Landscape Architecture (B.L.A.)

Landscape Architecture is the design profession that applies artistic, scientific and technical knowledge and skills to the analysis, design, planning, development and management of built and natural environments across scales from local to global.

Landscape architects have an appreciation and understanding of natural and cultural processes, a creative imagination, technical expertise and a commitment to improve or preserve the physical environment for human use and to protect resources and other life forms on the planet.

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

Established in 1898, the Landscape Architecture Program at MSU is accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB).

The Program offers both a five-year Dual Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA)/Master of Arts in Environmental Design (MED) degree, and an accredited 4.5-year BLA degree. The BLA degree program offers a dynamic design studio sequence and classroom learning environment. Core BLA classes and design studios are complimented by the natural and social sciences and the arts and humanities.

Located in the MSU Human Ecology Building, students will have access to several design studios, student work rooms, computer labs, classrooms and galleries.

The program offers students high-impact learning environments with diverse community engagement projects in the LA design and construction courses. The community engagement projects provide students learning opportunities to engage in real-world settings, working on local project sites and receiving client input.

Landscape architecture student presenting their project during the LA Senior Show. Using VR technology, the student's project is presented on a screen that runs around the perimiter of the round room.

Core areas of study include:

Landscape architecture design process and design implementation.
Landscape construction and site engineering.
Landscape architecture theory and history.
Landscape architecture graphic communications.
Site design and land-use planning.
Environmental perception and behavioral science.
Ecological and natural preservation design.

Learn more about requirements and courses in landscape architecture.

Apply to Michigan State University!

Education Abroad

An five-week education abroad experience is integrated into the curriculum sequence in the spring semester of year three for which BLA students are eligible. Blending creativity, design, site engineering and technical skills, and developing well-rounded professionals are at the heart of the curriculum.

Career Opportunities

Program graduates are prepared to be responsible landscape architects and career-ready with a breadth and depth of professional knowledge, bridged with employable skills to advance the practice. Landscape architects work in a wide range of diverse private practices and public agencies with interdisciplinary teams of planners, architects, engineers and contractors in implementing visionary and sustainable designs.

To be a professional landscape architect, an individual is required to obtain both:

A bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited LA program; and
An LA license after passing the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE) with at least three years of professional experience.

All 50 states in the U.S. have recognized that regulation of landscape architecture is necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare. For more information, visit the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Students will have many career options in the landscape architecture industry, such as:

Landscape design and planning firms;
Landscape management firms;
Construction/engineering firms;
Design and planning consulting firms;
Urban design;
Public sector; and
Federal agencies, including the National Park Service.

Pursuing a graduate degree is also a viable option after graduation.

Faculty members and advisors maintain close relationships with landscape architecture companies, which can help with internships, scholarships and employment in this industry.