Program Overview
Introduction to Landscape Architecture
Landscape architecture is a dynamic profession dedicated to the thoughtful design, planning, and stewardship of our natural and built environments. At Clemson University's Richard A. McMahan School of Architecture, both undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered in this unique and impactful discipline.
Program Overview
The programs prepare future landscape architects to shape resilient, inclusive, and inspiring places through a blend of design innovation, ecological knowledge, and applied research. The following degrees are offered:
- Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
- Master of Landscape Architecture
- Minor in Landscape Architecture
Program Information
Demographics
- Gender:
- Undergraduate: Female 55.2%, Male 44.8%
- Graduate: Female 55%, Male 45%
- Race/Ethnicity:
- Undergraduate: American Indian 0%, Black 4.8%, Asian or Pacific Islander 3.2%, Hispanic 5.6%, Caucasian 79.2%, Other 7.2%
- Graduate: American Indian 0%, Black 10%, Asian or Pacific Islander 0%, Hispanic 0%, Caucasian 75%, Other 15%
- Residency:
- Undergraduate: In-State 74.4%, Out-of-State 25.6%
- Graduate: In-State 60%, Out-of-State 40%
- Origin:
- Undergraduate: Domestic 100%, International 0%
- Graduate: Domestic 90%, International 10%
Degree Statistics
Degrees Awarded
The BLA and MLA programs have awarded the following number of degrees over the past five years:
- Degree Level: BLA, MLA
- Year 1: 7, 0
- Year 2: 9, 3
- Year 3: 5,
Graduation Statistics
- Graduation Rates:
- BLA: 90.9% graduated within regular timeframe
- MLA: 50% graduated within regular timeframe
Graduate Employment Statistics
- BLA: Approximately ninety percent secure entry-level positions within six months of graduation.
- MLA: Approximately ninety percent secure entry-level positions within one year of graduation.
Costs of Attendance
Tuition and Fees
- Undergraduate SC Resident: $15,554
- Undergraduate Out-of-State Resident: $39,448
- Graduate SC Resident Premier Program: $12,646
- Graduate Out-of-State Resident Premier Program: $24,798
Living Expenses
- Room/Board or Living Expenses (Grad): $12,871 (Undergraduate), $14,752 (Graduate)
- Book/Supplies: $1,436 (Undergraduate), $1,080 (Graduate)
- Personal/Transportation Expenses: $5,410 (Undergraduate), $4,204 (Graduate)
- Loan Fee: $66 (Undergraduate), $156 (Graduate)
Total
- Undergraduate SC Resident: $35,338
- Undergraduate Out-of-State Resident: $59,282
- Graduate SC Resident Premier Program: $32,838
- Graduate Out-of-State Resident Premier Program: $44,990
Additional Expenses
- Supplies: All first-year BLA and MLA students are asked to purchase a list of tools and supplies, estimated cost between $300 and $400.
- Laptop: Students are asked to purchase a laptop for use throughout their time at Clemson University, recommended model Lenovo Thinkpad P16 ($3,749).
Required Semester Abroad
- All BLA students are required to spend one semester studying abroad as part of their academic program.
- Students who choose to study in Charleston pay Clemson University tuition and fees based on their residency status.
- Students who study abroad in Barcelona or Genoa pay Study Abroad tuition and fees as determined by Clemson University, plus a program fee covering housing, health insurance, Field Studies, and additional program-related expenses.
Faculty Information
Faculty Composition
- 7 Full-time tenure or tenure track faculty
- 3 Full-time non-tenure faculty
Studio Faculty:Student Ratio
- BLA: 1:13
- MLA: 1:8
Accreditation in Landscape Architecture
The undergraduate and graduate programs in Landscape Architecture at Clemson University are fully accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB). Accreditation is a voluntary, rigorous process of peer review that evaluates academic programs based on externally mandated standards and their own stated missions and educational goals.
Accredited Degree Programs
Clemson University offers the following LAAB-accredited degree programs in Landscape Architecture:
- Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) 124 credit hours
- Master of Landscape Architecture (First Professional MLA) 3-year program, 81 credit hours
- Master of Landscape Architecture (Second Professional MLA) 2-year program, 42 credit hours
Next Accreditation Visit
The next accreditation visit for all programs is scheduled for 2030.