Photo: istockphoto.com
While becoming a gardener does not require any specific training beyond a love of plants, many of the best landscaping companies employ at least one landscape architect. This esteemed position is a role that brings together aspects of both art and science, creativity and analysis. Anyone looking to enroll in a landscape architecture school can look forward to a career in designing various projects, including parks, botanical gardens, school campuses, residential communities, and more. But how does someone pursue a degree in landscape architecture? With more than 70 schools in the country offering landscape architecture degrees, it’s tough to know which one to invest in. We’ve researched the best landscape architecture schools so prospective students can make an informed decision on where to apply.
- BEST OVERALL: University of Massachusetts Amherst
- BEST FOR AN ECOLOGICAL FOCUS: Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- BEST CO-OP PROGRAM: Purdue University
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Iowa State University
- BEST GRADUATE PROGRAMS: Texas A&M University
- BEST FOR STUDYING ABROAD: University of Washington
- ALSO CONSIDER: Arizona State University
Photo: istockphoto.com
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Landscape Architecture Schools
Attending one of the best landscape architecture schools is a big commitment in terms of time and finances. Before enrolling in any landscape architecture degree program, future students have several important factors to consider. These include location, accreditation, degree programs offered, the application process and testing requirements, tuition and additional costs, graduation requirements, and work and study abroad opportunities.
Location
For many prospective students, the site of a landscape architect college will play a critical role in the decision. While some schools may offer an online landscape architecture degree, others don’t, so attending the school of choice could require relocation. Students will want to consider aspects like quality of life and cost of living in any given location. Where the student will live while attending school, such as on-campus versus off-campus, will also factor in.
Accreditation
Accreditation assures students that the school they’re considering upholds rigorous educational standards, and the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) is the leading accrediting body. LAAB evaluates each school’s programs independently and looks at the school’s stated objectives and compliance with mandated standards. Landscape architecture programs that offer professional degrees at the bachelor or master level can apply for accreditation from LAAB.
Degrees Offered
Many of the best landscape architecture schools offer undergrad and graduate degrees, including a Master of Landscape Architecture. Some schools may also offer minors or certification programs in landscape architecture, but to obtain their degree in landscape architecture, students must complete at least a bachelor’s-level program.
Application Process and Testing Requirements
Potential students will want to determine if the landscape design school they’re considering has any specific requirements for application. Some programs, typically graduate ones, require a portfolio, and there may also be fees associated with the application.
Testing may be required before a student can enroll in a landscape architecture program. While many institutions are now making testing requirements optional, some still require SAT or ACT test scores for undergraduate programs and GRE or GMAT test scores for graduate programs.
Tuition and Additional Costs
When students are choosing the best landscape architecture school, tuition and the accompanying fees will factor into the decision. The base tuition can be tens of thousands of dollars per year before financial aid or scholarships. Additional expenses can include housing, meal plans, and administrative fees.
Graduation Requirements
Every landscape architecture school will have different requirements for students. Before deciding which school to attend, students will want to be fully aware of the graduation requirements of their school of choice. These will include how many credits are necessary to graduate, if work experience is required, and whether there’s a mandatory thesis or capstone project.
Work Opportunities
The study of landscape architecture requires the student to become effective at running computer software drafting and design programs, as well as understanding the fundamentals of construction. Students will want to know if there are opportunities required or facilitated by the school to complete internships or co-ops during the program. The opportunity for on-the-job learning can be beneficial for students when they’re applying for jobs after completing their degree program.
Study-Abroad Opportunities
Some landscape architecture schools offer course-specific study-abroad programs. For some students, this could be important, while for others, it may not. Before deciding which is the best landscape degree program, prospective students will want to know if there are study-abroad programs offered and if they are required as part of the degree completion.
Our Top Picks
Many colleges across the country offer landscape architect degrees, so deciding on the best landscape architect school is not always easy. When looking for the right landscape architect program, students will want to be sure the coursework matches their skill set, interests, schedule, and career goals. Here are some of the top landscape architecture schools to consider.
