| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-02-01 | - |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Landscape Architecture, M.S. program explores the design, conservation, and management of outdoor spaces, integrating sciences, arts, and humanities to address environmental, cultural, and community issues. Students choose a concentration in Restoration Ecology and Ecological Design or Community-Focused Design, and complete a thesis to demonstrate their expertise in landscape architecture theories and practices. The program prepares graduates for careers in various sectors, including landscape architecture firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Landscape Architecture, M.S. program delves into the study of how designers, planners, and restoration and preservation specialists conceive, conserve, and manage constructed and natural spaces and outdoor-indoor relationships to bolster thriving human cultures and communities while safeguarding the survival of Earth's intricate natural systems. The program draws upon the sciences, arts, and humanities to address contemporary issues in cultural, environmental, and natural systems stewardship and management; human health and well-being; and community development. The MSLA degree offers coursework that imparts an understanding of the scholarship and theories underpinning landscape design, preservation, restoration, and management. Students leverage this knowledge to engage in interdisciplinary scholarships in urban, rural, or natural settings by writing a thesis that contributes to the scholarly foundation of landscape architecture and/or provides information to practitioners engaged in landscape decision-making and stewardship.
Outline:
The MSLA program comprises a common core curriculum for all students and additional courses within a chosen concentration, selected in consultation with an advisor and advisory committee.
Common Core (All Students Take):
- LAND ARC 710 Theories of Landscape Change (2 credits)
- LAND ARC 720 Critical Inquiry into Landscape Design Expression (2 credits)
- LAND ARC 740 Research in Landscape Architecture (3 credits)
- LAND ARC 940 Graduate Seminar (6 credits)
Concentration Courses:
Students choose one of the following concentrations:
- Restoration Ecology and Ecological Design: Focuses on ecological principles and concepts in landscape design, restoration, and management.
- Community-Focused Design: Emphasizes participatory planning, community engagement, and social equity in landscape design. In addition to the common core and concentration courses, students complete supporting courses (300 level and above, including independent studies) to bring the total minimum credits to at least 36. A maximum of 9 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions may be counted with program approval.
Assessment:
Students must demonstrate their competency in the theories, methods, applications, and ethics of their chosen specialty within landscape architecture through the writing and defense of a thesis.
Teaching:
The program is delivered through face-to-face instruction. Faculty members are experts in their respective fields and bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the classroom. The program also emphasizes hands-on learning through field trips, design studios, and research projects.
Careers:
Graduates of the MSLA program are prepared for a wide range of careers in the public and private sectors, including:
- Biological/cultural/historical landscape conservation
- Ecological restoration
- Community design and planning
- Landscape architecture firms
- Government agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Research and education institutions
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:
A bachelor's degree is required of all prospective candidates. The department’s Graduate Program Committee screens applicants on the basis of university transcripts for all previous work, three letters of recommendation, samples of creative work or writing, and a letter of intent describing how the student's graduate educational needs can be fulfilled by this program. Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must provide official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Scores are also acceptable from the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Every applicant whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English must provide an English proficiency test score and meet the Graduate School minimum requirements (https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/#english-proficiency).
