • Penn Foster Career School

    Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be 18 years of age or older
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Distance Learning Programs

    What is your highest level of education?

    Request Info

  • International Academy of Design and Technology

    Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning
    • California (1 campus)

    Online and Classroom-Based Programs

    What is your highest level of education?

    Request Info

  • Ashworth College

    Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be 17 years of age or older
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    What is your highest level of education?

    Request Info

  • ITT Technical Institute

    Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
    School locations:
    • Alabama (3 campuses)
    • Arkansas (1 campus)
    • Arizona (3)
    • California (14)
    • Colorado (2)
    • Florida (8)
    • Georgia (3)
    • Iowa (2)
    • Idaho (1)
    • Illinois (3)
    • Indiana (5)
    • Kansas (1)
    • Kentucky (2)
    • Louisiana (2)
    • Massachusetts (2)
    • Maryland (1)
    • Michigan (5)
    • Minnesota (1)
    • Missouri (4)
    • Mississippi (1)
    • North Carolina (3)
    • Nebraska (1)
    • New Mexico (1)
    • Nevada (2)
    • New York (3)
    • Ohio (9)
    • Oklahoma (2)
    • Oregon (1)
    • Pennsylvania (6)
    • South Carolina (2)
    • Tennessee (5)
    • Texas (7)
    • Utah (1)
    • Virginia (5)
    • Washington (3)
    • Wisconsin (3)
    • West Virginia (1)

    Classroom-Based Programs

    • Bachelor
        • Bachelor in Construction Management
    • Associate
        • Associate in Computer Drafting and Design
    Request Info

Other Recommended Schools:

Popular Schools

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs