Undergraduate Program
BLA students take a series of lecture and studio design courses, beginning with an introduction to landscape design principles in the first year and culminating in an advanced research and studio design project in the graduating year. LAAB standards require that first-professional degree curricula must include the core knowledge skills and applications of landscape architecture: landscape architectural history, philosophy, theory, values, ethics, practice, planning, design, implementation, and management.
To meet LAAB standards, the Landscape Architecture Program curricula includes coverage of:
- History, theory and criticism
- Natural and cultural systems including principles of sustainability
- Public Policy and regulation
- Design, planning and management at various scales and applications including but not limited to pedestrian and vehicular circulation, grading drainage, and storm water management
- Site design and implementation: materials, methods, technologies, and application
- Construction documentation and administration
- Written, verbal and visual communication
- Professional practice
- Professional values and ethics
- Plants and ecosystems
- Computer applications and other advanced technology
Learn about the benefits of attending an accredited degree program and how it affects your time to becoming a licensed landscape architect here!
Curriculum
Due to the sequential nature of the program, students are encouraged to enter in the first-year, though transfer students are also encouraged to apply, in particular in the spring semester of their freshman year. This program requires a minimum of 120 semester hours to attain the BLA degree. The undergraduate curriculum consists of major courses, the university's general education
Learn more about admission to our program on our Prospective Undergraduate students page. If you are a current UMD student, you'll find more information there about declaring LARC as your major today and the Studio Placement Benchmark Review.
The Studio Placement Benchmark Review: Admission into the studio sequence is contingent upon attaining a successful benchmark review of a portfolio to meet content and quality standards as outlined by the LARC program. Students must earn a minimum of 80 points out of 100. Benchmark portfolio reviews occur in the spring semester. The portfolio also requires a Letter of Application to the Landscape Architecture Program. Each student must write a one-page letter, addressed to the Landscape Architecture Program Faculty. The letter must clearly and concisely state his/her reasons for wanting to be in the Landscape Architecture Program. Check out our Studio Placement Benchmark Review FAQs page for more information including the application form!
Advising: Current LARC students, please visit the Advising page for information on registering for classes.
Please see your advisor for the most updated requirements. Fill out a request form or contact us to learn more!
| 1st Semester - Fall Term |
| Course |
Cr |
Description |
|
LARC 120
LARC 160*
ENGL 101
MATH 113
CORE
|
2
3
3
3
3
|
Digital Fundamentals Studio
Introduction to Landscape Architecture
Introduction to Writing
College Algebra and Trig
CORE Requirement |
| 2nd Semester - Spring Term |
LARC 140
PLSC 100
CORE
CORE |
4
4
3
3 |
Graphic Fundamentals Studio
Introduction to Horticulture
CORE Requirement
CORE Requirement |
|
Summer: This is a great time to do an internship with a landscape architecture firm, design build company, or a plant nursery. There are great opportunities in the region. There are also some great non-profits to consider.
*LARC 160 is available in the Spring semester also.
|
| 3rd Semester - Fall Term |
|
LARC 141
LARC 263
PLSC 253
CORE
CORE
|
4
3
3
3
3
|
Design Fundamentals Studio
History of Landscape Architecture
Woody Plant Materials I
CORE Requirement
CORE Requirement
|
| 4th Semester - Spring Term |
|
LARC 221
LARC 240
PLSC 254
ENST 200
LARC 265
|
3
4
3
4
3
|
Digital Design Tools
Graphic Communication & Design Studio
Woody Plant Materials II
Fundamentals of Soil Science
Site Analysis and Ecological Principles
|
|
Summer: With design, CAD and plant skills now in your tool belt plan on doing aninternship with a Landscape Architecture firm. There are also great opportunities nationally with groups like the National Park Service. The Italy Study Abroad Program is also a great way to spend the summer.
|
| 5th Semester - Fall Term |
|
LARC 340
LARC 320
GEOG 340
ENGL 393
CORE
|
5
3
3
3
3
|
Site Design Studio
Principles of Site Engineering
Geomorphology or other approved elective
Technical Writing
CORE Requirement
|
| 6th Semester - Spring Term |
|
LARC 341
LARC 321
Elective
Elective
|
5
3
3
3
|
GIS & Regional Design Studio
Landscape Structures & Materials
Elective
Elective
|
|
Summer: This is your last summer before graduating. If you have not had an internship in a Landscape Architecture office, this is the time to consider putting your upper level design experience and CAD and GIS skills to work. Also consider some of the national design internships. If you have already done an internship you might consider the Italy Study Abroad, or Sustainable Futures Program.
|
| 7th Semester - Fall Term |
LARC 440
LARC 420
LARC 450
LARC 470 |
5
3
3
3 |
Urban Design Studio
Professional Practice
Environmental Resources
Landscape Architecture Seminar |
| 8th Semester - Spring Term |
|
LARC 471
LARC 389*
Elective
Elective
|
5
3
3
3
|
Capstone Studio Community Design
Internship / Study Abroad
Elective
Elective
|
|
Internship
*LARC 389 is offered in the Fall Semester and can be taken any Fall of the student's career. Students complete a job internship in the previous summer and then complete LARC 389* in the Fall. Internship should be approved by advisor.
For more information, you can visit the Undergraduate Catalog listing for Landscape Architecture.
|
|
|
Ready to apply?
Current UMD student?
Declare LARC as your major today! Also, learn more about the Studio Placement Benchmark Review FAQs.
Not yet enrolled at UMD?
Application forms and deadlines may be obtained at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Potential Transfer Student?
Check out Transfer Credit Services for more information on transferring courses. The Database of Transfer Credit Evaluations is a helpful to see equivalencies.
CORE/GENED Requirements
Learn more about these requirements! CORE | General Education
Are you a Prospective International Student?
Check out the International Student & Scholar Services website!
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