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There are many programs available to people seeking a landscape degree. These degrees take up to 1-7 years, depending on the program.
Landscape Degree And Certificate Program in landscape architecture offer landscape management or lawn design concentrations.
They also provide basic plant science, irrigation, and landscape construction training, and students learn to use specialized landscape maintenance tools. They also educate people on field experience as part of their program.
Students have the opportunity to complete either a Bachelor of Arts in Landscape Architecture or a Bachelor of Arts in Landscape Architecture.
The basic requirements include a high school diploma, and some programs require design portfolios. ACT/SAT scores are also reviewed at this level. These programs usually include design studies and an internship.
The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program can lead to professional licensure if you already have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field.
Those already licensed may consider the MLA program for training in a landscape architecture specialty such as sustainable design or urban development.
Doctoral programs in landscape architecture are research-intensive and designed for future researchers and teachers at the university level.
Furthermore, besides a bachelor’s degree, other prerequisites for graduate work include a portfolio of landscape work, a research plan, and GRE/GMAT scores.
Landscape Degree And Certificate Program
1. Certificate In Landscape Architecture
Landscape certificate programs are studied by community colleges and are completed in about a year or two.
Students learn to operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, and other equipment. Programs also offer additional instruction in plant science, soil nutrition, pesticides, and horticulture.
The focused course provides technical skills in plant care, maintenance, and landscape design. The following topics are usually discussed:
- Plant propagation
- Soil testing
- Landscape management
- Irrigation design
- Landscape business management
- Landscape constructions
2. Associate’s Degree In Landscaping
These programs give students a comprehensive overview of plant sciences, irrigation, landscape design, and business management.
Students will learn to analyze and maintain plant and soil nutrition, create landscape design proposals, and build landscape structures such as patios, fences, pools, and drainage systems.
Landscape students take general education courses in English, math, and social studies, as well as courses that provide landscape maintenance, management, and technical knowledge. These programs generally cover business management, pesticides, and the following topics:
- Horticulture and Botany
- Plant pathology
- Drainage and landscape irrigation
- Landscape design and planning
- Landscape constructions
- Nursery and greenhouse plant production
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3. Bachelor’s Degree In Landscape Architecture
The Bachelor’s degree in landscape prepares students to plan and create landscape designs for outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, monuments, recreation areas, and community spaces.
Each program offers design and engineering technology, urban planning, architecture, and plant science instruction.
Students are to prepare for the Landscape Architect Registration Examination, which they must pass to obtain a professional license.
Students running this program complete a series of courses that focus on general education, landscape plant materials, and architectural design techniques. Other common courses include:
- History of landscape architecture
- Design of landscape architecture
- Urban design
- Geology and soils
- Garden design studio
- Computer Aided Drafting and Landscape Design
4. Master Of Landscape Architecture
MLA programs are offered in two different tracks. In addition, some programs may combine tracks and include a preparatory year of study for a second professional degree program.
However, both programs require students to complete a thesis or project demonstrating research and innovation in the specialty.
The areas to concentrate on the most include cultural and historic landscape, design, sustainable design, conservation, and urban development.
Through these programs, students can get a solid foundation in the theory and history of landscape architecture, as well as advanced critical analysis and design skills. Both programs include landscape theory and the following topics:
- Research methods
- Designing methods and theories
- Urban planning and development
- Urban agriculture
- Design Studio
- Computer-Aided Design and Presentation
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5. Doctoral Degree In Landscape Architecture
Doctoral degree programs in landscape architecture allow students to pursue research in a field of their choice.
Students engage in research that addresses the intersections between design, environment, culture, conservation, ecology, history, and urban development.
While doctoral programs in landscape architecture are few and far between, regional or urban planning programs often include similar courses.
The curriculum of the doctoral degree program in landscape architecture varies widely depending on the student’s research interests. Regardless, all students are expected to complete the following courses:
- Research methods
- Theory
- Design skills
Popular Career Options
Most of the certificate programs in landscaping prepare graduates for entry-level positions at horticulture companies, nurseries, botanical gardens, or theme parks.
Those that offer more business instruction may prepare students for supervisory or management positions in these environments.
- Pesticide sprayer
- Ground maintenance worker
- Soil technologist
- Landscaping crew leader
- Landscape contractor
- Irrigation designer
Those that graduated from the Master of Landscape Architecture program are qualified for positions in landscape architecture in architectural, engineering, and design firms, state and local government, amusement and theme parks, or on a contract basis.
- Landscape architect
- Landscape designer
- Landscape design consultant
- Sustainable design consultant
- Urban planning designer
- Landscape Conservation Analyst
Most graduates of doctoral programs in landscape architecture remain on campus, where they engage in scientific research and teaching at the university level.
Employment Outlook And Salary Information
Associate degree graduates are qualified for various positions, including landscape crew leaders, lawn care technicians, pesticide handlers, and nursery managers. Job opportunities in landscape architecture are expected to decrease by 2% between 2019 and 2029.
This decrease is as a result of the improvements in technology that are expected to increase the productivity of landscape architects, which should reduce overall demand for the profession over the next 10 years. Landscape architects earned an average annual salary of $69,360 as of May 2019.
The average yearly salary for landscaping positions differs depending on the employer and level of responsibility.
In 2019, the BLS reported that a landscaping or grounds maintenance worker earned a median salary of $30,440, while landscape managers and supervisors earned $49,370.
Continuing Education
While graduates of certificate programs are qualified for entry-level employment, credits earned in these programs can usually be applied toward associate degrees available at the same school.
Associate degree programs prepare students for mid-level management positions with various landscaping employers.
An associate degree in landscape architecture is the highest degree that includes equal instruction in construction, plant science, and landscape design.
Bachelor’s degrees in landscape architecture are available for candidates who are primarily interested in landscape design. These programs often include some horticulture and botany courses with a greater focus on designing.
Graduates of the Bachelor’s degree program in landscape architecture are qualified for entry-level positions in landscape architecture. However, many graduates regularly go on to earn a Master of Landscape.
While a master’s degree in landscape architecture is the ultimate professional degree, there are several doctoral programs available in landscape architecture.
These programs offer great flexibility for research and allow students to analyze the ecological, environmental, social, and cultural aspects of landscape architecture. Students interested in landscape programs have several options depending on their career path.
While some students may initially stay in the landscape, others with an unrelated bachelor’s degree may continue the program toward a master’s degree.
Conclusion
There you have it. As stated above, many programs are available to people seeking a landscape degree.
There are also job opportunities, and students interested in taking landscape architecture as a degree should carefully read through this article to get the necessary information needed.
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