* Note: The cost per academic year reflects information found on each institution’s website at the time of this article’s most recent update. For institutions where cost per academic year was not listed, the number was calculated from the available tuition information.
Photo: umass.edu
Why It Made the Cut: The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a wide variety of comprehensive degree programs ranging from a 2-year associate’s degree to a doctorate, and the coursework includes a strong emphasis on sustainability.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst allows students to choose a degree program that best suits their career goals. Students can utilize a combined department of landscape architecture and regional planning to take advantage of several professional accredited degree programs to meet their career goals best. These range from an associate’s in Landscape Contracting to a Ph.D. in Regional Planning. There is also a dual-degree program offered, allowing students to receive master’s degrees in both Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning (MLA/MRP).
Across all the programs, UMass is committed to sustainability, including offering an undergraduate degree in Sustainable Community Development, a program adjacent to Landscape Architecture. Although the $85 application fee may be higher than what’s required for other schools, the optional test scores for applicants may be of interest to prospective students. UMass also offers study-abroad programs in Belize, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and France, and may help facilitate study abroad in other countries through the International Programs Office.
The current tuition fees are:
- Tuition, fees, and housing for full-time resident undergraduate students: $31,728
- Tuition, fees, and housing for full-time non-resident undergraduate students: $52,948
- Tuition for 8 credit hours for resident graduate students: $5,988
- Tuition for 8 credits for non-resident graduate students: $12,457
Specs
- Location: Amherst, Massachusetts
- Degrees offered: Associate of Science in Landscape Contracting, Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Community Development, Master of Landscape Architecture, Master of Regional Planning, Doctor of Philosophy in Regional Planning
- Testing requirements: Optional SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate applicants; no test scores required for graduate applicants
- Cost per academic year: $5,988 to $52,948
Pros
- Comprehensive dual-degree programs
- Department-specific study-abroad opportunities
- Strong emphasis on sustainability
Cons
- Relatively high application fee of $85
Photo: rutgers.edu
Why It Made the Cut: Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers landscape degree programs aimed at creating solutions to the current formidable problems of the time, from food scarcity to climate change.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick advocates for landscape design that sees the interconnectedness of both human and ecological systems. This puts landscape architects as design leaders in an interdisciplinary team of planners, engineers, ecologists, and social scientists. Students are required to take various social and physical sciences, quantitative and qualitative reasoning, communications, and humanities classes. This diversity fosters a liberal, multifaceted approach to thinking. Major-specific classes for the undergraduate landscape architecture program include Architecture, Inequality and Landscapes of Justice; Social and Cultural Aspects of Design; Residential Design in the Age of Sustainability; and Sustainable Landscape Technologies. The school also offers a minor Landscape Design (without accreditation).
The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences is located about 3 miles from the main university buildings on Cook Campus, a satellite campus filled with acres of green and wooded spaces.
The school’s Center for Urban Environmental Sustainability (CUES) is a collaboration between the Landscape Architecture and Environmental Science departments and offers students the opportunity to use combined skills to address urban environmental issues and questions. These solutions are applied to community initiatives.
The current tuition fees are:
- Tuition, fees, and housing for full-time resident undergraduate students: $30,172
- Tuition, fees, and housing for full-time non-resident undergraduate students: $47,872
- Tuition for full-time resident graduate students: $18,696
- Tuition for full-time non-resident graduate students: $31,800
Specs
- Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey
- Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Planning, Master of Landscape Architecture
- Testing requirements: Optional SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate applicants; no test requirements for graduate applicants
- Cost per academic year: $18,696 to $47,872
Pros
- Strong emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility
- Interdisciplinary approach to education
- Community engagement fostered through CUES
Cons
- Somewhat inconvenient satellite campus location
Photo: purdue.edu
Why It Made the Cut: Purdue University delivers a comprehensive landscape degree program that includes a year-long internship in a professional landscape architecture office.
