Landscape architecture

The Master of Landscape Architecture offers a three-year, 71-credit program for students new to the field and a one-and-a-half to two-year, 39-credit post-professional program for students with a degree in landscape architecture or a related discipline. Through coursework and applied learning experiences, you'll build technical skills while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

Curriculum and courses

To design spaces that truly make a difference, you need more than just creative ideas — you need a deep understanding of how design, art and environmental sciences work together. That’s why our interdisciplinary curriculum blends these fields to help you develop the knowledge needed to make thoughtful, informed decisions throughout your career.

In design studios, you’ll explore topics like bioregional planning and sustainable urban development. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with relevant technology such as visualization tools, 3D modeling and geographic information systems (GIS).

Landscape architecture courses you’ll take include:

• Construction Materials, Detailing and Documentation
• Grading, Drainage and Stormwater Management
• History and Theory of Landscape Architecture
• Landscape Architecture Graduate Studios  

Check out requirements and curriculum for this degree in the University of Idaho Catalog.

Professional licensing

Completion of the program fulfills the requirement for an accredited landscape architecture degree needed to sit for the Landscape Architecture Registration Examination (LARE) administered by the Council of Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (CLARB). Successful completion of the LARE is required for professional licensure as determined by state laws (see ASLA licensure requirements for more information).  

Clubs and involvement opportunities

At U of I, you can take your learning beyond the classroom by participating in student-led and professional organizations. These groups ensure you have valuable networking, leadership and development opportunities in the field. Get involved with:

• American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
• Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA)
• Idaho-Montana Chapter of ASLA
• Student Chapter of the American Association of Landscape Architects (SCASLA)

You’ll also have the chance to work with local and national landscape architecture firms on real projects. By completing an internship, you gain practical experience and professional connections that prepare you for your career. And we’re here to help you find the right opportunity that aligns with your goals. 

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.  
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.  
• View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.  
• Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.  
• Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.  

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.  

View financial aid resources

Professional fee

• All full-time graduate students (10-20 credits) — $725 per semester
• Part-time undergraduates (1-9 credits) — $73 per credit
• Part-time graduate students — $81 per credit (neither to exceed $725)

The professional fee supports College of Art and Architecture studios and equipment, student organizations, field trips and student services. 

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.

Design and Environments contact: 
Raffaella Sini
rsini@uidaho.edu

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions: 

Graduate Admissions contact: 
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001

Find Department of Design and Environments faculty advisors

Start your journey toward becoming a licensed landscape architect. Before applying to U of I’s master’s in landscape architecture program, review the degree-specific admission requirements listed below:  

Program availability

• Concentration: Thesis and non-thesis
• Semester intake: Fall, Spring
  • Eligible for expedited admission for U of I undergraduates
  • Eligible for out-of-state tuition waiver through the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) for qualifying applicants
  • Open to international applicants
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
• Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

University requirements

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.  
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• GRE: Not required
• Letters of recommendation: Three
• Resume  
• Statement of Purpose  
• Other requirements: Portfolio submission of your current work
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).  
  • Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.  
• Application fee: $50

Application and admission process

Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.

Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.

Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.

International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.