Our programs promote fast-track undergraduate and graduate degree paths. Learn more about these options below:
4+2 Master of Landscape Architecture
Students enrolled in the four-year BS in Sustainable Community Development (SCD) program can apply to enroll in graduate-level landscape architecture courses, which allows them to earn credits toward the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree at UMass. This "4+2 MLA" track puts SCD students on an accelerated path to earn an MLA degree in just two years, as opposed to three years.
Please submit your application for attending graduate-level courses in Landscape Architecture to MLA Program Director, Frank Sleegers, sleegers@larp.umass.edu.
Application Deadline: March 15th
A successful participation in graduate-level MLA courses in your Senior year/ successful graduation with the BS in SCD (Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Community Development) prepares you for being admitted to the MLA Program and entering the 2-year program. This is equivalent to students that entering the MLA Program with a non-LAAB accredited Landscape Architecture degree as described in the MLA Handbook. The permission to attend graduate-level courses in Landscape Architecture does not mean that you are accepted as a graduate student. You have to formally apply to the Graduate School in the winter of your Senior Year with the February 1 deadline. Your application will be reviewed, and a conditional decision will be made during February by the MLA Admissions Committee. The Graduate School will have the final word after your successful completion of all requirements of BS in SCD.
Qualifications and Deliverables
- GPA 3.0 or better
- Portfolio of visual creative work
- Two letters of recommendation from 1.) Program Director SCD and 2.) Faculty that teaches in the BSLA Program
Find more information about the MLA program here.
MLA 4+2 Program Timeline
Spring Semester Junior Year | Application for participation in graduate-level LA courses, Deadline: March 15 Decision: By April 1 |
Fall Semester Senior Year | Participation in graduate-level LA courses following the curriculum of the MLA 3-Year Program First Professional Degree |
Winter break Senior Year | Formal Graduate School application to MLA Program, Deadline: February 1 (Portfolio, 2 Letters of Recommendation etc. ) Continuing MLA program with the status of conditionally accepted |
Spring semester Senior Year | Participation in graduate-level LA courses following the curriculum of the MLA 3-Year Program First Professional Degree Qualified finishing of all MLA courses, outstanding SCD courses, and BSSCD degree |
Summer after Senior Year | Final Graduate School Decision |
Fall Semester after Senior Year | Continuing MLA Program equally to students from a non-LAAB accredited Landscape Architecture degree as described in the MLA Handbook. Full Graduate Student status |
MLA Degree | After completion of course work as described in the MLA Handbook and a minimum of 48 credits |
4+1 Master of Regional Planning
Students enrolled in any four-year undergraduate program (any major) at UMass or other member of the Five Colleges can apply to enroll in graduate-level regional planning course. This "4+1 MRP" option puts students on a path to earning a Master of Regional Planning (MRP) degree at UMass in just one year, as opposed to two year.
UMass's BS in Sustainable Community Development especially enables 4+1 MRP option.
Hear from One of Our 4+1 Graduates
Lydia Jankowski shares her experience in the 4+1 MRP program and how she's pursuing her interests through a research project on local rock climbing communities.
More Fast-Track Options
The BS in Sustainable Community Development can be completed in 3 years with some summer work.
The AS in Science in Landscape Contracting degree can provide a strong entry to the BSLA, SCD or other bachelor degrees. Consult Michael Davidsohn (davidsohn@larp.umass.edu) to learn more.