The graduate degree is fully accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects, qualifying graduates to sit for the professional examination required to practice landscape architecture.

The curriculum is divided into three professionally accredited programs of study:

• Program 1:  Second Professional Degree (39 hours)

If you have an accredited undergraduate degree in landscape architecture, this two-year program can provide you with advanced specialization.

• Program 2:  First Professional Degree (64 hours)

This program is available to those that hold a professional degree in a related environmental design and planning discipline (architecture, interior design, urban and regional planning, etc.); it includes 46 hours of graduate credit and 18 hours of undergraduate credit.

• Program 3:  First Professional Degree (75 hours)

If you hold a bachelor's degree that is not a professional degree in landscape architecture or a related environmental design and planning discipline, this program can prepare you for a career in this field.  The program includes 54 ours of graduate credit and 21 hours of undergraduate credit.

Degrees offered

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

Applied opportunities

The MLA program offers a variety of opportunities to apply your skills:

• Internships: All students in first degree programs fulfill a summer internship requirement in a professional firm, agency or institution.
• In class hands-on learning: The studio environment allows for inclusion of projects that address current and ongoing community needs, providing students with valuable hands-on  planning and design experience as part of  their curriculum.
• Field Study: Students take trips to significant sites and conferences across the country.  The College of Architecture and Planning also has several international field study programs and exchanges.
• Community Design and Service Projects: Participation opportunities are available in award-winning outreach programs within CAP.  These programs include Community-Based Projects, the Muncie Urban Design Studio, and the CAP Indianapolis Center.
• Research Centers: Advanced design and planning programs such as the Land Design Institute, LandLab, and the Center for Energy Research/Education/Service are housed in CAP.
• Current Technology: State-of-the-art computer labs and wired/wireless networks are available in CAP.  Students have full access to equipment and current software for Web research, project and report preparation, and graphic design and layout.

Application/admission requirements

• Applicants must met the admission requirements of the Graduate School.
• Admission is determined on the basis of individual qualifications and satisfactory performance on all required materials.
• The department requires an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. (If your GPA is between the department minimum and 2.5 the applicant may request admission to the program with probationary status.)
• In addition to a minimum grade point average, the applicant will be considered based on letters of reference, portfolio and/or writing samples, and written responses to essay questions.
• International students must apply through the Rinker Center for International Programs.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are available to qualified students. If interested in being considered for an assistantship, please apply to the program by March 15, and note your interest in the application packet.

Contact information

Department of Landscape Architecture
Architecture Building (AB 226)
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306
(765) 285-1971
mla@bsu.edu

www.bsu.edu/cap/landscape