Master of Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.) (post-baccalaureate track)

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Click here to view the Landscape Architecture and Regional & 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. The degree is offered through two tracks:

The non-baccalaureate track for students without a previous degree allows students to enter as freshmen and progress through the professional graduate degree in landscape architecture
The post-baccalaureate track for students with a previous degree allows completion of a first professional degree in landscape architecture.

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.

The MLA program and curriculum

There are two track offerings to the Master of Landscape Architecture, non-baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate degrees, both of which result in a master’s degree.

MLA program Master’s Report Option

First semester (14 credit hours)

LAR 220 - Drawing Landscapes Studio (5)
LAR 230 - Modeling Landscapes Studio (5)
LAR 101 - Introduction to Landscape Architecture (3)
LAR 350 - Introduction to Plants (1)
LAR 010 - Travel: Regional 1 (0)

Second semester (14 credit hours)

LAR 433 - Landscape History and Design Studio (5)
LAR 420 - Socio-Ecological Systems Studio (5)
LAR 351 - Plant Patterns and Use (1)
LAR 020 - Travel: Regional 2 (0)
***Professional Elective (3)

Summer study (9 credit hours)

LAR 430 - Narratives and Placemaking Studio (4)
LAR 425 - Narratives and Placemaking Seminar (2)
LAR 352 - Landscape Performance Lab (3)
LAR 030 - Travel: Narratives and Placemaking (0)

Third semester (14 credit hours)

LAR 353 - Plant Selection (1)
LAR 040 - Travel: Major City 1 (0)
LAR 438 - Site Design Implementation (5)
LAR 442 - Site Research and Design Studio (5)
***Professional Elective (3)

Fourth semester (16 credit hours)

LAR 439 - Master Plan Design and Implementation (5)
LAR 648 - Advanced Studio (5)
LAR 750 - Advanced Seminar (2)
LAR 354 - Landscape Restoration (1)
LAR 725 - Research Methods (3)

Fifth semester (9 credit hours)

LAR 705 - Master’s Project Studio 1 Credits: 5
LAR 897 - Proposal Writing Credits: 2
LAR 753 - Professional Practice: Professional Responsibility Credits: 1
LAR 754 - Professional Practice: Office Practices Credits: 1

Sixth semester (11 credit hours)

LAR 710 - Master’s Project Studio 2 Credits: 3
LAR 898 - Master’s Report Credits: 2
***Professional Electives (6)

MLA program Master’s Thesis Option

First semester (14 credit hours)

LAR 220 Drawing Landscapes Studio (5)
LAR 230 Modeling Landscapes Studio (5)
LAR 101 Introduction to Landscape Arch (3)
LAR 350 Introduction to Plants (1)
LAR 010 Travel: Regional 1 (0)

Second semester (14 credit hours)

LAR 433 Landscape History & Design Studio (5)
LAR 420 Socio-Ecological Systems Studio (5)
LAR 351 Plant Patters and Use (1)
LAR 020 Travel: Regional 2 (0)
Professional Elective (3)

Summer Study (9 credit hours)

LAR 430 Narratives and Placemaking Studio (4)
LAR 425 Narratives and Placemaking Seminar (2)
LAR 352 Landscape Performance Lab (3)
LAR 030 Travel: Narratives and Placemaking (0)

Third semester (14 credit hours)

LAR 442 Site Research & Design Studio (5)
LAR 438 Site Design Implementation (5)
LAR 040 Travel: Major City 1 (0)
LAR 353 Plant Selection (1)
LAR 725 - Research Methods Credits: 3

Fourth semester (15 credit hours)

LAR 439 Master Plan Design & Implementation (5)
LAR 740 - Advanced Studio Credits: 5
LAR 750 - Advanced Seminar Credits: 2
LAR 354 Landscape Restoration (1)
LAR 897 - Proposal Writing Credits: 2

Fifth semester (11 credit hours)

LAR 753 - Professional Practice: Professional Responsibility Credits: 1
LAR 754 - Professional Practice: Office Practices Credits: 1
LAR 899 - Research in Landscape Architecture Credits: 1-18
***Professional Electives (6)

Sixth semester (10 credit hours)

LAR 899 - Research in Landscape Architecture Credits: 1-18
***Professional Electives (6)

Notes

Undergraduate Hours: 53
Graduate Hours: 34
Total (MLA( Degree Requirement: 87

Total credit hours required for graduate school program of study = 34.

All required courses taught in the landscape architecture and regional & community planning programs that are counted toward the degree must be passed with a grade of C or better. 

*** Six (6) credit hours of the required graduate level professional electives must be LAR courses. Students may petition for an exception to this policy if there is a demonstrated academic benefit.