Master of Landscape Architecture Degree Tracks and Specializations

A Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree can be a game-changer for those passionate about designing and shaping outdoor spaces.

You can expect to find two main types of MLA programs: professional and research-based. The professional track is designed for those who want to work directly in the field, while the research-based track is geared towards those who want to pursue a career in academia or research.

The professional track typically focuses on hands-on training and real-world applications, often with a focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Some MLA programs also offer specializations or concentrations, such as urban planning, landscape restoration, or ecological design.

The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program has a rich history of developing professionals who move into leadership positions in public, private, and non-profit sectors. It was established in 1972 by John T. Lyle.

The MLA program at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona is fully accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB). This accreditation is crucial for students who want to pursue licensure to become a licensed landscape architect.

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Our MLA program is designed to prepare students to solve emerging environmental and social issues of the 21st century. We instill advanced theoretical, methodological, and technical knowledge of landscape architecture, developing creative and critical thinking skills.

The program emphasizes evidence-based landscape architecture practice and collaborative learn-by-doing assignments at scales varying from small sites to large complex regions. This approach helps students develop a strong, well-defined, and mutually life-sustaining relationship between people and the land.

The MLA program is nationally recognized for applying advanced research methods and creative approaches toward professional landscape architecture practice. It is also ranked 14th most-admired Landscape Architecture School nationwide in the 2019-2020 Design Intelligence Rankings.

A Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree can be a game-changer for those passionate about designing sustainable and beautiful outdoor spaces.

The MLA program typically takes two to three years to complete, depending on the institution and the student's background.

You can specialize in a specific area, such as urban design, ecological restoration, or landscape technology, to tailor your education to your interests and career goals.

The MLA 3D degree track is a three-year program that welcomes students with undergraduate degrees in any discipline.

It's designed for students without a design background, providing a solid foundation in landscape architecture.

You'll learn to apply scientific methods and harness your knowledge of plant and construction materials to design meaningful landscapes.

The core design studio is the heart of this program, where you'll integrate technical, environmental, historical, and theoretical course offerings.

Specialized modules introduced in the studio each semester may include planting design, grading and earthwork, computer-aided design, materials and detailing, and drawing.

By the end of your first year, you'll be ready to join the incoming cohort of students in the two-year track.

The curriculum includes courses like LA 200B Case Studies in Landscape Design, LA 234B Landscape Processes through Drawing and Modeling, and LA 170 History and Literature of Landscape Architecture.

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The MLA 2-Year Degree Track is a flexible option for students with a background in landscape architecture, architecture, or environmental design. It allows for specialization in advanced design and research.

You'll take classes in plant identification and landscape history if you have a background in architecture, or have more flexibility in your program of study if you already have an undergraduate degree in landscape architecture.

The program is organized around the core design studio, where you'll synthesize and integrate technical, environmental, historical, and theoretical course offerings.

Specialized modules in the studio may include planting design, grading and earthwork, computer-aided design, materials and detailing, and drawing. You'll learn to apply scientific methods and harness your knowledge of plant and construction materials to design meaningful landscapes.

Some required courses include LA 201 (Ecological Factors in Urban Landscape Design) and LA 120 (Topographic Form and Design Technology). You'll also take History or Structures/Infrastructure courses, as well as electives.

By the end of the program, you'll have completed courses like LA 204 (Advanced Project Design) and LA 260 (Professional Practice and Internship).

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The landscape architecture field has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with many notable achievements. Notably, the concept of "Biophilic Design" has gained widespread recognition, with its emphasis on incorporating natural elements into built environments.

Designers are now using this approach to create spaces that promote well-being and reduce stress. The use of natural light, ventilation, and materials is becoming increasingly popular.

The integration of technology and sustainable practices has also been a major achievement in the field. The use of "Green Roofs" and "Rain Gardens" has become more common, helping to mitigate the urban heat island effect and manage stormwater runoff.

These innovative designs not only benefit the environment but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban spaces.

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Landscape architecture students are working on a three-year project to inventory the Cultural Landscape of the Amache National Historic Site in Colorado.

This site was once a World War II internment camp for Japanese Americans.

The project is funded by a National Park Service grant and is led by Assistant Professor Louise Bordelon and Professor Ann Komara.

The students are gaining valuable experience through this hands-on project.

