Program Overview
Introduction to the Landscape Architecture Program
The University of WisconsinMadison offers a professional Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) degree program that focuses on form-giving design, design implementation, and professional practice. This program is designed for students who enjoy art, science, technology, problem-solving, and design, and are interested in influencing the design and management of cities, parks, and open spaces.
Program Description
The BLA program provides professional education accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB). The program emphasizes principles of design theory and process, problem-solving in relationship to human needs and aspirations, environmental awareness and stewardship, and the development of technical proficiencies required of professional practice. Students learn site analysis, graphic communication, design synthesis, construction technology, and the social and environmental factors that are part of design.
Admission Criteria
Admission to the professional program is competitive and occurs during the sophomore year or the second year of the degree plan. Eligibility for consideration depends on fulfillment of specific requirements, including:
- Completion of prerequisite courses (LAND ARC 250 and LAND ARC 210 or LAND ARC 366)
- A minimum of 24 credit hours completed
- University GPA considered
- Submission of a letter of intent and a portfolio
- Selection based on grades earned in prerequisite courses and the letter of intent
Program Requirements
The BLA program requires completion of a minimum of 120 degree credits, including:
- University General Education Requirements
- College of Letters and Science Degree Requirements
- Requirements for the BLA major, including:
- Introduction and Foundation courses (e.g., LAND ARC 210, LAND ARC 250)
- Other Required Foundation Courses (e.g., BOTANY 100, DS 221)
- Intermediate Studio Sequence (e.g., LAND ARC 261, LAND ARC 321)
- Professional Theory and Practice Core (e.g., LAND ARC 361, LAND ARC 460)
- Advanced Studio Sequence (e.g., LAND ARC 560, LAND ARC 562)
- Capstone Sequence (LAND ARC 610 and LAND ARC 611)
Learning Outcomes
The BLA program is designed to help students achieve the following learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate competence and critical judgment in applying intellectual and technical skills necessary for site and landscape-scale design.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and the ability to explore ideas and synthesize information.
- Understand, apply, and evaluate the principles, theories, and recent research findings in the discipline of landscape architecture.
- Integrate humanistic, scientific, legal, political, economic, social, ecological, and technological dimensions in solving novel design and planning problems.
- Understand, analyze, and apply design and planning theories and principles to urban and rural landscapes.
Four-Year Plan
A sample four-year plan for the BLA program is provided, outlining the courses and credits required for each semester. This plan is flexible and can be adjusted based on individual student needs and interests.
Accreditation
The BLA program is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB). Accreditation status is subject to change, and the next accreditation review is scheduled for 2025.
Certification/Licensure
Completion of the BLA program is the first step in becoming a licensed landscape architect through the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB). The program meets certification/licensure requirements in the state of Wisconsin.