Landscape Architecture is a field that requires you have a license to practice. Our accreditation satisfies the educational requirements for your license application.
The University of Maryland' Landscape Architecture programs meet the educational requirements for licensure in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Most states additionally require 2-4 years of experience under a licensed architect, and successful completion of the Landscape Architecture Registration Examination. The American Society of Landscape Architects provides an easy reference to look up license requirements for each state (look up each state here).
The program offers two professional degrees in Landscape Architecture accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB). Both the undergraduate BLA and graduate MLA degrees meet the academic requirements for licensure. Visit the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB)'s website to learn about the steps to get licensed.
With an accredited degree in landscape architecture you can take the licensing exam after practicing under a licensed landscape architect for 2 years! Without an accredited degree, you may not be eligible until you have a maximum of 8 years of experience.
Our degree is accredited and leads to a license to practice in the profession.
What Does an Accredited Program Mean?
In short-- you will be designing faster! Since Landscape Architecture is a field that requires you have a license to practice you need to fulfill the necessary requirements before applying for your license.
With an accredited degree in landscape architecture you can take the licensing exam after practicing under a licensed landscape architect for:
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2 years
Without an accredited degree in landscape architecture you can still take the licensing exam after practicing under a licensed landscape architect for:
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4 years with an accredited 4 year college degree in another design field
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6 years with a 4 year college degree in another field
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8 years with a high school diploma
2 Versus 4 to 8 Years!
Requirements
For a detailed description of these requirements please see below:
§ 9-303. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
(a) Before an applicant takes the examination given by the Board, the applicant shall qualify under this section by meeting the educational and experience requirements set forth in subsection (b), (c), (d), or (e) of this section.
(b) An applicant qualifies under this section if the applicant:
(1) has been graduated from a college or school of landscape architecture that holds accredited status from the national Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board; and
(2) has at least 2 years of work experience in landscape architecture that is:
(i) under the responsible charge of a licensed landscape architect or other authorized individual; and
(ii) otherwise satisfactory to the Board.
(c) An applicant qualifies under this section if the applicant:
(1) has been graduated on completion of at least a 4-year curriculum in a design-related discipline from a college or university that is accredited by, or is a constituent unit of an institution accredited by, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools or the equivalent regional accrediting association of other regional areas; and
(2) has at least 4 years of work experience in landscape architecture that is:
(i) under the responsible charge of a licensed landscape architect or other authorized individual; and
(ii) otherwise satisfactory to the Board.
(d) An applicant qualifies under this section if the applicant:
(1) has been graduated on completion of at least a 4-year curriculum in a nondesign-related discipline from a college or university that is accredited by, or is a constituent unit of an institution accredited by, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools or the equivalent regional accrediting association of other regional areas; and
(2) has at least 6 years of practical work experience in landscape architecture that is:
(i) under the responsible charge of a licensed landscape architect or other authorized individual; and
(ii) otherwise satisfactory to the Board.
(e) (1) An applicant qualifies under this section if the applicant:
(i) is a high school graduate or the equivalent; and
(ii) has at least 8 years of practical work experience in landscape architecture that is:
1. under the responsible charge of a licensed landscape architect or other authorized individual; and
2. otherwise satisfactory to the Board.
(2) The Board may count each full year of study at a college or school of landscape architecture that meets the criteria set forth in subsection (b) of this section as one of the years of the work experience required under this subsection.
LAAB Standards
LAAB Standards
To meet LAAB standards, the Landscape Architecture Program curricula includes coverage of:
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History, theory and criticism
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Natural and cultural systems including principles of sustainability
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Public Policy and regulation
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Design, planning and management at various scales and applications including but not limited to pedestrian and vehicular circulation, grading drainage, and storm water management
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Site design and implementation: materials, methods, technologies, and application
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Construction documentation and administration
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Written, verbal and visual communication
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Professional practice
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Professional values and ethics
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Plants and ecosystems
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Computer applications and other advanced technology
