Landscape Architecture

The Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (B.S.L.A.) provides a pre-professional foundation for careers in landscape architecture, landscape design, or the green industry. The four-year program is the first step toward the Master of Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.), the professional degree required for licensure.

After successful completion of the third year of the B.S.L.A. program, you may apply for seamless entry into the graduate-level M.L.A. program. This option makes it possible to earn both your B.S.L.A. and your professional degree in as few as five and one half years.

As a student in the pre-professional program, you develop an understanding of the principles and theories of the built environment, learn the various technologies used in the field, and develop your drawing and computer graphic skills. Through engaging classroom discussion and studio experiences, you explore:

• Overall principles of sustainable site design
• Landscape construction technologies and design process
• Sustainable planting and landscape design
• History and theory of landscape architecture
• Urban and community design
• Landscape architecture communication graphic and digital technologies

Prepare for Success

You may be drawn to landscape architecture because you like the idea of working outdoors. An interest in the natural environment is important, but success in the field also requires creativity, strong drawing skills, and excellent problem-solving and critical thinking.

If you’re interested in earning a degree in landscape architecture, prepare in high school with courses in art and drawing, biology, ecology and geology, as well as 3D modeling and computer-aided design.

The University of Idaho Faculty of Landscape Architecture has an articulation agreement with several community colleges that enables graduates of two-year landscape horticulture and landscape technology programs to transfer seamlessly into the Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (B.S.L.A.) program, and eventually into the professional Master of Landscape Architecture (M.L.A) program.

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than landscape architecture, you may pursue an M.L.A. through the three-year program option.

Your First Year

The first year of the B.S.L.A. program is designed to provide a strong foundation in landscape architecture, art and design. First-year courses include:

• Introduction to the Built Environment
• Visual Communications Design Process
• Design History
• Introduction to Landscape Graphics and Media
• College Writing and Rhetoric
• Core Discovery I & II: Environment and the New Wild West

Students generally apply to the professional M.L.A. program after successful completion of the third year in the pre-professional B.S.L.A. program. If accepted, you may qualify for graduate status during the fourth year of the B.S.L.A.

What You Can Do

The B.S.L.A. is a pre-professional degree designed to allow seamless entry into the Master of Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.) program. The M.L.A. is the professional degree required to practice as a licensed landscape architect.

The B.S.L.A alone prepares you for career opportunities in the following areas:

• Landscape design
• Landscape design build
• Surveying
• Community and urban planning
• Landscape construction
• Landscape history and theory
• Landscape and real estate development
• Planning and zoning
• CAD-based drafting and modeling
• GIS technology

Opportunities

There is an increasing demand for qualified graduates in landscape architecture and design. A B.S.L.A. equips you for a wide range of diverse opportunities. You may pursue a career in:

• Traditional landscape architecture firms
• The design/build industry
• Interdisciplinary planning
• Engineering or architecture firms
• Urban, regional and national public agencies
• Non-governmental organizations, such as land and watershed trusts

Current Research

The Faculty of Landscape Architecture, in partnership with the Department of Conservation Social Sciences, is leading the University of Idaho’s Building Sustainable Communities Initiative. The collaborative project is funded by a five-year, $1.6 million grant to establish an academic program in bioregional planning and community design, provide community outreach, and develop professional training to promote sustainable futures.

Other landscape architecture faculty research interests include:

• GIS applications in land planning
• Green infrastructure and storm water design standards
• Bioregionalism and site design
• Water conservation and harvesting
• Sustainable sites best practices
• Standards for open space planning in community development

Activities

Get involved with Student Organizations by checking out clubs like the American Society of Landscape Architects, Student Chapter.

See all of the college's Student Organizations by looking here.

Hands-On Experience

You have many opportunities to explore and practice landscape architecture firsthand.

• Design Studios/Service-Learning: Collaborate with your classmates and with faculty and students from related disciplines on projects that address real-world design problems facing communities throughout Idaho.

• Summer Study Abroad: Explore landscape architecture by participating in a six-week, 11-credit hour study abroad program in Italy or other potential locations abroad.

• Field Trips: Take part in three- to five- day field trips to Northwest cities such as Portland, Seattle, or San Francisco to tour nationally significant landscape architectural sites and visit the offices of some of the finest landscape architecture firms in the world. You may also have the chance to attend the American Society of Landscape Architects national conference if the meeting is held in the Western region of the country.

• Internships: Gain important practical experience with a quality summer internships at a public agency, private firm, or other organization.