Landscape Architecture (MLA), Program Information

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) 75 credits

Three -year, first professional accredited option for individuals seeking to become landscape architects but have no previous background in design. consists of 75 course credits (66 core credits and 9 elective credits) and normallyrequires six semesters of full-time study to complete. Students choosing to enroll part-time extend their studies over a longer period of time.

60 credit Program of Study

Students who hold a four-year college degree in a closely related design field (e.g., Architecture, Urban Planning and Design, Environmental Design, Landscape Design) that is comparable to 15 of the 75 credits in the degree option are eligible to apply to the 60 credit MLA program of study. Acceptance into this program requires the applicant to submit and receive approval from the Landscape Architecture Graduate Program Director for (1) catalog descriptions (and syllabi, if possible) of courses to be considered as equivalent to courses in the program and (2) a design portfolio.

Objective

The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) is an accredited first professional degree focusing on the design, planning, and management of natural and built environments. Coursework emphasizes the knowledge, values, and skills fundamental to the discipline and practice of landscape architecture, including biophysical and socio-cultural processes and issues.

Accreditation

The MLA first-professional degree is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB) of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). In the State of Maryland, graduates from an accredited graduate program are eligible to take the national Landscape Architecture Registration Exam (LARE) after at least two years of supervised experience in landscape architecture under the responsible charge of licensed landscape architect.

Program Course Requirements 75 credits

ENST 510 - Environmental Design I 6 Credits
ENST 512 - Graphics Workshop 3 Credits
OR
ARCH 502 - Visualization I: Graphics Workshop 3 Credits
LAAR 505 - Plants I 1 Credits
LAAR 506 - Plants II 1 Credits
LAAR 507 - Plants III 1 Credits
LAAR 511 - History of Landscape Architecture 3 Credits
LAAR 513 - Environmental Resources I 3 Credits
or
CSUC 516 - Introduction to Urban Storm Water Management 1 Credits
and
CSUC 525 - Urban Ecology 1 Credits
and
CSUC 526 - Urban Soils 1 Credits
LAAR 520 - Landscape Architecture Design Studio II 6 Credits
LAAR 522 - Technology I: Grading & Drainage 3 Credits
LAAR 530 - Landscape Architecture Design Studio III 6 Credits
LAAR 533 - Environmental Resources II 3 Credits *
LAAR 532 - Technology II: Materials and Methods 3 Credits
LAAR 540 - Landscape Architecture Design Studio IV 6 Credits
LAAR 550 - Landscape Architecture Design Studio V 6 Credits
LAAR 551 - History and Theory of Urban Landscape Design- 20th Century to Present 3 Credits **
LAAR 552 - Plants in Design 3 Credits
LAAR 560 - Studio VI: Master’s Project 6 Credits
LAAR 561 - Landscape Architectural Practice 3 Credits
LAAR 751 - Research Methods 3 Credits
ENST 770 - Computer Aided Design I (Digital Graphics & Representation Workshop) 3 Credits
ENST 739 - Design & Human Behavior 3 Credits

Note

* or approved elective

** or approved elective

*** or approved elective

Suggested Curriculum Sequence

Landscape Architecture (MLA), Curriculum Sequence