Three-Year Program of Study

This track is designed for students whose previous degree is not design related. The program is normally 87 credit hours in length, and takes approximately three years to complete. For students entering with undergraduate or graduate degrees in areas of study that have some content overlap with the Landscape Architecture curriculum, the Director may allow a program of study shorter than 87 credit hours, but not fewer than 75 credit hours.

Two-Year Program of Study

This track is designed for students who have already earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree, but have not had extensive professional experience and are not licensed (minimum of 48 credit hours required), or a degree in Architecture or Environment, Planning and Design (minimum of 57 credit hours required). Exact program requirements are determined on a case-by-case basis by the LA Program Director. 

Post-Professional Program of Study

Applicants for the Post-Professional program must be licensed, practicing landscape architects, with a minimum of five years experience in the field. The student's program of study is developed in consultation with the LA Program Director and requires thirty credit hours. Contact the Program Director for information and requirements. 

Required Courses

Typical Sequence for Three-year Program of Study

Master’s Examination

The Master’s Examination occurs at the time of the Master’s thesis/project public presentation and defense, when the student’s committee evaluates the scope and quality of the work, mastery of the field and the emphasis, and the student’s research accomplishment.

The student’s program of study is developed in consultation with the major advisor. It may be altered if needed with the consent of the advisor. The M.L.A. degree is granted upon successful completion of an approved program of study.

Students are expected to demonstrate a mastery of readings in the field.

USA requirements for international students

Each university in the Unites States of America sets its own admission standards so there isn't the same criteria for all the students and the university can decide which applicants meet those standards. The fee for each application is between $35 to $100. 

After the selections of the universities you want to attend, the best of all would be to contact each university for an application form and more admission information for the international students. Moreover, for a graduate or postgraduate program it's necessary to verify the admission requirements. Some programs require that you send your application directly to their department. 

Admissions decisions are based on students's academic record and different test scores, such as TOEFL, the SAT or ACT (for undergraduate programs) and GRE or GMAT (for graduate programs). Admission decision is based on your academic results and motivation.

University requirements

Program requirements

• The University of New Mexico on-line application. 
• A $50 application fee payable on-line or by phone at (505) 277-5363. Keep the reference number for fee payment. 
• A letter of intent outlining the applicant's interest in the discipline of landscape architecture and the reasons for seeking admission to the program in either PDF or Word format.
• Email contact information for three references with whom the applicant has worked and/or studied. References are contacted via email with a link for them to submit digital letters of reference in a PDF or Word format. Two letters would typically come from teachers or academic advisors who can comment on the applicant's prior undergraduate and/or graduate performance.
• A resume (curriculum vitae) in either PDF or Word format.
• A digital portfolio of creative work in a PDF, Word or PowerPoint format. The portfolio should provide high quality examples of creative thinking, writing and problem solving or communication approaches in their prior studies, work or personal interests. The digital portfolio layout should not exceed an 11x17 page layout. Applicants are encouraged to think about graphic design and presentation of the portfolio. All images and all graphics should be of a resolution to effectively communicate appropriate detail. Note that all applicants are required to submit a portfolio and encourage to submit a writing sample therein. Applicants with a non-design background are encouraged to communicate prior creative thinking, writing, problem solving and/or personal images or illustrations of landscapes and landscape designs which have led to pursuit of landscape architecture.
• Transcripts for each institution attended.

International Students also need to submit the following:

• An attested copy of your diploma.
• Official TOEFL scores that must meet the University of New Mexico minimum of 79 on the IBT TOEFL.

Scholarships

Students entering the LA program from out-of-state, and international students, are eligible for Graduate Project Assistantships.  The Assistantships allow students to pay tuition at in-state rates, provide student health insurance, and involve a stipend based on 10 hours of work per week.

International students are eligible for Amigo Scholarships from the Office of Graduate Studies. These scholarships allow students to pay tuition at in-state rates for the duration of their program. Normally international students who do not receive an Amigo Scholarship will maintain a project assistantship for the duration of their program. Assistantships may also be available depending on the opportunities through grants and contracts being carried out by faculty.

Each year there are a number of awards and scholarships awarded to students based on academic achievement, design excellence and leadership.