Landscape Architecture students Aidan Nowell and Stevie Pearlman took home the top prize in the 2024 Museum of Outdoor Arts (MOA) National Design and Build Competition.

Their project, Listen to the Moon, was a standout entry, focusing on the theme "Land Art: Celestial Architecture."

Cal Poly Pomona's Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program is highly regarded in the industry.

We're ranked 14th most-admired Landscape Architecture School nationwide in the 2019-2020 Design Intelligence Rankings.

Our MLA program is consistently recognized for its strong focus on design technologies, ranking 10th in this area.

We also excel in engineering fundamentals, ranked 9th in the same rankings.

Healthy built environments are a key focus for us, with a ranking of 6th in this area.

Sustainable built environments, adaptive design, and resilient design are also areas of expertise, with a ranking of 7th.

Our Master of Landscape Architecture program is designed to equip you with a comprehensive education in the field. The curriculum focuses on design, construction, and planning components, as well as visual quality, theory, research, and technological aspects.

You can earn the degree in three years, which is a relatively quick completion time compared to other programs. However, some students with prior training in landscape architecture or architecture may be able to enter the program with advanced standing, shortening their time to a degree.

The program is structured to foster critical analysis and critical thinking in students, from simple to complex projects.

Our curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded education in landscape architecture.

The course curriculum focuses on design, construction, and planning components as well as the visual quality, theory, research, and technological aspects of the field.

Students can earn a degree in three years, but those with prior training in landscape architecture or architecture may enter the program with advanced standing, shortening their time to a degree.

A total of 71 credits is required for career change candidates, while advanced degree candidates need only 53 credits.

Students culminate their skills in a year-long final study and a summer internship in private practice.

Our traditional landscape design approach is rooted in human ecosystematic principles, which have been a cornerstone of the M.L.A. program at Cal Poly Pomona since 1972. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of natural and social processes in the landscape.

Since 1972, the M.L.A. program at Cal Poly Pomona has built an expansive legacy of human eco-systematic landscape design. The human eco-systematic focus is featured with extensive research into the bio-physical and socio-cultural inventory of the landscape system.

In-depth analysis is a key component of our traditional landscape design approach, examining the patterns, trends, and relations of natural and social processes. This analysis helps us understand the complex interactions within the landscape system.

We also prioritize considerate programming based on client, stakeholder, and community input, collected through social surveys, public meetings, focused groups, and activities. This ensures that our designs meet the needs and values of the people who will use them.

Our traditional landscape design approach is guided by the principles of strong sustainability and connectivity, which we achieve through rational systematic planning.

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As a landscape architecture graduate, you'll have a wide range of career opportunities to pursue. You can work with private firms, governmental agencies, and municipal planning and design offices.

You'll have the chance to design public and private outdoor places, such as parks, gardens, and green spaces. Green infrastructure and landscape performance are also key areas of focus.

Your skills will be in high demand, especially in Arizona and nationally, where the demand for trained landscape architects is growing. This means you'll have opportunities to work with allied professionals like architects, ecologists, and biologists.

Here are some specific career paths you can consider:

These career paths will allow you to make a positive impact on your community and the environment.

One of the unique aspects of a master of landscape architecture is their ability to combine art and science to create sustainable and functional outdoor spaces. This requires a deep understanding of ecology, horticulture, and environmental systems.

A master of landscape architecture can design a park that not only provides a beautiful green oasis in the middle of a city but also helps to mitigate the urban heat island effect by incorporating heat-absorbing materials and vegetation. This reduces the need for air conditioning and creates a more livable environment for residents.

By incorporating rainwater harvesting systems and greywater reuse, a master of landscape architecture can significantly reduce the water consumption of a building or community. This is especially important in areas where water is scarce or expensive.

A master of landscape architecture has a keen eye for detail and can design a public space that is both aesthetically pleasing and accessible to people of all abilities. For example, they might design a park with a meandering path that allows wheelchair users to navigate easily.

Their expertise also extends to the selection of plants that are resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides and other chemicals. This not only benefits the environment but also creates a healthier and more sustainable outdoor space.

Incorporating green roofs and walls into building design is another unique aspect of a master of landscape architecture's work. These features not only provide insulation and reduce energy consumption but also create habitats for local wildlife.

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