Cooperative Education (Co-op) is an academic program that allows students to gain paid professional work experience before graduation. The Purdue University co-op program is the only managed cooperative internship program in the country that embeds a student in a professional landscape architecture office for a full year (or longer—up to 14 months) to experience the realities of the profession in a hands-on environment. This enables students to essentially start their careers before graduation, especially because students can opt for a firm that closely aligns with their professional aspirations. There are more than 100 different firms that partner with the university both nationally and internationally.
Purdue University offers students a relatively low student-to-faculty ratio (14 to 1), allowing them to experience greater engagement with the faculty. Prospective students will want to know that the website can be challenging to find all the information they’re looking for, so they may need to reach out to admissions counselors with any questions. Degrees offered include undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
The current tuition fees are:
- Tuition, fees, and housing for full-time resident undergraduate students: $20,022
- Tuition, fees, and housing for full-time non-resident undergraduate students: $38,824
- Tuition and fees for resident graduate student with 8 credit hours per semester: $4,996
- Tuition and fees for non-resident graduate student with 8 credit hours per semester: $14,397
Specs
- Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
- Degrees offered: Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Master of Science in Landscape Systems and Design, Doctor of Philosophy in Landscape Systems and Design
- Testing requirements: Optional but preferred SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate applicants; no test requirements specified for graduate applicants
- Cost per academic year: $4,996 to $38,824
Pros
- Comprehensive co-op program
- 115 partnering co-op firms nationwide and globally
- Relatively low student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to 1
Cons
- Website is somewhat user-unfriendly
Photo: iastate.edu
Why It Made the Cut: Iowa State University provides students with a high-quality, accredited education with a relatively low yearly tuition.
Iowa State University’s Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture programs provide students with a stellar education with relatively affordable costs for both in-state and out-of-state students. Students will appreciate that SAT or ACT scores are optional for undergraduate applicants. Those prospective enrollees may also enjoy the (optional) semester abroad in Rome, which is offered to students in the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program in the spring of the fourth year.
Although the yearly tuition fees are significantly lower than other landscape architecture schools, the undergraduate program consists of a 5-year curriculum, requiring 150 credits, leading to the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree. These credits are distributed between a 1-year Core Design Program of 30 credits and a 4-year professional program of 120 credits. To earn their degree, students must complete an internship, a study-abroad program, or a student exchange program.
The current tuition fees are:
- Tuition and fees for resident undergraduate student with 12 credit hours per semester: $10,429.90
- Tuition and fees for non-resident undergraduate students with 12 credit hours per semester: $25,627.90
- Tuition for full-time resident graduate students: $12,388
- Tuition for full-time non-resident graduate students: $28,594
Specs
- Location: Ames, Iowa
- Degrees offered: Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Master of Landscape Architecture
- Testing requirements: Optional SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate applicants; no test scores required for graduate applicants
- Cost per academic year: $10,429 to $28,594
Pros
- Relatively affordable resident and non-resident tuition
- Department-specific study-abroad opportunity
Cons
Photo: tamu.edu
Why It Made the Cut: Texas A&M University has four diverse graduate and post-graduate degree programs, allowing students to hone in on their preferred areas of specialization.
Texas A&M University not only offers students Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning degrees, but the school also offers three different master’s programs and one Ph.D. program. Master’s programs include Landscape Architecture, Land and Property Development, and Urban Planning; a Ph.D. is offered in Urban and Regional Planning.
Students are required to spend one semester away from the College Station campus, either by studying abroad or completing an internship. Study-abroad students travel to Bonn, Germany, and take studio-based classes. Students on internships spend a semester working for landscape architecture firms around the country.
Any prospective students will want to be aware that all first-year applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores, and GRE or GMAT scores are required for all graduate applicants. Texas A&M University has a long-standing relationship (more than 25 years) of working with local governments and community stakeholders to create sustainable communities across Texas through its Texas Target Communities (TxTC) program. Students engage in hands-on experience using landscape design skills to help local communities become more equitable and sustainable. Students plan and design places for the health, safety, and welfare of those communities.
