Master in Landscape Architecture Course Description at Cornell University
Three-year graduate program. The three-year Master of Landscape Architecture degree (license qualifying) is designed for students from diverse educational backgrounds who want to enter the profession fully qualified at the master’s level. The program of study includes ninety credits of course work in landscape and community design, landscape history and theory, drawing and studies in representation, landscape technology, plant materials, and professional practice. Concentrations are generally derived from two focus areas of the department, (1) community design and planning and (2) cultural landscape studies, but other options are available depending on student interest and faculty support.
Two-year graduate program. The two-year Master of Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.) degree is intended for students who have a degree in landscape architecture or architecture. The program requires sixty credits of course work, a thesis, and two academic years of residency. For landscape architects, the program of study requires two studio courses, two concentrations, and elective courses. For architects, core courses in landscape architecture, a concentration, and elective courses are required. Concentrations are generally derived from two focus areas of the department, (1) community design and planning and (2) cultural landscape studies, but other options are available depending on student interest and faculty support.
Other programs:
Joint degrees are available with the Fields of City and Regional Planning (M.L.A.-M.R.P.) and Horticulture (M.L.A.-M.S.). (See those field descriptions for more information.)
Application:
All applicants are required to submit two recommendations and a design portfolio. Applicants to two-year program should hold a bachelor’s degree in architecture or landscape architecture from a recognized institution. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in an area other than architecture or landscape architecture should apply to the three-year program. A field brochure is available upon request from the graduate field office.