Landscape Architecture MFA

The portfolio is the final step in your Graphic Design program. You'll develop a comprehensive print and digital visual system that shows off your design skills and a robust social media presence to effectively promote your strengths to the world. (This course is cross-listed with GR 875.)

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.

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.

Human history is recorded in the landscape. You'll explore the factors that have converged at various points in time to create the iconic landscape spaces and traditions that continue to influence the profession today.

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.

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.

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

Learn what it takes to put together an accurate set of construction documents. You'll create plans, details, schedules and specifications to communicate your design intent and provide the detailed information required to permit, build and install a project. Strategies for sustainable construction and installation will be emphasized. (This course is cross-listed with LAN 360.)

Prepare for the MFA Thesis. You will develop a thesis project proposal with a clearly defined purpose and scope. You will curate and document your research in a thesis proposal book.

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.

You will build upon various skills and knowledge gained in previous courses, and collaboratively create public outdoor spaces that not only integrate green infrastructure but are equitable and accessible to all. Focus will be placed on exploring each step of the planning and design process to achieve these goals. (This course is cross-listed with LAN 411.)

You will build upon various skills and knowledge gained in previous courses, and collaboratively create public outdoor spaces that not only integrate green infrastructure but are equitable and accessible to all. Focus will be placed on exploring each step of the planning and design process to achieve these goals. (This course is cross-listed with LAN 412.)