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Degrees and Schools
Numerous colleges and universities offer a landscape architecture bachelor's degree. Many of the programs require students to complete an internship with an experienced landscape architect. Students learn about design practices, research methods, and the theoretical and practical aspects of landscape architecture.
Many colleges and universities provide landscape architecture programs that have been accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Master's degrees in landscape architecture are available. Individuals who have obtained a bachelor's degree in a subject other than landscape architecture can enroll in a Landscape Architecture Master's degree program. Also, individuals that meet national requirements can obtain certification from the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards.
Classes
Students typically study the following subjects:
- Landscape architecture drafting
- Landscape design theory
- Constructing landscapes
- Geographic information systems in landscape architecture
- Landscape architecture practice
- Math
- Ecology
Online Classes and Programs
Architecture and landscape design degrees are available online. The online degrees are more common at the master's level.
It's important for students to take an online program which has been accredited by an agency approved by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education.
Employment Requirements
The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree is common in the profession. Some landscape architects have a master's degree.
Most states require landscape architects to be licensed. Requirements vary by state, however they usually require landscape architects to have earned a landscape architecture degree from an accredited school, have work experience and pass the Landscape Architect Registration Exam (LARE). Most states provide individuals that don't have an accredited landscape architecture degree an alternative path for qualifying to take the LARE. The alternative path typically requires more work experience.
The major employers are architectural firms, landscaping services companies, engineering firms, federal government agencies and local government agencies.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
The answers to the following questions can help students select the appropriate school:
- Training - Does the program provide plenty of hands-on training with the latest CAD equipment? Does the program include an internship? Do students have a variety of internship choices?
- School's Reputation - Is the school recognized for its landscape architecture program?
- Job Placement - Are students provided job placement services? Do representatives of architectural firms and landscaping services companies recruit students at the school?
- Curriculum - What type of electives are offered? Can students select an area of specialization?
- Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Is the school eligible to provide federal financial aid?
- Accreditation - Is the school accredited by an agency which has been approved by the the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education?
Landscape Architects Job Description
Landscape architects use their creative talent and technical skills to create functional, attractive outdoor environments. They use natural elements including trees, bushes and land to make attractive environments for highways, buildings, shopping centers, parks, residential areas and other settings. Also, landscape architects typically develop drawings with the use of computer-aided design (CAD).
Some landscape architects are involved with industrial projects and design attractive landscapes for factories. Some landscape architects design and make plans for the restoration of natural locations disturbed by humans, including stream corridors, forested areas, wetlands and mined areas.
Shown below are some of their responsibilities:
- Collaborate with surveyors, engineers and building architects to determine the best arrangements of buildings and roads
- Evaluate the impact a project will have on the local ecosystem
- Make recommendations regarding the proper use of the land
- Adhere to government regulations
- Prepare detailed drawings of the entire location which includes current and new features
- Submit working drawings and lists to contractors for bids
- Create drawings of specific features of the plan
- Evaluate the makeup of the soil and its exposure to the sun and wind
Resources
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