The current tuition fees are:
- Tuition, housing, and fees for full-time resident undergraduate students: $32,026
- Tuition, housing, and fees for full-time non-resident undergraduate students: $61,310
- Tuition, housing, and fees for full-time resident graduate students: $28,636
- Tuition, housing, and fees for full-time non-resident graduate students: $39,868
Specs
- Location: College Station, Texas
- Degrees offered: Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning, Master of Land and Property Development, Master of Landscape Architecture, Master of Urban Planning, Doctor of Philosophy in Urban and Regional Planning
- Testing requirements: SAT or ACT scores required for all freshman applicants; GRE or GMAT scores required for graduate applicants
- Cost per academic year: $28,636 to $61,310
Pros
- Diverse and specialized graduate programs
- Community engagement fostered through Texas Target Communities program
Cons
- Standardized test scores required for all applicants
Photo: washington.edu
Why It Made the Cut: The University of Washington offers one of the most unique and diverse study-abroad programs in landscape architecture.
The University of Washington’s Landscape Architecture Department offers a wide variety of study-abroad programs as part of the curriculum for both Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Masters of Landscape Architecture students. Opportunities have spanned all corners of the globe, including Nepal, Norway, New Zealand, and Peru.
Although the program has a 21-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, with the potential for less one-on-one access to faculty, the University of Washington offers students a robust mentorship program. The College of Built Environments (CBE) offers students the chance to gain insight, one-on-one guidance, and advice from a mentor in their chosen field. Every student of the CBE can gain access to a CBE graduate or an industry professional.
Prospective students will want to be aware that a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture is not available to first-year students; they must apply to the program after being enrolled at the University of Washington. The $85 application fee is on the higher end, which can be a con for some students, especially those applying to more than one landscape architecture school. However, no test scores are required.
The current tuition fees are:
- Tuition and fees for full-time resident undergraduate students: $12,242
- Tuition and fees for full-time non-resident undergraduate students: $40,740
- Tuition and fees for full-time resident graduate students: $18,018
- Tuition and fees for full-time non-resident graduate students: $31,263
Specs
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Degrees offered: Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Master of Landscape Architecture
- Testing requirements: No test scores required for undergraduate or graduate applicants
- Cost per academic year: $12,242 to $40,740
Pros
- Department-specific study-abroad opportunities
- College-wide mentorship program
Cons
- BLA program not available to first-year students
- Relatively high student-to-faculty ratio of 21 to 1
- Relatively high application fee of $85
Photo: asu.edu
Why It Made the Cut: Arizona State University has a reputation for celebrating student achievement through several honors and merit awards.
Arizona State University offers students the chance to enroll in accredited bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in landscape architecture with optional SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate applicants and optional (but encouraged) GRE scores for graduate applicants. Arizona State University has a higher-than-average retention rate for students, and it has a particularly standout first-year retention rate of 88 percent (compared to the national average of 69 percent). The landscape architecture program strongly emphasizes sustainability in design and using landscape architecture to create resilient, equitable environments in the face of 21st-century challenges.
Prospective students will want to be aware that if using the online tuition estimator, Arizona residents can only estimate tuition for a maximum of 7 credit hours per semester, while non-residents can estimate tuition for up to 12 credit hours per semester.
One practice that sets Arizona State University apart is its celebration of student achievements. These are recognized through the following public recognition on an annual basis and celebrated each April during World Landscape Architecture Month and include the Arizona ASLA Student Honor and Merit Awards; Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) Olmsted Scholar and Student Scholarships; Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA) Fountain Scholar and Student Awards; and Sigma Lambda Alpha Honor Society—Alpha Zeta Chapter.
