Landscape Architecture

Program Director
Eric A. Bernard, PLA, ASLA

Professors
Alfred Simon, Ph.D., Arizona State University, M.L.A., University of Manitoba
Christopher Wilson, J.B. Jackson Professor, M.A., The University of New Mexico

Associate Professors
Eric A. Bernard, M.L.A., Texas Tech University

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
Catherine Page Harris, M.L.A., University of California, Berkeley; M.F.A., Stanford University

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

Adjunct Associate Professors
Steve Borbas, M.C.R.P., Pratt Institute

Research Associate Professor
Doug Porter, M.S., University of Vermont
Kim Sorvig, M.L.A., University of Pennsylvania

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

Research Assistant Professors
Angelyn Bass, M.B.A., The University of New Mexico; M.S., University of Pennsylvania

Part-time Faculty
Amanda Bell, 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

Degree Offered

Master of Landscape Architecture

Introduction

The Landscape Architecture Program is a learning community passionately pursuing excellence in the study and design of landscapes and solutions to most compelling issues facing our built and natural environments in meaningful and beautiful ways. New Mexico's remarkable Southwestern setting, with its ancient human-made and natural landscapes and its growing modern population, provides an excellent laboratory for the study of landscape architecture.

Our program offers an LAAB accredited first professional Master of Landscape Architecture three-year degree program designed to prepare students without a design background for professional practice and landscape architecture licensure. We also offer a post-professional Master of Landscape Architecture two-year degree program for students with a design background who desire to further develop their expertise and advance the discipline.

Our School of Architecture and Planning is unique in offering interdisciplinary programs in Historic Preservation and Regionalism, as well as Urban and Regional Design. The Indigenous Design and Planning Institute, Resource Center for Raza Planning, Design and Planning Assistance Center, and CityLab operate collaboratively with the degree programs in Architecture, Community and Regional Planning and Landscape Architecture offering our students and faculty distinctive interdisciplinary specializations and opportunities.

Students completing their degree requirements will be well prepared to accomplish the outcomes expected of state licensure and registration boards throughout the United States. Students will have developed:  

• A broad view of, and expertise in landscape architecture and the role and responsibility of the discipline in public health, safety and welfare as required by landscape architecture licensure law and accreditation standards.
• 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.
• The ability to apply research methodology and appropriate theory.
• A Master’s Project or Master’s Thesis based on a topic selected according to their interests and a vision of their own future in the discipline.

Admission Procedure

The deadline for application for admission to the Landscape Architecture Program is February 15.

The following need to be submitted online to University of New Mexico Admissions Office:

1. The University of New Mexico online application.
2. A $50 application fee payable online or by phone at (505) 277-5363. Please make sure to keep your reference number for fee payment.

In addition to the UNM Office of Admissions application requirements, each student must also submit to the Landscape Architecture Program at:

School of Architecture and Planning
Attn: Graduate Advisor
MSC04 2530
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001

1. A letter of intent outlining the applicant’s interest in the discipline of landscape architecture and the reasons for seeking admission to the program;
2. 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 prior undergraduate and/or graduate performance;
3. A resume (curriculum vitae);
4. A portfolio of creative work. The portfolio should provide high quality examples of creative thinking and creative approaches in no larger than an 11x17 format. Applicants are encouraged to think about the design and presentation of the portfolio. Please do not include original works in the portfolio submission, rather submit copies, prints or images of original works at an effective quality to communicate appropriate detail. Please note:
   • •   Both Analog and Digital portfolio submissions are accepted.
   • •   All applicants to the two-year post-professional MLA program must submit a portfolio.
5. A copy of transcripts for each institution you have attended.

International Students also need to submit the following:

1. An attested copy of your diploma;
2. Official TOEFL scores that must meet the University of New Mexico minimum of 79 on the IBT TOEFL.

Obtain further information, or send applications to:

Landscape Architecture Program
School of Architecture and Planning
Attn: Beth Rowe, Graduate Advisor
MSC 04 2530
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
(505) 277-1303
erowe@unm.edu

Graduation Requirements

Three-Year Program of Study leading to First Professional M.L.A.: This track is designed for students whose previous degree 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 fewer than 75 credit hours.

Two-Year Program of Study leading to Post-Professional M.L.A.: This track is designed for students who have already earned a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture or a related design or planning field degree. The program typically ranges from 48-57 credit hours depending on background and prior degree curriculum. The exact program of study is collaboratively determined with the LA Program Director. Applicants who are licensed practicing landscape architects with extensive experience could develop a program of study with fewer than 48 credits.

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.