Best Landscape Architecture Schools

Landscape architecture is not a very common major in colleges, as such, it can be tough to find a college that offers this degree option. If this is the path you want to take, you’ll realize this soon enough.

After providing college choice advice for several other programs through the years, we’ve researched sufficiently to identify the colleges that offer this program. 

In this article, we aim to walk you through the best landscape architecture schools available, show you how to pick the one that suits you most, and provide noteworthy information about these schools. We’ll also review the pros and cons of choosing these schools. 

Best Landscape Architecture Schools

To find the best schools, we conducted a thorough analysis of colleges in the U.S. If you want to know more about our discoveries, keep reading. We will tell you what we found and help you choose the right school for your studies.

University of California, Berkeley 

The University of California, located in the mid-sized city of Berkeley, is top of our list of the best colleges to study this program nationwide. It offers 3 Master of Landscape Architecture degrees, and a bachelor’s degree as well. 

• Quality Ranking: According to Eduranking, the University of California, Berkeley ranks 4th in the world, as well as in North America and the United States. 
• Program Highlight: The program at UC Berkeley offers a wide range of courses in landscape design, landscape analysis and planning, environmental simulation, site design, cultural geography, and urban forestry, to mention only a few. This allows students to learn a wide range of modern and innovative topics.  
• Unique Features: The University of California, Berkeley, has consistently ranked among the top public universities globally. The program curricula integrate theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiences to promote innovative design and planning in their students, ensuring students get an all-around education. Students benefit from engaging with faculty members who are experts in the landscape design field. 

Texas A&M University

Originally an all-male military institution, Texas A&M University has long since expanded to offer one of the best engineering, design, and architecture education. The school offers Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Master’s degrees. 

• Quality Ranking: Texas A&M University ranked 11th in DesignIntelligence’s Most Admired Undergraduate Landscape Architecture Programs (2019-2020). It also ranked 4th on DesignIntelligence’s Most Hired From Landscape Architecture Graduate Programs (2019-2020). 
• Program Highlight: The programs at Texas A&M University draw on interdisciplinary teaching and learning, high-impact research, and real-world experience to support students in and out of the classroom. 
• Unique Features: Every year, the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning uses the Career Fair and Aggie Workshop to provide students with professional connections to potential employers. About 100 scholarships worth over $140,000 are awarded to students to participate in this Career Fair and Workshop. 

Cornell University 

Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell University offers Bachelor of Science and Master’s degree programs in Landscape Architecture. Cornell University’s Department of Landscape Architecture was established in 1904 and has achieved national recognition for its approach to teaching in the list. Here are some of the three key features the university offers:

• Quality Ranking: Cornell University ranks 10th among national universities. 
• Program Highlight: The undergraduate program curriculum utilizes a studio model that ensures a one-on-one relationship between students and the faculty. By using lectures, readings, demonstrations, field trips, and guest presentations, this model ensures that students can learn about various landscape scales, contexts, types, and topical issues. 
• Unique Features: Cornell University offers financial aid to undergraduate and graduate students looking to study this program based on needs and/or merit. The department offers a one-year Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in this branch of architecture. 

Mississippi State University 

Mississippi State University is another great college to study for this degree program. The school offers a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree program in landscape architecture. They also offer a dual degree that combines this architecture type with Landscape Contracting and Management to broaden the career opportunities of their students. Some of their major selling points include: 

• Quality Ranking: Mississippi State University ranks #1 out of 26 colleges within the state. 
• Program Highlight: The program at this university covers a wide range of topics, including the design process, energy flow, stormwater design, green infrastructure, native landscapes and plant materials, community planning, sustainability, and regional planning.
• Unique Features: According to its mission statement, the Department of Landscape Architecture at Mississippi State University aims to “foster the will and ability to plan, design, build, and manage regenerative communities”. They do this by imparting skills and abilities and creating new knowledge in their students about landscape planning, design, and management. 

Harvard University

If you’re familiar with the standard of excellence associated with Harvard University, then you know it’s one of the best places to study this architecture program. It offers a Master in Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree program in three different streams. Let’s take a look at the three features that make this school one of the best for this branch of architecture:

• Quality Ranking: Harvard University was ranked 1st in the world and 1st in the United States during the 2023 college rating. 
• Program Highlight: The Master’s degree program consists of a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum. The topics taught include design, history, theory, technology, representation, ecology, and professional practice. It also gives students access to advanced studios and elective courses. 
• Unique Features: The Master’s degree program at Harvard University is accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB). It also meets the requirements for licensure in every state in the U.S. and the District of Columbia if combined with practical experience.

What to Look for in the Best Architecture Schools

The quality of colleges offering this program is influenced by several key factors. These factors collectively contribute to the educational experience and the preparation of students for their future careers. They include:

Faculty Expertise and Credentials

The qualifications and expertise of faculty members play a crucial role in shaping the quality of education. Look out for college faculty with impressive qualifications, expertise, and industry experience in this architecture branch, with various research, practice, and teaching backgrounds.

Curriculum 

Before enrolling in a school, assess the curriculum to ensure that it covers various topics in landscape architecture, including design processes and principles, environmental design, sustainability, and energy flow. Also, look for programs that offer opportunities for specialization in your specific areas of interest. 

Facilities

Consider the availability of state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support your education and research. Look for colleges with well-equipped design studios, computer labs, workshops, and research centers. Also, prioritize access to technology, software, and library resources.

Pros and Cons of Pursuing the Best Architecture Schools

Here are some of the pros and considerations of pursuing a degree program in this branch of architecture from the best colleges:

Pros 

• They offer comprehensive programs that provide students with a strong foundation in theory, design principles, and practical skills.
• Attending a prestigious architecture school provides students with access to a network of alumni, industry professionals, and potential employers through guest lectures, workshops, and career fairs.
• Graduating from one of the best schools specializing in this program can enhance your professional reputation and credibility. 

Cons

• Attending a top school often comes with a hefty price tag, including tuition fees, living expenses, and materials, which can be a significant financial burden for students.
• Admission to the best schools is highly competitive, as there are often limited spots available and strict admission requirements.
• The programs at top colleges are known for their demanding curriculum and intensive workload, which can lead to stress and burnout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Expensive to Get a Masters in Landscape Architecture? 

The cost of getting a Master’s degree in this program can vary widely depending on the type of university—whether public or private—and other factors, such as housing. The tuition ranges from about $20,832 to $56,562 per year. 

Is a Degree in Landscape Architecture Worth It? 

Yes, a degree in this branch of architecture is worth it for individuals passionate about design, sustainability, and shaping the environment. By gaining a comprehensive set of skills both in and out of the classroom, graduates can be on their way to having a fulfilling career in the field.

Can I Get a Degree in This Architecture Branch Online? 

Yes, you can get a degree in this architecture branch online. Online programs can help reduce costs by eliminating the need for campus fees. This makes them a smart option for people who are financially tied. 

Conclusion

To conclude this discussion, we have reviewed some of the best universities to study this program. We have also included factors that influence the quality of education in a school and the pros and cons of the best schools. So, you can go right ahead and decide on where to go.