Additional Information
The minimum requirement for a landscape architect is a bachelor's degree
in landscape architecture (BLA). Students with general science and arts degrees
may enter the field of landscape architecture by completing a master of landscape
architecture (MLA) degree.
There are two types of master's degree programs. Students with a bachelor's
degree in something other than landscape architecture can take a three-year
master's degree program that teaches the basics of the industry.
Students with a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture may take a
two-year program that allows them to specialize.
Entrance requirements for BLA or MLA programs are fairly strict. Most schools
look for students with a high grade point average in both arts and science
courses. A portfolio showing examples of the student's design work, drawings,
drafting and writing is also required.
"I can't stress strongly enough to young people interested in this field
to start working on a portfolio now," says architect Vince De Georgio. "It's
a big determining factor for entrance to a good school."
Forty-five states require landscape architects to be licensed or registered.
The Landscape Architect Registration Examination is sponsored by the Council
of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards. Admission requires a degree
from an accredited school plus one to four years of work experience, although
standards vary.