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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 BS program in landscape architecture 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 program projects can range from large-scale work encompassing urban design, landscape reclamation, open space preservation planning, and landscape ecological design to projects at the more intimate scale of a neighborhood park or residential back yard. Emerging areas of focus include biotechnical design; urban agriculture; construction of greenways, green roofs and living walls; and the design of healing environments. Students complement their design learning with electives from a broad range of approved courses.
All students must pass a degree milestone at the end of the first year to continue in the major. For more information, students should visit https://design.asu.edu/resources/students/milestones.
This is an eight-semester program requiring sequential completion of studio coursework (or approved equivalent).
Degree Offered
Landscape Architecture (BSLA)
Design & the Arts, Herberger Institute for
Location
Tempe
Major Map
A major map outlines the degree’s 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.Freshman
Transfer
International
Readmission
Affording College
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
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.
Accreditation
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 Fall of 2019. The MLA Program was last accredited in 2011 and is scheduled for re-accreditation in Fall 2020. Learn more
Milestone
Students in The Design School must successfully pass a degree milestone at the end of their freshman year to continue in the professional degree program. Applying to pass the degree milestone requirement is competitive and limited by available resources. Selection is awarded to those applicants demonstrating the highest promise for professional success.
More information about milestone.
Internships
Students majoring in Industrial Design, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture and Visual Communication Design are required to complete an internship program as part of their curriculum.
Learn more about internships.
Professional Organizations
Professional organizations serve as the public face for their respective professions, providing information to the general public about disciplinary practice and its role in improving the well-being of communities, promoting design excellence through the recognition of notable professional achievements, supporting the exchange of ideas and information about best practices between professional members through the development of conferences and through the support of opportunities for continuing education.
Learn more about professional organizations.
Student Organizations
Joining a discipline-specific student organization is a great way to help your long-term career plans and goals. Membership can add to your academic experience by building a portfolio, making important connections, networking and engaging with local and national professional communities.
Learn more about student organizations.
Career Outlook
The bachelor's degree program is designed to prepare students for landscape architecture professional practice and advanced study at the graduate level. Our students have found employment in nationally recognized firms working with notable landscape architects in large multinational firms or in public agencies. Students also have gone on to pursue graduate 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 will grow 16 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The bureau also notes that "employers prefer to hire entry-level landscape architects who have internship experience, which significantly reduces the amount of on-the-job training required." The bachelor's degree program has an internship requirement meant to address this preference and better prepare our 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | 6.9% | $74,520 |
| Architectural Drafters | -3% | $49,970 |
| Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | 9.4% | $73,720 |
| Electrical Drafters | 5.4% | $58,790 |
| Civil Drafters | -3% | $49,970 |
| Drafters, All Other | -3.4% | $49,990 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 2% | $130,620 |
| Landscape Architects | 5.5% | $64,570 |
| Mechanical Drafters | -6.8% | $52,200 |
| Electronic Drafters | 5.4% | $58,790 |
* 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