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 degree in a non-design field. The two-year post-professional degree curriculum is for students who have a bachelor 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
Application Deadlines
Fall
Spring
Domestic Applicants:
U.S. Citizens and Permanent ResidentsDomestic Applicant Deadlines
Online applications are due March 15, 2010. Portfolios are due March 15, 2010 for all applicants, domestic and international .
Applications for Spring 2010 are due by October 1, 2009. Only Post-Professional degree candidates may apply for the spring term. Portfolios are due October 1, 2009 .
International Applicants:
Applicants from Outside the U.S. or U.S. Citizens / Permanent Residents with Non-U.S. Credentials
IMPORTANT: International Applicants and U.S. Applicants with Non-U.S. Credentials must follow the domestic deadlines above if they are earlier than the deadlines listed below.
Applicants seeking admission under F (Student) or J (Exchange Visitor) visas
February 1
If Domestic Deadline is after Feb. 1June 1
If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1Applicants seeking admission under A, E, G, H, I, and L visas and immigrants
May 1
If Domestic Deadline is after May 1
October 1
If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents with foreign credentials
May 15
If Domestic Deadline is after May 15
October 31
If Domestic Deadline is after Oct.31Application Requirements
*Portfolio: The portfolio is a compilation of graphic, written or scored work that you have created. 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 or DVD portfolio compilations will also be accepted in lieu of printed material. Portfolios are due for all applicants by March 15. Send portfolio to: Jack Sullivan, MLA Program, 2142 Plant Sciences Building, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742.
- 3.0 GPA and Undergraduate transcripts
- GRE test scores
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Portfolio of Creative Work*
- 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. 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 + 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 proejct(18 Credits)
Facilities and Special Resources
The Master of Landscape Architecture program builds upon the strengths of the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture (PSLA) and the Landscape Architecture Program. The PSLA Department is composed of faculty that specializes in landscape architecture, landscape history, 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. Environmental scientists in other College of Agriculture and Natural Resources units offer knowledge and practical insight into the science of landscape planning, ecological restoration, water and soil conservation, and forest conservation and 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 MLA complements the undergraduate curriculum leading to the professional Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) degree. The BLA is an accredited program that is strongly supported by our constituents in professional design, engineering and planning firms throughout Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic Region. The 3-year MLA curriculum distinguishes itself from the BLA by the advanced theory, research and design requirements and expectations of students with a prior bachelor degree. 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, and scanning and printing facilities are available 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, and each includes tuition remission (for up to 10 credits each semester) and a yearly stipend of $16,000-$19,000. 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: Steven G. King Play Environments Scholarship: undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at LAAB-accredited schools. Award: $5,000. The Dangermond Fellowship: graduate students in the United States. Award: Up to three (3) $10,000 fellowships. Peridian International, Inc./Rae L. Price, FASLA Scholarship. Award: $5,000. The Douglas Dockery Thomas Fellowship in Garden History and Design: graduate student in the United States. Award: $4,000. Go to http://www.laprofession.org/financial/scholarships.htm for more information.
Contact Information
Jack Sullivan, Associate Professor and Coordinator
2142 Plant Sciences Building
College Park
MD
20740-4452
Telephone: 301-405-0106
Fax: 301-314-9308
jack@umd.edu
http://www.larch.umd.edu