Program Overview
The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) program focuses on design implementation, professional practice, and form-giving design. It prepares students to design and manage cities, parks, and open spaces, emphasizing human needs, environmental awareness, and technical proficiencies. Graduates are equipped for careers in landscape architecture, including designing outdoor spaces, restoring natural areas, and revitalizing urban neighborhoods.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The BLA degree emphasizes design implementation, professional practice, and form-giving design. It prepares students to design and manage cities, parks, and open spaces. Graduates advise park managers, citizen groups, landowners, and state agencies. The program's focus is on human needs, environmental awareness, problem-solving, design theory, and technical proficiencies. Students develop skills in site analysis, graphic communication, design synthesis, construction technology, and understanding social and environmental factors in design.
Outline:
- Introduction and Foundation
- Introduction to Landscape Architecture Design
- Introduction to Architectural and Environmental Design
- Survey of Landscape Architecture Design
- History of Landscape Architecture
- Survey of Botany
- General Botany
- Person and Environment Interactions
- Introductory Ecology
- Introduction to Design Frameworks and Spatial Technologies
- Plants for Ecological Design I
- Plants for Ecological Design II
- Soil: Ecosystem and Resource
- General Soil Science
- Intermediate Studio Sequence
- Principles of Landscape Architecture Design and Graphics
- Environment and Behavior Studio - Designing Health Promoting Environments
- Landscape Architectural Technology I
- Landscape Architectural Technology II
- Professional Theory and Practice Core
- Advanced Visual Communication in Landscape Architecture
- Internship in Landscape Architecture
- Geodesign Methods and Applications
- Professional Practice in Landscape Architecture
- Advanced Studio Sequence
- Plants and Ecology in Design
- Housing and Urban Design
- Open Space Planning and Design
- Designing Sustainable and Resilient Regions
- Capstone Sequence
- Landscape Architecture Seminar
Careers:
The BLA degree prepares graduates for careers in landscape architecture, including designing public and private outdoor spaces, restoring and preserving natural areas, developing and implementing regional planning, and revitalizing urban neighborhoods. Graduates can work for park managers, citizen groups, landowners, and state agencies.
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Overview:
University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin. It is known for its strong academic programs, extensive research enterprise, and vibrant campus life. The university is guided by the Wisconsin Idea, a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of using knowledge to improve the lives of people beyond the campus.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to students, including:
Academic Support:
Academic advising, tutoring, writing centers, and career services.Student Life:
Student organizations, recreational facilities, cultural events, and health services.Technology:
Access to computer labs, online resources, and software.Housing:
On-campus residence halls and off-campus housing options.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at UW–Madison can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university boasts a diverse student body, a wide range of student organizations, and a lively social scene. The city of Madison offers a variety of cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Programs:
UW–Madison is home to a wide range of academic programs, including highly ranked programs in engineering, business, medicine, and the humanities.Research Opportunities:
The university is a leading research institution, offering students opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research projects.Wisconsin Idea:
The university's commitment to public service provides students with opportunities to make a positive impact on the world.Vibrant Campus Life:
UW–Madison offers a lively and engaging campus experience with a diverse student body, a wide range of student organizations, and a variety of cultural events.Location:
Madison is a beautiful and vibrant city with a strong sense of community.Academic Programs:
UW–Madison offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Engineering:
The College of Engineering is highly ranked and offers programs in areas such as computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.Business:
The Wisconsin School of Business is known for its strong programs in finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.Medicine:
The School of Medicine and Public Health is a leading institution in medical research and education.Humanities:
The university offers a wide range of programs in the humanities, including English, history, philosophy, and art history.Other:
Athletics:
UW–Madison is a member of the Big Ten Conference and has a strong athletic tradition.Alumni Network:
The university has a large and active alumni network, providing students with valuable connections after graduation.Sustainability:
UW–Madison is committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.Entry Requirements:
- Students completing the requirements for this program are awarded a BLA degree.
- Because the BLA is an integrated degree program, it cannot be added as an additional major (“double major”) by students pursuing other degree programs.
- Students who are admitted to and complete the BLA degree may not declare or be awarded additional majors in combination with the BLA degree. However, BLA students are permitted to complete certificate programs.
Eligibility for Consideration into the Landscape Architecture Accredited Professional Program:
- Students apply for formal admission to the program during the spring semester of each academic year.
- Selections are made only once a year for the fall semester.
- The first round of selections takes place in early summer.
- All students will be notified of their status at least two weeks before the start of the fall semester.
- Students who plan to complete their prerequisite courses during the summer session must so indicate on their application.
- The department will admit up to a maximum of 22 students, as resources permit.
- Selection will be based on a letter of intent, written by the applicant, which will address their reasons for entering the major, submission of portfolio, and on grades earned in the following two prerequisite courses: LAND ARC 250 AND LAND ARC 210 or LAND ARC 366.
- AND the applicant must have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours.
- University GPA will be considered.
