Landscape Architecture MA

Landscape Architecture (MA)

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.

Master of Arts (MA) Degree
Major Classes

This program is available online and on campus

IAD 608

Digital Imaging Major/3

Immerse yourself in the world of imaging software. You will develop skills to enhance presentations, create graphic layouts, and integrate various media into your design projects.

LAN 605

Drawing as Process Major/3

Communicating ideas through accurate plans, sections, elevations and other drawings is a fundamental skill for any designer. Students will develop strong foundations in mechanical and freehand drawing by applying professional graphic conventions to a variety of projects. Connecting information on 2D drawings to 3D spaces will be developed.

LAN 609

Ecological Foundations of Design 1 Major/3

All life depends on soil, water, and plants. You'll gain mapping, observation, and recording skills while exploring the scientific characteristics, ecological relationships, and the tolerances for human development on natural systems.

LAN 610

Landscape Architecture Design Studio Major/3

Designers create spaces with meaning and purpose. Using design principles and processes, you will explore methods of spatial composition and gain tools for ideation, organizing, and presenting your work.

LAN 611

Landscape Architecture Design Studio Major/3

Building upon information gained in previous courses, students will combine graphic skills, technical knowledge, and site inventory and analysis in order to collaboratively focus on the creation of sustainable, accessible and more livable public outdoor spaces. Emphasis will be placed on effectively applying each step of the design process. (This course is cross-listed with LAN 311.)

LAN 612

Landscape Architecture Sustainable Studio Major/3

Building upon the various skills and knowledge gained in previous courses, students will collaboratively focus on the creation of public outdoor spaces that are sustainable, equitable, and accessible to all. Emphasis will be placed on examining each step of the design process. (This course is cross-listed with LAN 312.)

LAN 617

Site Engineering Major/3

This course focuses on strategies and calculations for controlling stormwater. Students will create accurate grading plans and models in a variety of scales to test their designs. Students will be challenged to incorporate both functionality and aesthetics. Topics will include stormwater calculations, innovative sustainable technologies, road alignments and construction details. (This course is cross-listed with LAN 260.)

LAN 619

Site Inventory and Analysis Major/3

This course focuses on the process of conducting site inventories and site analyses that generate relevant and effective site plans and master plans which will guide subsequent design decisions. Information gained through observing and analyzing any site will result in planning and design decisions that truly reflect its unique nature.(This course is cross-listed with LAN 235.)

LAN 665

Digital Graphics for Landscape Architecture Major/3

You'll learn to digitally draft plans, sections, elevations, axonometrics and renderings. You'll become proficient in the same software that today's design professionals use to produce legible, accurate, and well organized digital documents. (This course is cross-listed with LAN 223.)

LAN 678

People and the Environment Major/3

This course focuses on the relationship of individuals, communities, and societies to the landscape and the importance of promoting a user-oriented approach to design. Specific needs of under-represented populations will be discussed. Students will learn methods to observe, record, and analyze human interaction with their surroundings. (This course is cross-listed with LAN 297.)

LAN 679

Advanced Landscape Graphics Major/3

Landscape architects use digital renderings to communicate with everyone involved in a project. You'll learn to use the same state-of-the-art modeling and rendering software that the pros use to explore and communicate ideas at any scale. (This course is cross-listed with LAN 323.)

LAN 700

Professional Practice for Landscape Architecture Major/3

Get the professional business skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful and licensed landscape architect. You'll learn how professional ethics, insurance, legalities, and contractual arrangements impact the design and construction process.

Degree Requirements

Unit RequirementsUnits
Major Coursework36
Total36

MA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Successful completion of Final Portfolio Review.
  • Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
  • Minimum grade of C in all required 36 units.

 

Program Learning Outcomes

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