Program Overview

UCLA Extension Landscape Architecture Certificate Planner

The UCLA Extension Landscape Architecture Certificate Planner is a post-baccalaureate program with a 50-year history of producing landscape architects. Designed for working professionals and those looking for a career change, this three-year intensive program prepares students for the exciting and wonderful world of landscape architecture.

Curriculum

The program consists of 105 units of required coursework and 6 elective units, totaling 111 quarter units. Instructors are working professionals in the fields of landscape architecture, landscape design, and architecture, with extensive knowledge of current industry trends. This program meets the educational requirements in California to sit for the LARE (Landscape Architect Registration Exam).

Completion Time and Eligibility

The program can be completed in 3 years, with students beginning in Summer Quarter expected to finish in 3 years and 1 quarter. The program is eligible for VA Benefits and Federal Financial Aid (with proof of Bachelor's Degree).

Course Schedule

Courses are conveniently offered weekday nights on Zoom and/or in-person on select weekends. Students can begin the curriculum sequence in Summer or Fall Quarter. Most courses in the certificate are hybrid in-person, combining live online and in-person class meetings, with in-person class meetings scheduled on weekends.

Program Structure

The program is structured into three years, with a specific sequence of courses that students must follow. In addition to the core courses, students must also take 6 elective units before beginning the Capstone Project Studio.

Year 1

• 1st Quarter:
  • ARCH X 472: Introduction to the Landscape Design Professions (4 units)
  • ARCH X 472.4D: Design Graphics 1: Drafting and Drawing of the Built Environment (4 units)
• 2nd Quarter:
  • ARCH X 471.1A: Landscape Design 1: Site Design Basics (4 units)
• 3rd Quarter:
  • ARCH X 472.4E: Design Graphics 2: Communication for Site Analysis, Conceptual and Site Design (4 units)
  • ARCH X 471.1B: Landscape Design 2: Site Design (4 units)
• 4th Quarter:
  • ARCH X 472.4F: Design Graphics 3: Digital Rendering and Presentation Drawings (4 units)
  • ARCH X 471.2: Landscape Design 3: Advanced Site Design (5 units)
  • ARCH X 493.992: AutoCAD 1 (4 units)
  • ARCH X 472.6A: History of the Designed Landscape (4 units)

Year 2

• 5th Quarter:
  • ARCH X 472.12A: Grading and Drainage (4 units)
  • ARCH X 472.8A: Plant Studies I: Trees (4 units)
• 6th Quarter:
  • ARCH X 472.9: Landscape Design 4: Environmental Analysis and Planning (4 units)
  • ARCH X 472.8B: Plant Studies II: Shrubs (4 units)
• 7th Quarter:
  • ARCH X 472.5: Landscape Design 5: Planting Design (4 units)
  • ARCH X 493.6: AutoCAD 2 (4 units)
• 8th Quarter:
  • ARCH X 472.19: Landscape Design 6: Concept Development (4 units)
  • ARCH X 472.12B: Irrigation/Water Conservation (4 units)

Year 3

• 9th Quarter:
  • ARCH X 472.14A: Landscape Construction Methods and Materials (4 units)
  • ARCH X 472.14B: Landscape Construction Drawing I (4 units)
  • ARCH X 493.9: Professional Practices in Landscape Architecture (2 units)
• 10th Quarter:
  • ARCH X 472.14C: Landscape Construction Drawing 2 (4 units)
  • ARCH X 472.23: Human Factors in Landscape Architecture (4 units)
• 11th Quarter:
  • ARCH X 472.8: Landscape Design 7: Advanced Design Studio (5 units)
  • ARCH X 472.15C: Capstone Project Seminar (3 units)
• 12th Quarter:
  • ARCH X 472.15D: Capstone Project Studio (10 units)

Conclusion

The UCLA Extension Landscape Architecture Certificate Planner offers a comprehensive and intensive program for individuals seeking a career in landscape architecture. With its rich history, experienced instructors, and well-structured curriculum, this program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this exciting field.