Master of Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.)

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Click here to view the Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning graduate program page.

Landscape planning and design have been part of the curriculum at Kansas State University since 1871, being part of the required curriculum of all students in the early days of the institution. The first MLA student graduated in 1968 and the MLA program is fully accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Program definition

Our definition of advanced landscape architecture education includes development of a strong foundation of traditional knowledge and skills as well as self-motivated and defined scholarship. Throughout the program, we are committed to research as a means of learning and serving communities and individuals.

Graduates of our program practice in a wide variety of natural and built environments including urban, suburban, rural, wilderness, domestic, and international. Their practice takes place in small and large firms, multidisciplinary firms, design/build, land development, facility management, public practice, academic settings, and within other fields. Kansas State University MLA graduates provide leadership in and advocacy for stewardship of the land and the interface of people with the land. They seek longterm solutions concerning land health, human dignity, and aesthetic quality.

Program mission and objectives

The mission of the Kansas State University MLA program is to prepare students to practice landscape architecture and advance within and contribute to the profession over time. It will provide opportunities for students and faculty to cultivate the skills of practice and explore and develop areas of expertise.

Goals of the program are to cultivate student competencies in

design
critical thinking
research
communication

The MLA program and curriculum

There are two program offerings in Landscape Architecture, Non-Baccalaureate and Post-Baccalaureate degrees, both of which result in a master’s degree.

Non-Baccalaureate MLA program

It is important to refer to the department website for current information regarding this program. The program is subject to constant review and change without notice. Students should obtain a copy of the current curriculum when they enter the program.

First semester (16 credit hours)

ENVD 201 Environmental Design Studio I (4)
MATH 100 College Algebra (3)
ENVD 250 History of the Designed Environment I (3)
ENVD 203 Survey of Design Professions (1)
COMM 105 Public Speaking 1A (2)
*University General Education (3)

Second semester (15 credit hours)

ENVD 202 Environmental Design Studio II (4)
PHYS 115 Descriptive Physics (5)
ENVD 251 History of Designed Environment II (3)
ENGL 100 Expository Writing I (3)

Third semester (17 credit hours)

LAR 220 - Site Design Studio I (4)
LAR 310 - Design Graphics and Visual Thinking (2)
LAR 420 - Natural Systems and Site Analysis (4)
LAR 433 - History and Theory of Landscape Architecture (3)
HORT 374 - Woody Plant Materials I (3)

LAR 510 - Landscape Architecture Tech Module I Credits: (1)

Fourth semester (16 credit hours)

LAR 248 - Landscape Architecture Materials and Methods (3)
LAR 320 - Site Design Studio II (5)
LAR 322 - Environmental Issues and Ethics (3)
Science Course with Lab** (4)

LAR 520 - Landscape Architecture Tech Module II Credits: (1)

Fifth semester (17 credit hours)

LAR 410 - Planting Design Studio (5)
LAR 438 - Design Implementation I (4)
PLAN 315 - Introduction to Planning (3)
ENGL 200 - Expository Writing II (3)

LAR 530 - Landscape Architecture Tech Module III Credits: (2)

Sixth semester (18 credit hours)

LAR 010 Land. Arch. Field Trip (0)
LAR 442 - Site Planning and Design Studio (4)
LAR 439 - Design Implementation II (2)
University general education elective* (6)

LAR 501 - Landscape Architecture Seminar I Credits: (2)
LAR 540 - Landscape Architecture Tech Module IV Credits: (1)

Summer study (7 credit hours)

LAR 646 - Community Planning and Design Credits: (5)
LAR 650 - Landscape Architecture Seminar II Credits: (2)

Seventh semester (18 credit hours)

LAR 444 - Internship/Advanced Studies Planning Seminar (1)

LAR 550 - Landscape Architecture Tech Module V Credits: (2)
LAR 648 - Landscape Architecture Specialization Studio Credits: (Var.)
LAR 725 - Landscape Architecture Research Methods Credits: (3)
LAR 750 - Landscape Architecture Seminar III Credits: (2)

Eighth semester (14 credit hours)

Professional electives (9)

LAR 703 - Landscape Architecture Off-Campus Studio Credits: (5)

Ninth semester (15 credit hours)

LAR 704 - Environmental Landscape Planning and Design Credits: (5)
LAR 645 - Professional Internship Report Credits: (1-2)
(1 credit hour)
LAR 700 - Project Programming Credits: (3)
And
Professional elective (3)
OR
LAR 899 - Research in Landscape Architecture Credits: (Var.)
University general education elective* (3)

Tenth semester (10-12 credit hours)

LAR 705 - Master’s Project Credits: (3)
And
LAR 898 - Master’s Report Credits: (2)
or
LAR 899 - Research in Landscape Architecture Credits: (Var.)
(3 credit hours)
LAR 560 - Landscape Architecture Tech Module VI Credits: (1)
LAR 745 - Professional Practice Credits: (3)
University general education elective* (3)

Notes

Undergraduate Hours 124
Graduate Hours 36
Total MLA Degree Requirement 160

*Program includes 18 hours of university general education electives as required by the university. A current listing of UGE
electives can be found on the website.

**Eighth semester: Two distinct study opportunities are offered during this semester, each requiring 14 credit hours. The study abroad and the internship options have course requirements that substitute for the 9 professional elective credit requirements.

+ If a student elects the thesis option, LAR 897 Proposal Writing will be taken during the eighth semester, and LAR 899 MLA Research will be taken in the ninth semester in place of LAR 700 and in the tenth semester in place of LAR 705.

If the internship option is not selected during the eighth semester, a summer internship is required before graduation. A current listing of UGE electives can be found on the website. Students who participate in study abroad programs approved by K-State will fulfill the 6-hour UGE credit at the 300 level upon successful completion of the study abroad program.*Program includes 18 hours of university general education electives as required by the university. A current listing of UGE electives can be found on the website.