The current tuition fees are:
- Tuition only for resident undergraduate students with 7 credit hours per semester: $11,618
- Tuition only for non-resident undergraduate students with 7 credit hours per semester: $18,112
- Tuition only for resident graduate students with 7 credit hours per semester: $12,914
- Tuition only for non-resident graduate students with 7 credit hours per semester: $19,954
Specs
- Location: Tempe, Arizona
- Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, Master of Landscape Architecture
- Testing requirements: Optional SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate applicants; optional but encouraged GRE scores for graduate applicants
- Cost per academic year: $11,618 to $19,954
Pros
- Diverse opportunities for student achievement and recognition
- Relatively high student retention rates
Cons
- Online tuition estimator is somewhat confusing
Our Verdict
For its wide range of programming with a strong emphasis on sustainability, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is our top pick for best landscape architecture school. For an even more in-depth focus on sustainability and ecological concerns, Rutgers University-New Brunswick is a standout choice.
How We Chose the Best Landscape Architecture Schools
To determine the best landscape architecture schools, we evaluated schools across the country with an emphasis on those schools that offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in landscape architecture. We considered factors such as tuition, accreditation, application process, course offerings, internship and work opportunities, study-abroad programs, and test score requirements. We selected awards based on the schools’ standout features.
Before You Enroll at One of the Best Landscape Architecture Schools
Before enrolling in a landscape architecture program, students will want to determine what area of focus is of the most interest to them. Although all of the schools on this list offer landscape architecture degrees, different schools offer different emphases, such as ecology, global or international studies, and community engagement. A student who wishes to follow the path of an urban planner may want a different approach than a student who plans to run their own landscape architecture firm. Additionally, a prospective student who prefers the design elements of landscaping may wish to pursue a degree in landscape design, such as those offered by one of the best online landscape design courses.
Cost of Enrolling at One of the Best Landscape Architecture Schools
The average cost for yearly tuition at the best landscape architecture schools in the United States is $10,696 for in-state undergraduate students and $30,352 for out-of-state undergraduate students. Graduate student tuition ranges from $12,851 for in-state students to $27,412 for out-of-state students. While these numbers are averages, the actual price a student will pay can vary significantly, with some universities charging as much as $60,000 or more for yearly tuition. However, these are the costs before any financial aid or scholarships are considered.
The Advantages of Enrolling at One of the Best Landscape Architecture Schools
Because a degree is required to become a landscape architect, the obvious advantage to enrolling in one of the best landscape architecture schools is exactly that: a professional degree from an accredited university. As a career path, the advantages of pursuing a landscape architect degree are many. These include:
- Make a positive impact on the future of human and ecological interactions.
- Cultivate a career that is an intersection of art and science.
- Use creativity to solve problems, including urgent matters of our current times such as climate change, flooding and natural disasters, and food scarcity.
- Be part of creating sustainable and safe communities.
- Earn a comfortable salary and find jobs in a variety of cities and states.
- Work on various projects, from residential landscapes to playgrounds to wildlife centers.
- Learn from, and spend time in, nature.
- Be part of historic and environmental preservation.
FAQs
Every student looking for a landscape architecture school will seek different areas of focus, but there are still some common questions that arise. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Q. Where is the highest demand for landscape architects?
In terms of job opportunities per capita, New York ranks as number one in demand for landscape architects, followed by North Dakota, Idaho, Nebraska, and Washington.
Q. How long does landscape architecture school last?
Most states require landscape architects to have a bachelor’s degree at a minimum in this field, which typically translates to 4 to 5 years of school.
Q. What skills do I need for landscape architecture?
A variety of skills are necessary for becoming a landscape architect, including analytical skills, a comprehensive understanding of design and drafting computer programs, creative skills for solving unique problems from site to site, and communication skills to liaise with clients.
Q. Can I sign up for a landscape architecture school if I come from an electrical school?
Yes, as long as the student meets the minimum requirements of the college they are applying to.
Q. What kind of math do landscape architects use?
The most important math skill used by landscape architects is geometry. Using shapes and forms to think about their design, including how to calculate perimeter and area, are critical skills.
Q. What is the average cost for landscape architecture school?
In the United States, an undergraduate landscape architecture program has an average yearly cost between $10,696 for state residents and $30,352 for out-of-state residents.
Sources: College Tuition Compare
