The Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA) program offers an integrated curriculum of professional courses and focuses on the design laboratory. Students explore the reasons for and the techniques involved in the analysis, planning, and design of the environment, both natural and built. The program seeks through scholarship, teaching, research, design, and community service to develop the discipline and the knowledge necessary to address the important environmental and design issues faced by society.
The undergraduate program is designed to create a deep awareness and knowledge of the discipline of landscape architecture and the ideas and values that affect the creative practice of landscape architecture. The program of study emphasizes the base of knowledge that is specialized and particular to landscape architecture. This is the special understanding of the history, theories, and the technologies essential to landscape architecture. The program seeks to enhance the depth of our understanding, the qualities of our experience, and the intimacy of our awareness of landscape architecture.
The BSLA may be taken for honors credit through the Barrett Honors College. Please contact them for more information.
The four year Bachelors of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA) and three-year First-Professional Master’s Degree (MLA) Programs at Arizona State University are accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board. The BSLA Program was last accredited in 2014 and is scheduled for re-accreditation in the Spring of 2020. The MLA Program was last accredited in 2015 and is scheduled for re-accreditation in Spring 2020. Learn more
Please visit the ASU Professional Licensure website for information on licensure surrounding this and other ASU programs.
Do you want to help create sustainable cities and design vibrant, healthy outdoor places that are environmentally and socially just? Learn the art and science of creative placemaking, address global concerns, and work with local communities to create livable cities.
The BSLA program offers students the opportunity to engage with the community in applied projects that focus on designing sustainable outdoor environments and improving the ecological and social health of the urban environment.
Undergraduate landscape architecture projects can range from large-scale work encompassing urban design, landscape restoration, open space preservation planning, community planning and landscape ecological design to projects at the more intimate scale of a neighborhood park or residential backyard. Emerging areas of focus include creative placemaking; environmental equity, green roofs and living walls; restorative environments; sustainable design; and urban climate design. Students complement their design learning with electives from a broad range of approved courses.
Completion of the Bachelor of Science in landscape architecture ensures graduates have the qualifications to take the Landscape Architect in Training examination leading to registration as a professional landscape architect. As the only undergraduate degree offered at The Design School which leads directly to professional registration and as an entry point to the profession, above average or higher performance is required for success.
Students should see the Bachelor of Science in landscape architecture major map for details on specific courses and semester curricula.
At A Glance
Landscape Architecture, BSLA
- Offered by: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- First Required Math Course: MAT 170 - Precalculus
- Math Intensity: Moderate
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
Apply to ASU to view the admission requirements and begin your application.
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
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Scholarships
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Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
The bachelor's degree program is designed to prepare students for landscape architecture professional practice and advanced study at the graduate level. Graduates have found employment in nationally recognized firms working with notable landscape architects in large multinational firms or in public agencies. Alumni have also gone on to pursue advanced study at universities with distinguished graduate programs in landscape architecture and allied design fields.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for landscape architects to grow 4% between 2018 and 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The bureau also notes employers prefer hiring entry-level landscape architects with internship experience to significantly reduce the amount of on-the-job training. The bachelor's degree program has an internship requirement meant to address this preference and better prepare graduates for employment.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Sustainability Officers | -10% | $185,950 |
| Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers | 0.2% | $59,660 |
| Construction Managers | 8.5% | $97,180 |
| Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 3.7% | $84,740 |
| Landscape Architects | -2.4% | $70,630 |
| Park Naturalists | 5.1% | $64,020 |
| Sustainability Specialists | ||
| Urban and Regional Planners | 11% | $75,950 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation