Landscape Architecture

Landscape Architecture at Rutgers University offers a comprehensive and innovative program designed to prepare students for a professional career in transforming outdoor spaces into sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environments. The curriculum combines artistic design principles with ecological and technical knowledge, fostering students' ability to address complex environmental challenges through thoughtful planning, design, and management of landscapes. Students will engage in a blend of studio-based coursework, theoretical seminars, and practical fieldwork, allowing for hands-on experience in site analysis, master planning, and construction documentation. The program emphasizes sustainability, resilience, and community engagement, encouraging students to develop environmentally responsible solutions that enhance quality of life. With access to advanced laboratories, computer-aided design software, and extensive outdoor facilities, students are equipped with the latest tools and techniques needed for contemporary landscape architecture practice. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and researchers dedicated to mentoring students and advancing the discipline through innovative research and community projects. Rutgers’ location provides a unique opportunity for students to study diverse urban and natural landscapes, integrating regional ecological issues into the curriculum. Graduates of the program will be prepared for licensure as landscape architects and to pursue careers in urban planning, environmental design, conservation, and landscape management. The program also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to work across fields such as architecture, urban planning, and environmental science to develop holistic solutions. Overall, Rutgers University's Landscape Architecture program aims to shape visionary professionals capable of creating sustainable, healthy, and beautiful outdoor environments that serve both society and the natural world.

Year 1 Fall

• 16:550:531 Studio (Fundamentals) 5cr. 
• 16:550:541 Representation I - Drawing 2cr.
• 16:550:552 Landscape History II—1850-Present 3cr.
• 11:550:233 Landscape Plants 3cr.
• Total Credits 13 

Year 1 Spring

• 16:550:532 Studio Two (Urban/Suburban Design) 5cr.
• 11:550:337 Visualization II - Digital Design/Present. 3 cr.
• 11:550:341 Construction II - Materials/Engineering 4cr.
• 16:550:553 Theories of Landscape Architecture 3cr.
• Total Credits 15

Year 2 Fall

• 16:550:535 Studio—Housing and Open Space 5cr.
• 11:550:441 Construction III - Implementation/Practice 4 cr.
• Elective 3 cr.
• Total Credits 12 

Year 2 Spring 

• 16:550:536 Studio—Special Topics 5 cr.
• 16:550:545 Introduction to Geomatics 3 cr.
• 16:550:582 Research Methods 2 cr.
• Elective 3 cr.
• Total Credits 13 

Year 3 Fall

• 16:550:533 Studio—Ecological Land Arch Design 5 cr.
• 16:550:701 Thesis Research….by arrangement 
• 16:550:548 Landscape Plants II—ID & Design 2 cr.
• Elective 3 cr.
• Total Credits 10

Year 3 Spring 

• 16:550:538 Studio—Special Topics II 5 cr. OR 16:550:702 Thesis Research….by arrangement 6 cr.
• 11:550:582 Colloquium:Landscape Architecture 3 cr.
• 11:550:435 Professional Practice 1 cr.
• Total Credits 9

Required Graduate Courses 45 cr.
Required Undergrad Courses 15 cr.
Electives 12 cr.
Total number of credits – (typical of M.L.A. 1 programs) 72 cr.

• Online application
• $70 nonrefundable application fee
• One official transcript from each postsecondary institution attended
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE and TOEFL
• Personal statement 

Personal Statement

In the personal statement we want to learn more about you and how you would contribute to our learning community. Please answer the following in your personal statement:

• Why do you want to study landscape architecture? What are your professional goals? (500-750 words).
• Why are you particularly interested in the landscape architecture program at Rutgers? (250-500 words)

Portfolio Submission

Prospective graduate students are required to submit a portfolio containing samples of original work. Recognizing many MLA 1 students may not have any art or design background, we challenge you to use this opportunity to organize a small collection of work of any kind that you believe evidences your creativity. You will not be judged on art or design technical standards. This portfolio must include a work description sheet which lists:

• Title and corresponding page number for work
• Dimensions of the original work (if applicable)
• Date completed
• Media used

Please note: If you would like your portfolio returned, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope with correct amount of postage along with your portfolio.

Scholarships

• The Ralph Johnson Bunche Distinguished Graduate Award
• Global education

The Rutgers University offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Landscape Architecture through its Department of Landscape Architecture, which is part of the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. The program is designed to prepare students for professional careers in landscape architecture by integrating the study of ecological systems, design principles, sustainable practices, and urban planning. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, studio-based projects, and real-world applications to develop students' skills in designing outdoor spaces that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible.

Students engage in coursework covering plant ecology, site analysis, grading and drainage, landscape construction, computer-aided design (CAD), geographic information systems (GIS), and environmental planning. The program promotes an understanding of the ecological and cultural context of landscape design, encouraging students to develop innovative solutions that address contemporary environmental challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and biodiversity loss.

Rutgers' landscape architecture program benefits from its location in New Jersey, providing students with opportunities for outdoor fieldwork in diverse landscapes, including urban environments, parks, beaches, and rural areas. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, with students working alongside peers from related fields such as urban planning, environmental policy, and architecture.

Graduates of the program are equipped to pursue licensure as landscape architects, depending on completing the required internships and licensing examinations. They often find employment in government agencies, private design firms, nonprofit organizations, and academia, working on projects such as park development, campus planning, environmental restoration, and urban design projects. The program further prepares students for graduate studies in landscape architecture or related disciplines to deepen their expertise and broaden their career options.

The Rutgers Landscape Architecture program maintains accreditation from professional bodies such as the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB), ensuring that the education provided meets industry standards. It is committed to fostering innovation, leadership, and sustainability in landscape architecture, preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions to creating resilient, sustainable, and beautiful outdoor environments.

(no additional information available beyond this typical description based on Rutgers University’s offerings and similar programs at Rutgers.)