The Programs
The Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning offers nationally accredited programs at both the undergraduate and the graduate levels. Both curricula are designed to provide a broad-based education, covering the multi-disciplinary role of the landscape architect in areas of theoretical as well as applied knowledge within the discipline. Specific courses focus on the development of artistic expression and creative problem-solving, the understanding of the environmental processes and human behavioral dimensions of design, and applied site engineering.
The objectives of the department are to:
- Provide an educational and technical program responsive to current societal needs related to environmental planning, landscape architecture, and urban design.
- Give students the opportunity to participate in collaborative learning experiences with other disciplines on campus.
- Prepare students for professional careers in the private or public sector.
- Conduct original research to advance the body of knowledge in landscape architecture, environmental planning, and design.
The Profession and Career Opportunities
Landscape architecture is the art and science of analysis, planning, design, management, preservation, and rehabilitation of the land. The scope of the profession includes site planning, garden design, environmental restoration, town or urban planning, park and recreation planning, regional planning, and historic preservation. Practitioners share a commitment of achieving a balance between preservation, use, and management of the country’s resources.
Landscape architecture was ranked by US News and World Report among the "2009 Best Careers." The majority of landscape architects work as private-sector consultants for landscape architectural, architectural, environmental and engineering firms. Others are employed by federal, state or local governmental agencies concerned with public lands, forest and water resources, public housing, city planning, urban renewal, highways or parks and recreation.