Bachelors in Landscape Architecture
Apply to Landscape ArchitectureOverview
In the landscape architecture program at WSU, you’ll apply your creativity to design places that positively affect people and their environment and improve quality of life.
Your courses will teach you about design, ecology, soil science, site engineering, landscape construction, horticulture, history, and visual communication, and how to bring this all together, to create wonderful spaces.
Throughout the BLA program you will:
- Learn practical, professional skills
- Engage in real-world, hands-on, community projects
- Work with award-winning faculty with industry and academic experiences
- Collaborate with peers to address pressing issues
- Discover new places on course field trips and study tours
- Interact with students and faculty in Architecture, Interior Design, and Construction Management
- Connect with practicing landscape architects through courses, field trips, and university partnerships
- Create design solutions for the 21st century
WSU BLA graduates can start entry-level jobs in the private and public sectors. Private sector opportunities are found within landscape architectural, engineering, architectural and planning firms, private corporations that have physical planning departments, or companies that supply products and services related to land planning and development. Public sector employment opportunities are found within federal, state, regional, and municipal agencies involved in land planning, development, and preservation.
Upon completing the BLA degree, graduates can start their path toward licensure and take the Landscape Architect Registration Examination, or LARE. Additional information about licensure can be found on the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) website. Upcoming changes about the licensure exam can found on the CLARB LARE change page.
For more information on becoming a landscape architect visit Your Path to Landscape Architecture
Resources
Go to the WSU Catalog to view the full unit description and a sample schedule of studies for the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program.
Stay on track towards degree requirements with the Landscape Architecture Advising Guide (PDF).
Learn how the schedule of studies aligns with the Landscape Architecture Curricular Themes (PDF).
The Intelligent.com “Best colleges in Washington” guide provides information such as top colleges and universities, available financial support, and future employment opportunities to further assist students in making the right decision for their future.
ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS
The BLA program at WSU has articulation transfer agreements with the following colleges:
- Spokane Community College AAS-T Landscape Management.
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology AAS-T Environmental Horticulture.
REQUIREMENTS
Following the admission to WSU procedures, a student may be admitted to the LA major provided they meet the criteria published in the WSU Catalog. Once admitted to a major, a student will maintain good standing in their major by completing the required benchmarks as outlined in the catalog. (Academic Regulation 53).
The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture is a four-year program structured into one year of pre-professional coursework and three years of major (professional) coursework. Professional program courses begin in second year fall. Due to the sequential nature of courses there are no spring admits. To be considered for admission into the landscape architecture program, a student must have completed the following pre-professional coursework (or their approved equivalents), each with a grade of C or better and an overall GPA of 3.3 or higher, and submit an application:
- COM 102 [COMM]
- ENGLISH 101 [WRTG]
- FINE ART 101, 201, or 202 [ARTS]
- HIST 105 [ROOT]
- PSYCH 105 or SOC 101 [SSCI]
- SDC 100, 120, and 140
Students not meeting the admission to major criteria above will be considered until enrollment limits are reached. Average enrollment limit into the second year of the landscape architecture major are 25 students. Greater emphasis is given to performance in SDC 100, 120, and 140. Completion of all pre-professional coursework does not guarantee acceptance into the professional program. Although admission is competitive, all students who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to apply.
COURSE AVAILABILITY
- SDC 100 is offered in fall and spring.
- SDC 120 is offered in fall.
- SDC 140 is offered in spring.
- SDC 120 (or approved transfer equivalency) with a grade of C or better is a prerequisite for enrollment in SDC 140.
- Please contact an advisor for questions about transfer equivalency and/or preparation necessary for the SDC 120/140 sequence.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
A limited number of transfer students are considered each year. To be considered, transfer students must have completed all pre-professional courses (or approved equivalents) and apply for admission to the major. The Transfer Course Search tool assists with planning the transfer of courses to WSU. Emphasis is given to cumulative GPA. A design portfolio may be requested for additional evaluation.