The Master of Landscape Architecture Program and the Master of Design Program offer a dual degree program within just three years of full-time study.
This dual degree program permits mastery of core knowledge and skills in both landscape architecture and design in three years (for students with an undergraduate degree in landscape architecture) or in four years (for those with no previous design degree). This is a reduction from the four or five years, respectively, that would otherwise be required to complete the degrees individually.
The MLA core curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong technical foundation and intensive studio and skill training, applicable to a wide variety of design issues. The core of this professionally-accredited degree is based on combining theoretical, historical, social, political, and technical dimensions of landscape architecture with emphasis on practice through studio and service to communities. For students with no previous design degree, the program includes an introductory year in addition to the two-year (48-credit) degree program.
The MDes core curriculum offers preparation for a professional career in design, through courses in history and theory, as well as technical practices of architectural conservation and sustainability. The three (or four) year dual degree MLA/MDes offers students a rich educational experience in many areas of design and historic preservation, including sustainable site development, heritage landscape interpretation, community engagement, and tools and techniques of landscape management and historic preservation.
The MLA/MDes dual degree program provides its graduates with comprehensive education for professional careers in landscape design and historic preservation in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Students must apply to, and be admitted to both programs, and must meet the satisfactory academic progress requirements of each program.