Overview
Landscape architecture is a dynamic, broad-spectrum profession devoted to the design of outdoor environments. Geology, ecology and horticulture, architecture and engineering, geography, the social sciences, and the fine arts are a few of the contributors to these “architects of the land.” The function and aesthetics of parks, housing developments, transportation corridors, urban plazas, zoos, and campuses all reflect the acquired skill of landscape architects using both “hard” (built) and “soft” (planted) materials to both sustain and manipulate the natural environment. Landscape architects design exterior spaces with sketches, detail models, and working drawings for their clients as well as the companies and contractors that will use these specifications to bring life to the practitioner’s vision. The unique challenges for landscape architects span everything from small residential landscapes and large-scale urban developments to regional watersheds. Collaborating with architects, planners, artists, and engineers, landscape architects create compelling and memorable exterior spaces that affect the lives of people who inhabit them.
We offer a first professional Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree. We are currently transitioning to the MLA from our accredited professional Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree, accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accrediting Body (LAAB). Together, these degrees provide a solid foundation for design excellence that meets the educational requirement for professional licensure. In order to become a licensed landscape architect, you must complete an accredited professional degree, an internship, and pass a state’s licensing exam.
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Master of Landscape Architecture
We offer a first professional Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree. We are currently transitioning to the MLA from our accredited professional Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree, accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accrediting Body (LAAB). Together, these degrees provide a solid foundation for design excellence that meets the educational requirement for professional licensure. In order to become a licensed landscape architect, you must complete an accredited professional degree, an internship, and pass a state’s licensing exam.
View our curriculum (PDF) | Learn more about the degree.
Travel Programs
The Department of Architecture and Landscape Architecture offers multiple opportunities for off campus study and travel for students.
Scholarship and Awards
NDSU Architecture and our community of supporters are committed to supporting the development of our students. Every year we give over $40,000 to students to study and be inspired at NDSU and beyond. For more information, please visit Scholarships
Accreditation
SoDAA’s Master of Landscape Architecture degree is accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) , which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in landscape architecture.
STEM Designation
This degree program has been officially designated as STEM degree program, which refers to the academic disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). With this designation, international students are eligible to extend their F-1 visas for up to three years after graduation to work in the United States.
Career Opportunities
Career guidance for students begins when first-year students are introduced to the profession of Landscape Architecture and Architecture in their introductory lecture classes. Upon admission to the department, student knowledge of the professions, career opportunities, and how to prepare for the professional world are expanded in a number of ways, including:
- Interaction with our departmental Advisory Board of distinguished alumni, representing architecture firms and those associated with the AEC industry from around the nation
- Exposure to nationally and internationally known practitioners through our lecture series
- Portfolio reviews by alumni and faculty
- Regular posting of job opportunities through the student email listserv
- Support from the NDSU Career Center with resume and portfolio preparation
- Career Center job listings and organization of annual Career Expo job fair