• UNM 2010-2011 Catalog
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• »School of Architecture and Planning
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Graduate Program

Master of Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.)

The University of New Mexico offers a professional degree in landscape architecture: the Master of Landscape Architecture. The degree program is organized to accomplish the outcomes expected of state registration boards throughout the United States. The M.L.A. is highly structured, concentrating on comprehensive preparation for the professional practice of landscape architecture. The program is interdisciplinary, incorporating course work from a number of departments at the University as well as studies within the School of Architecture and Planning. A student completing the Master of Landscape Architecture program will be well prepared, after additional required work experience, to sit for licensure examinations to practice landscape architecture. The University of New Mexico’s master’s program in landscape architecture is fully accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board.

Students may enter the M.L.A. Program at different levels depending on their previous academic experience.

Three-Year Program of Study

This track is designed for students whose previous degree, in most cases, is not design related. The program is normally 87 credit hours in length, and takes approximately three years to complete. For students entering with undergraduate or graduate degrees in areas of study that have some content overlap with the Landscape Architecture curriculum, the Director may allow a program of study shorter than 87 credit hours, but not less than 75 credit hours.

Two-Year Program of Study

This track is designed for students who have already earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree but have not had extensive professional experience and are not licensed (minimum of 48 credit hours required) or a degree in Architecture or Environment, Planning & Design (minimum of 57 credit hours required). Exact program requirements to be determined on a case-by-case basis by the LA Program Director.

Post-Professional Program of Study

Applicants for the Post-Professional program must be licensed, practicing landscape architects, with a minimum of five years experience in the field. The student’s program of study is developed in consultation with the LA Program Director and is thirty hours for Plan I (thesis option) and thirty-two hours for Plan II (non-thesis option). Contact the Program Director for information and requirements.

Applications

All students applying for the Landscape Architecture Program must possess, at the time of registration, a degree from an accredited university recognized by The University of New Mexico Office of Graduate Studies. In addition to Office of Admissions application requirements, each student must submit to the LA Program office:

• A letter of intent outlining the applicant’s interest in the discipline of landscape architecture and the reasons for seeking admission to the program;
• Letters of reference from three individuals under whom the applicant has worked and/or studied. Two of the letters shall normally be from teachers or academic advisors who can comment on the applicant’s past academic performance;
• A resume; and
• A portfolio of creative work. All applicants with design backgrounds must submit a portfolio. While this requirement is not mandatory in the initial application for students with non-design backgrounds , any evidence of creative work will be very helpful to the admissions committee. Portfolios should contain reproductions of original work. Reproductions should be presented in 8.5 X 11 or similar format that can be easily handled and stored. Applicants are encouraged to think about the design and presentation of the portfolio document. Those who wish to have their portfolio returned by mail must include return postage.
• Copy of transcripts.

Application Deadlines

Fall semester:
Priority deadline is February 15; however, applications will be accepted until June 15 if space is available.
Spring semester:
On a case-by-case basis only until November 1
Summer session:
None accepted

Graduation Requirements

Professional Degree Program

Required Courses

Typical Sequence for Three-year Program of Study

Master’s Examination

The Master’s Examination will occur at the time of the Master’s thesis/project public presentation and defense, when the student’s committee evaluates the scope and quality of the work, mastery of the field and the emphasis, and the student’s research accomplishment.

The student’s program of study is developed in consultation with the major advisor. It may be altered if needed with the consent of the advisor. The M.L.A. degree is granted upon successful completion of an approved program of study.

Students are expected to demonstrate a mastery of readings in the field. A comprehensive reading list will be prepared for all students entering the program.