Program Information
The graduate program in landscape architecture offers flexibility in meeting the needs of applicants with varied backgrounds. Students entering the graduate program in landscape architecture follow one of the following four tracks:
First Professional MLA Program
Graduate students who do not possess an LAAB-accredited professional degree in landscape architecture are invited to enroll in the First Professional MLA program.
The First Professional MLA Program helps develop basic analytical, design, and graphic skills. Upon successful completion of the First Professional Summer term, students advance to a two-semester articulation sequence that provides a foundation in applied landscape design and planning theory, as well as competencies in landscape construction.
MLA Advanced Graduate Studies Program
Graduate students having completed the summer and first year of the First Professional program or entering the MLA program with an LAAB-accredited professional baccalaureate degree in landscape architecture, commence a two-year program of advanced graduate coursework towards the completion of the MLA degree.
Graduate students with a non-accredited or non-LAAB-accredited degree in landscape architecture may be required to take additional coursework beyond the two-year program of advanced graduate coursework to develop core competencies required for advanced graduate study.
MLA Research Degree
Graduate students with an LAAB-accredited professional degree in landscape architecture and a significant history of achievement in professional practice may tailor a program of advanced study to meet their specific needs.
The normal tenure for advanced graduate study is five semesters, including a summer semester internship. Students complete a minimum of 52 credit hours composed of lecture courses, seminars, design and construction studios, internships, and individual study (special studies, supervised research, and thesis or terminal project).
This time period would be extended if a student elects to expand the coursework or to pursue a concurrent degree in a related field.
Design studios: Graduate design studios build on required lecture and seminar courses. A core of three advanced design studios is topically-oriented, focusing on issues of human, ecological, and regional concern. Each studio requires students to engage a method appropriate to the studio’s selected projects, to analyze the findings generated by this research, and to use the findings to build a rational argument that leads to a defensible design position. Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary collaborations are encouraged on both formal and informal bases. Graduate studio projects also address current issues related to the Department's mission, with an additional focus on research and community service.
Thesis or terminal project: The Department recognizes that students have different professional goals and personal strengths and interests. A thesis is appropriate for students interested in further research or teaching, or in pursuing advanced degrees. A project (with a significant research component) is appropriate for students interested in design or project-oriented aspects of landscape architecture, or for those whose specific areas of interest suggest a nontraditional approach.
Programs, centers, and institutes: The College of Design, Construction, and Planning has several research centers and institutes. Please see the College’s webpage for more information (https://dcp.ufl.edu/research/centers-institutes/).
Graduate advisement: Students are initially advised by the Graduate Coordinator. They have guided the student’s application through the acceptance process and are familiar with the student’s background and needs. A plan of study is developed that includes required and optional courses. By the end of the second semester of the MLA1 year, each student must form a supervisory committee composed of two faculty members. The primary purpose of the graduate committee is to advise the student on educational objectives and the thesis or terminal project coursework.
Application Procedures
Details of the application procedure are found on the Department of Landscape Architecture’s website. Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the application procedures and requirements. Applications will ONLY be considered for the track for which they have been submitted. Make certain you are applying to the correct track based on your background and credentials and the criteria detailed above.
Application Dates
- Applications are to be completed and submitted prior to the deadline noted on the Department’s website. Unless otherwise noted, applications must be received no later than February 1st. Early applications are encouraged.
- Application materials to be submitted online and/or to the Office of the Registrar.
- Application materials include the online application form accompanied by official transcripts, Letters of Recommendation, GRE scores, and TOEFL scores (applicants with English as a second language) to
Office of the Registrar
Admissions Section
Criser Hall
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida 32611
In addition, applicants must also submit a letter of intention to the Department of Landscape Architecture.
Application Portfolio
- All applicants are encouraged to submit a portfolio of creative works.
- Applicants with a baccalaureate landscape architecture degree or other design-affiliated degree are required to submit a portfolio that both exhibits creative work experience and shows evidence of acquired technical proficiencies in, or related to, the practice of landscape architecture.
- All portfolios must be digital. PDF is preferred.
Application Status
Applications will be processed once all materials have been received and must be complete prior to the application deadline. Applicants will be contacted by the program’s Academic Assistant if their application is incomplete. Please respond promptly if you have been contacted to increase the likelihood that your application will be considered during the current review period. Only completed applications will be processed for review.
Once the application has been processed for review, applicants will receive written notification of their application status, generally sometime in the middle of March. Please do not contact the department with inquiries about your application status prior to the end of March.
Preparatory courses (see the Undergraduate Catalog):
For more information, please see our website: http://www.dcp.ufl.edu/landscape.
Degrees Offered with a Major in Landscape Architecture
- Master of Landscape Architecture
- without a concentration
- concentration in Geographic Information Systems
- concentration in Historic Preservation
- concentration in Sustainable Design
- concentration in Wetland Sciences
Requirements for these degrees are given in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.
Landscape Architecture (MLA)
SLO 1 Knowledge
Integrate concepts from the general body of knowledge of the profession of Landscape Architecture in design decision making
SLO 2 Skills
Apply core professional skills in landscape architecture
SLO 3 Skills
Combine and analyze information from multiple sources to support design decision making
SLO 4 Skills
Produce professional visual, oral and written communications
SLO 5 Skills
Devise research methodologies and conclusions appropriate to individual area of interest
SLO 6 Professional Behavior
Display ethical behaviors and professional conduct
