How to Apply for Graduate Admission

Check the Graduate Program Application Requirements

Landscape Architecture (MLA)

Director of Graduate Studies: Natalie Yates
Program Delivery Method: Main Campus
Application Term:
  • Track 1 and Track 3
    • Fall
  • Track 2
    • Spring
Application Deadline: February 15
  • Applications received after February 15, will be considered until all available program spaces have been filled or until the Graduate School application deadline of two (2) weeks to the start of the term/semester. Please contact the MLA graduate program at mla@bsu.edu to discuss opportunities available before applying. 

Requirements: Depending on your intended entry term, you will need to submit additional information and materials to complete your application:

SPRING & SUMMER 2026

STARTING FALL 2026
To complete your application, you will need to upload the following required materials to your Cardinal Landing portal:
 
  • Letter of intent: Provide a letter expressing your interest in pursuing the Master of Landscape Architecture with us and describe what sets you apart and your potential for success.
  • Portfolio: This may include but not be limited to environmental design drawings (e.g., plans, sections, perspectives, etc.), built works (e.g., models, landscapes, etc.), art (e.g., paintings, sketches, sculpture, etc.), graphic designs (e.g., marketing, advertising, publishing, etc.), and writing samples (e.g., work reports, academic term papers, essays, etc.).
  • Resume or curriculum vitae (most recent)
To complete your application, you will need to upload the following required materials to your Cardinal Landing portal:
 
  • Statement of Purpose or letter of intent: Provide a letter expressing your interest in pursuing the Master of Landscape Architecture with us and describe what sets you apart and your potential for success.
  • Portfolio: This may include but not be limited to environmental design drawings (e.g., plans, sections, perspectives, etc.), built works (e.g., models, landscapes, etc.), art (e.g., paintings, sketches, sculpture, etc.), graphic designs (e.g., marketing, advertising, publishing, etc.), and writing samples (e.g., work reports, academic term papers, essays, etc.).
  • Resume or curriculum vitae (most recent)
 
PROGRAM ELIGIBLITY
Fall Applicants: Once you have submitted all required application materials, your application will be reviewed by the MLA Graduate Program Committee. The Committee will evaluate materials submitted to determine which Track (1, 2, or 3) is best suited to you. The Committee’s decision will be based largely on your portfolio samples provided, resume/CV experiences listed, relevant courses completed, degree(s) earned, and overall academic performance.  Please note that MLA Tracks 1 and 3 begin in Fall term. If the Committee determines your materials demonstrate adequate evidence of foundational design and graphic communication skills, you will be recommended for admission to the Track 2 MLA that begins in the Spring term. 
 
Spring Applicants: The Committee will evaluate materials submitted to determine if MLA Track 2 is best suited for you. The Committee’s decision will be based largely on your portfolio samples provided, resume/CV experiences listed, relevant courses completed, degree(s) earned, and overall academic performance. Please note that anyone admitted to MLA Track 2 will begin in Spring term only. You may be asked to re-apply for Fall admission consideration if the Committee believes your materials demonstrate that your potential for success would be greater if you followed Track 1 or Track 3. 
 
EARNED ADMISSIONS
Our program allows students the opportunity to be considered for earned admission. This option is available to students whose GPA from their degree-granting institution is less than 2.75 but who have provided sufficient evidence of academic and/or professional achievement to indicate their potential for success in a graduate program. Additional application materials may be requested to be considered. Students admitted on a probationary status must earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their first 9 semester credits of graduate work or be academically dismissed. Please connect with the director of graduate studies (contact listed above) to discuss application and program earned admission requirements. 
 
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS
To guarantee consideration for a graduate assistantship, applications must be completed by February 15. Ball State adheres to the Council of Graduate Schools April 15 Resolution, so those who receive initial offers will have time to consider their options. You can also keep an eye on this listing of open assistantships around the Ball State campus, which is updated regularly.
 
ACCEPTING ADMISSION
Admitted students must accept their admissions by confirming their enrollment via the Decision Reply Form available on the Cardinal Landing portal by May 1.

 

Step Number 1

Carefully fill out all sections of the application, sign to acknowledge requirements, and submit the form.

Step Number 2

Once all required checklist items in your Cardinal Landing are received, your application is complete and ready for department review.

Check the graduate school admissions requirements below before applying.

Application Opens

 
  • To start classes in Fall: Tuesday after the Labor Day holiday
  • To start classes in Spring: Tuesday after the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday
  • To start classes in Summer: Tuesday after the Memorial Day holiday

Graduate Application

 

APPLY NOW

All graduate students complete the same application, but admission criteria depends on your program requirements.



International applicants to on-campus programs will be required to submit all application materials by the earliest of two deadlines: either the international application deadline or the graduate program deadline. Applicants to online-only programs must submit all application materials by two weeks before the start of term.

Your application must be completed at least two weeks before the start of the semester. Start of term dates can be found on our Academic Calendar. Some graduate programs have priority application deadlines. Please review your program of interest's requirements for more details.

After you apply 

International Graduate Students

Beginning Fall 2026, all on-campus, degree seeking students admitted to Ball State must confirm their enrollment by replying to the International Decision Reply Form in their Cardinal Landing portal. Please review our 5 Steps to Admission for detailed information on enrollment and arrival planning.

From the Cardinal Landing Portal, admitted students can accept their admissions offer via the Decision Reply Form, review their next steps to enrollment, and learn more about orientation. Admitted students must accept their offer of admission via the Decision Reply Form by the Thursday prior to the start of the term.

 

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