Graduate Program

Degree Offered

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

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.

The 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. Also offered is 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.

The 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 are 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

Application Deadline: January 15

The UNM Graduate School online application allow the applicant to complete the application form and upload all necessary documents outlined below in either a PDF or Word format unless otherwise indicated. Additional application details are available by clicking on Application Instructions. Submit the following items on-line to University of New Mexico Admissions Office:

The University of New Mexico on-line application.
A $50 application fee payable on-line or by phone at (505) 277-5363. Keep the reference number for fee payment.
A letter of intent outlining the applicant's interest in the discipline of landscape architecture and the reasons for seeking admission to the program in either PDF or Word format.
Email contact information for three references with whom the applicant has worked and/or studied. References are contacted via email with a link for them to submit digital letters of reference in a PDF or Word format. Two letters would typically come from teachers or academic advisors who can comment on the applicant's prior undergraduate and/or graduate performance.
A resume (curriculum vitae) in either PDF or Word format.
A digital portfolio of creative work in a PDF, Word or PowerPoint format. The portfolio should provide high quality examples of creative thinking, writing and problem solving or communication approaches in their prior studies, work or personal interests. The digital portfolio layout should not exceed an 11x17 page layout. Applicants are encouraged to think about graphic design and presentation of the portfolio. All images and all graphics should be of a resolution to effectively communicate appropriate detail. Note that all applicants are required to submit a portfolio and encourage to submit a writing sample therein. Applicants with a non-design background are encouraged to communicate prior creative thinking, writing, problem solving and/or personal images or illustrations of landscapes and landscape designs which have led to pursuit of landscape architecture.
Transcripts for each institution attended.

International Students also need to submit the following:

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

Submit application materials and questions to:

Landscape Architecture Program
School of Architecture and Planning
Attn: Beth Rowe, Graduate Advisor
MSC04 2530
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
(505) 277-1303
erowe@unm.edu

Graduation Requirements

Three-Year Program of Study

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

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 and 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 credit hours. Contact the Program Director for information and requirements.

Required Courses

		Credit Hours
	Design
LA 501	Landscape Architecture Design Studio I	6
LA 502	Landscape Architecture Design Studio II	6
LA 503	Landscape Architecture Design Studio III	6
LA 505	Landscape Architecture Design Studio V	6
LA 508	LA Design Studio IV DPAC Interdisciplinary Community Studio	6
LA 582	Graphic Communications	3
	History/Theory
LA 560	Landscape Architecture in the 20th Century	3
LA 561	History and Theory of Landscape Architecture	3
LA 563	Theory in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design	3
	Plants and their Ecosystems
LA 558	Plant Materials	3
LA 559	Plant Materials in Landscape Design II	3
	Environmental Systems
LA 556	Site-Environment	3
	One additional 3 credit elective	3
	Construction Technology
LA 580	Landscape Architecture Technology I: Grading and Drainage	3
LA 581	Landscape Construction Materials and Techniques	3
	Computing
LA 521	AutoCAD® for Landscape Architects	3
	Professional Practice
LA 531	Professional Practice in Landscape Architecture	3
LA 586	Professional Skills in Landscape Architecture	3
	Thesis/Project
LA 596	Master's Project-Thesis Preparation Seminar	3
LA 597 -or- LA 599	Master's Project Master's Thesis	6
	Electives
	9 credit hours of elective courses

Typical Sequence for Three-year Program of Study

		Credit Hours
Year 1- Fall
LA 501	Landscape Architecture Design Studio I	6
LA 556	Site-Environment	3
LA 561	History and Theory of Landscape Architecture	3
LA 582	Graphic Communications	3
Spring
LA 502	Landscape Architecture Design Studio II	6
LA 558	Plant Materials	3
LA 560	Landscape Architecture in the 20th Century	3
LA 580	Landscape Architecture Technology I: Grading and Drainage	3
Year 2- Fall
LA 503	Landscape Architecture Design Studio III	6
LA 521	AutoCad® for Landscape Architects	3
LA 581	Landscape Construction Materials and Techniques	3
	Elective	3
Spring
LA 508	LA Design Studio IV DPAC Interdisciplinary Community Studio	6
LA 563	Theory in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design	3
LA 586	Professional Skills in Landscape Architecture	3
	Elective	3
Year 3- Fall
LA 505	Landscape Architecture Design Studio V	6
LA 531	Professional Practice in Landscape Architecture	3
LA 596	Master's Project-Thesis Preparation Seminar	3
	Elective	3
Spring
LA 559	Plant Materials in Landscape Design II	3
	Elective	3
LA 597 -or- LA 599	Master's Project Master's Thesis	6

Master’s Examination

The Master’s Examination occurs 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.

Keys and Symbols Reference