Master of Arts (MA) in Landscape Architecture

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

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

• Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
• Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
• Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
• Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
• Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
• Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
• Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.

Academy of Art University offers some of the best training and hands-on experience to help accelerate your future landscape architecture career. We pride ourselves in doing an exceptional job preparing you to excel in your chosen profession. Our degree programs are designed to equip aspiring landscape architects with a comprehensive toolbox of marketable skills that lead to success in the industry.

Landscape Architect

As a landscape architect, you'll analyze, plan, design, and implement natural as well as built environments of all scales. Design and plan the restoration of disturbed natural places and systems such as stream corridors, wetlands, forested areas, and mines.

Garden Designer

As a garden designer, you'll be responsible for planting, irrigation, and some hardscape design for residences and estates, Work with other designers and staff to create a holistic vision of urban spaces in this exciting career.

Landscape Designer

Working with the landscape architect, the designer helps with planning, design, management, and stewardship of natural and built environments.

Environmental Planner

As a regional and environmental planner, you'll be responsible for land use analysis, planning, zoning, and infrastructure as well as the analysis, design, and restoration of ecological systems. Help improve our parks and recreation areas in this important and fulfilling career path.

Landscape Renderer

Landscape renderers are responsible for the creation of drawings, plans, elevations, perspectives, and axonometric to communicate design intent and the spatial experience.

Master Planner

Abstract an idea in spatial forms as a master planner. You'll envision and design large-scale communities and lead the design process from conception to final construction.

Planting Designer

Create a planting designer based on site analysis, concept, and horticultural possibilities as a planting designer. You'll use plants in a creative and sustainable way to design projects at various scales.

Urban Designer

Responsible for the design or redesign of existing urban spaces, the urban designer crafts unique and usable apices for the public. Revitalize existing amenities, or create new physical connections in this unique and inspiring career path.

Urban Strategist

As an urban strategist, you'll develop strategies to improve underutilized urban sites to improve social impact. Urban strategists and typically landscape architects, designers, or urban designers looking to create a behavioral and social impact in urban environments.

Unit Requirements

Degree Requirements

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

Curriculum

Semester 1

• IAD 608: Digital Imaging (Major)
• LAN 605: Drawing as Process (Major)
• LAN 609: Ecological Foundations of Design 1 (Major)

Semester 2

• LAN 610: Landscape Architecture Design Studio (Major)
• LAN 617: Site Engineering (Major)
• LAN 619: Site Inventory & Analysis (Major)

Semester 3

• LAN 607: Historical Precedents of Landscape Architecture (Major)
• LAN 620: Site Design Studio (Major)
• LAN 665: Digital Graphics for Landscape Architecture (Major)

Semester 4

• LAN 660: Designing Public Spaces Studio (Major)
• LAN 678: People & the Environment (Major)
• LAN 679: Advanced Landscape Graphics (Major)