Landscape Architecture
(LARC)
Abstract
The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) is a professional degree program that prepares students for work as academicians and practitioners. The three-year first professional degree curriculum is for students who have a bachelor's degree in a non-design field. The MLA is a degree that is accredited by the LAAB (Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board), which allows graduates to sit for the professional license exam (LARE). The two-year post-professional degree curriculum is for students who have a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture or a related design field. Through the required courses, concentration electives, and individual research, each student will acquire a thorough theoretical basis, grounding in methods and practices, and exposure to contemporary local and global issues. The required studio courses and the thesis or creative project, conducted with faculty and community partners, advances the knowledge base of landscape architecture through research and community outreach activities.
The MLA program is interdisciplinary in its philosophy and its operation. Individual courses convey concepts and tools from diverse disciplines and studio, research, and outreach projects have a multi-discipline association. Project and research advisors come from faculty in Landscape Architecture, Plant Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, American Studies, Architecture, Urban Studies and Planning, Historic Preservation, Real Estate Development, and other academic disciplines and professional partnerships.
Admissions Information
Applications received after February 1 may be considered, space permitting.
Application Deadlines
Type of Applicant Fall Spring Domestic Applicants; US Citizens and Permanent Residents with foreign credentials; International Applicants seeking admissions under A, E, G, H, I and L visas and immigrants
Deadline: February 1
Deadline: October 1
International Applicants seeking admission under F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas
Deadline: February 1
Deadline: June 1
Application Requirements
*Portfolio: The portfolio is a compilation of graphic, written or scored work that you have created or observed and recorded. This collection should show your interest and aptitude for the visual language of design. Expertise in design is welcomed but not required. The portfolio should illustrate your interests in a variety of areas related to landscape architecture. This can be sent in a portfolio case or binder (any size). CD-ROM, DVD or web-accessible portfolio compilations will also be accepted in lieu of printed material. Portfolios are due no later than the application deadline. Send portfolio to: Diana Cortez, MLA Program, 2139 Plant Sciences Building, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742. Transcripts and financial information should be sent to: University of Maryland ESO-Graduate Rm 0130 Mitchell Building College Park, MD 20742.
- 3.0 GPA and Undergraduate transcripts
- GRE test scores
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Portfolio of Creative Work*
- Statements of: Goal, Research Interests and Experiences (Letter of Interest)
Degree Requirements
Master of Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.)
Three-Year First Professional Degree Curriculum (71 Credits + 6 credits @ 200-level, if required).
Students will be advised to take remedial Woody Plant Identification courses prior to arrival or in the first year of study at Maryland. The MLA Program requires these courses in order to meet accreditation standards. Requirements (contact department for detailed curriculum):
Courses in Theory and History (12 Credits)
Courses in Studio Design and Planning (26 Credits)
Courses in Graphic Communication and Practice Technology (15 Credits)
Courses in Ecology and Plant and Soil Sciences (3 Credits + 6 credits of remedial courses)
Courses in Independent Study and Research, with Thesis or Creative Design project(15 Credits)
Two-Year Post-Professional Degree Curriculum (40 credits)
This curriculum is for those students with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture or other approved environmental design degree. Requirements (please contact department for detailed curriculum):
Courses in Theory and History (6 Credits)
Courses in Studio Design and Planning (16 Credits)
Courses in Independent Study and Research, with Thesis or Creative Design project(18 Credits)
Facilities and Special Resources
The Master of Landscape Architecture program is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB) of the American Society of Landscape Architects. The program maintains a balance between design theory and application in a professional degree curriculum. The MLA program builds upon the strengths of the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture (PSLA) and the Landscape Architecture Program (LARC). The PSLA Department is composed of faculty members who specialize in landscape architecture, landscape history, ecology, plant science, urban forestry, turf and golf course management, and landscape management. It provides a strong, comprehensive grounding for landscape design, planning and preservation, landscape assessment, site and ecological systems analysis, plant identification, plant conservation, and plant pathology. Other environmental programs in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources offer knowledge and practical insight into the science of ecology, ecological restoration, water and soil conservation, and forest management. The MLA builds on this collaboration through advanced courses, student advising, and the contribution of non-teaching programs such as lectures, symposia and research projects.
The Master of Landscape Architecture Program is located in the Plant Sciences Building on the College Park campus. Advanced individual computing facilities, personal drafting stations, scanning and printing facilities, and a model-making workshop are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to every student in the MLA program.
Financial Assistance
A limited number of Graduate Assistantships are available to qualified students. These include Teaching, Research, and Administration Assistantships. Assistantships can be 9-month or 12-month appointments and include tuition remission (5 to 10 credits each semester, commensurate with GA appointment), an annual salary, health benefits, and in-state tuition, in exchange for 10 to 20 hours of work per week. Scholarships, fellowships, and other funding sources are available through a variety of external agents, such as the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF), the Garden Club of America (GCA), and others, including the following:
Go to http://www.laprofession.org/financial/scholarships.htm for more information.
Contact Information
Diana Cortez, Program Management Specialist
2139 Plant Sciences Building
College Park
MD
20742-4452
Telephone: 301-405-4359
Fax: 301-314-9308
dcortez@umd.edu
http://www.larch.umd.edu
David N. Myers, Ph.D., PLA, ASLA
Associate Professor and Coordinator
Landscape Architecture Program
Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture
2146 Plant Science Building
College Park MD 20742-4452
MD
20742-4452
Telephone: 301-405-4350
Fax: 301-314-9308
dnmyers@umd.edu
http://www.larch.umd.edu
Courses: LARC
Related Programs and Campus Units
Real Estate Development
Architecture
Urban Studies and Planning
Historic Preservation
Enviromental Science and Technology
