Landscape Architecture

Program Director
Alfred Simon, Ph.D., FCSLA

Professors
Christopher Wilson, J.B. Jackson Professor, M.A., University of New Mexico

Associate Professors
Alfred Simon, Ph.D., Arizona State University , M.L.A., University of Manitoba

Assistant Professors
Hyejung Chang, Ph.D., North Carolina State University- Raleigh, M.L.A., University of Minnesota
Katya Crawford, M.L.A., The University of New Mexico

Professor of Practice
Baker Morrow, M.A., The University of New Mexico

Adjunct Associate Professors
Steve Borbas, MCRP, Pratt Institute

Research Associate Professor
Kim Sorvig, M.L.A., University of Pennsylvania

Adjunct Assistant Professors
John Barney, M.L.A., Cornell
William Perkins, M.L.A., Harvard
Dennis Wilkinson, B.S., Texas Tech University

Part-time Faculty
Scott Cassel, M.L.A., The University of New Mexico
Amy Duckert, M.L.A., The University of New Mexico
Susan Frye, M.L.A., The University of New Mexico
Gregory Miller, B.L.A., Texas A&M University
Judith Phillips, B.A., State University of New York
Brian Verardo, B.S., Colorado State University

Graduate Program

The Master of Landscape Architecture is a first professional degree that prepares students to enter the profession and discipline of Landscape Architecture. The degree is integrative, interdisciplinary and strongly concerned with the contribution of landscape architecture to human history and society and with the wise use and re-use of natural resources.

The master’s program in landscape architecture provides a thorough background education in landscape architecture as well as opportunity for specialized study. Students completing their degree requirements should have developed:

•  A broad view of and expertise in landscape architecture and site planning and the role of these disciplines in the health and functioning of human society.
• An understanding of landscape architecture as a synthesis of environmental, cultural and technological systems.
• The special, necessary skills and knowledge of the landscape architect, which include but are not limited to: the history and theory of landscape architecture; plant selection and design; site analysis; creative site planning and design; landscape construction and materials; design and sustainability; the function of landscape architecture as a social art; professional practice, methods, and ethics; computer applications; research as a tool for environmental designers; and the relationship of landscape architecture to its closely allied disciplines of engineering, planning, and architecture.
• The ability to exercise critical thinking and original design in the practice of landscape architecture.

New Mexico’s remarkable Southwestern setting, with its ancient human made and natural landscapes and its growing modern population, provides an excellent environment for the study of landscape architecture. In addition to basic studies, each student is expected to complete a Master’s Thesis/Project, based on a topic selected according to their interests and a vision of their own future in the discipline.

Licensing for Landscape Architects in the State of New Mexico

An applicant for examination for registration as a landscape architect in New Mexico must hold a degree in landscape architecture or a related field from a program recognized by the State Board of Landscape Architects. Additional requirements for licensing, which includes the title “landscape architect” and the practice of landscape architecture, extend to practice and experience gained while working for a registered landscape architect.

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 and to engage in the professional and/or academic practice of 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 are 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 requires thirty hours. 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.