Program Overview

Landscape Architecture Program

The Landscape Architecture program at North Dakota State University offers a comprehensive education in the field, covering a wide range of topics and skills necessary for a successful career in landscape architecture.

Course Descriptions

The program includes a variety of courses, such as:

• LA 172: Environmental Design II, which introduces students to design studio practices, representational media, and techniques for exploring environmental design problems.
• LA 231: Digital Media + Methods Technology, which focuses on the applications and processes of digital technology in landscape architecture.
• LA 271: Landform + Spacemaking Design Studio, which enables students to appreciate the media of the landscape and develop problem-solving skills.
• LA 321: History of Landscape Architecture, which surveys landscape design from prehistoric civilizations to contemporary design movements.
• LA 421: Planting Design: Theory + Research, which broadens students' knowledge of planting design approaches and methods.
• LA 431: Advanced Digital Applications + Analysis Technology, which investigates advanced technology software and methods in landscape architecture.
• LA 442: Advanced Grading + Drainage, which explores site engineering and construction practices in landscape architecture.
• LA 471: Site Elements + Composition Design Studio, which focuses on research methods and site-scale design development approaches.
• LA 472: Advanced Community Planning + Design Studio, which develops design strategies for promoting people's health and well-being in the built environment.
• LA 475: City-Shaping Design Studio, which investigates urban design theories, systems, and planning practices.
• LA 476: Ecological Design Studio, which explores ecological processes and cultural systems in landscape architecture.
• LA 563: Programming and Thesis Preparation, which prepares students for the design thesis.
• LA 571: Environmental Planning Studio, which develops environmental systems and implements complex design problems.
• LA 572: Design Thesis, which serves as a capstone opportunity for students to fully develop and realize a design topic.
• LA 581: Professional Practice, which studies contemporary architectural practice and professional development.
• LA 590: Seminar, which discusses various topics related to landscape architecture.
• LA 593: Individual Study/Tutorial, which allows students to pursue individual research and study.
• LA 596: Special Topics, which explores various topics related to landscape architecture.

Graduate Courses

The program also offers graduate-level courses, including:

• LA 621: Planting Design: Theory + Research, which broadens students' knowledge of planting design approaches and methods.
• LA 631: Advanced Digital Applications + Analysis Technology, which investigates advanced technology software and methods in landscape architecture.
• LA 642: Advanced Grading + Drainage, which explores site engineering and construction practices in landscape architecture.
• LA 644: Advanced Construction Drawings + Documentation, which develops technical details and construction drawings.
• LA 675: City-Shaping Design Studio, which investigates urban design theories, systems, and planning practices.
• LA 676: Ecological Design Studio, which explores ecological processes and cultural systems in landscape architecture.
• LA 722: Landscape Theory, Research, + Scholarly Methods, which discusses landscape architectural discourse and research methodologies.
• LA 763: Landscape Architecture Thesis Research & Programming, which applies research methodologies to complete a design thesis.
• LA 771: Performance-Based Design Studio, which designs sustainable sites and quality communities.
• LA 772: Landscape Architecture Graduate Thesis, which develops a student-generated design solution assimilating theoretical, social, environmental, technical, and ethical practices.
• LA 781: Professional Practice, which studies contemporary landscape architectural practice and professional development.
• LA 789: Professional Topics in Landscape Architecture, which explores various topics related to theoretical or methodological aspects of landscape architecture.
• LA 793: Individual Study, which allows students to pursue individual research and study.
• LA 795: Field Experience, which provides practical experience in landscape architecture.
• LA 796: Special Topics, which explores various topics related to landscape architecture.

Program Requirements

The program requires students to complete a series of courses and studios, including a design thesis and a professional practice course. Students must also meet the prerequisites for each course, which may include prior coursework, standing, or approval from the department.

Research Areas

The program focuses on various research areas, including:

• Planting design and ecology
• Digital media and technology
• Site engineering and construction practices
• Urban design and planning
• Ecological design and sustainability
• Landscape theory and research methodologies

Professional Development

The program prepares students for professional practice in landscape architecture, including firm organization, project management, and professional development. Students also learn about the ethical, legal, and regulatory environment of the profession.