Landscape Architecture, M.L.Arch.
TYLER SCHOOL OF ART AND ARCHITECTURE
About the Program
The Master of Landscape Architecture has an emphasis in ecological landscape restoration. Program objectives are to educate students to become capable practitioners with knowledge of a specialty area of the discipline; to educate practitioners who are trained to think critically and creatively about each ecological situation; and to develop a body of knowledge through research, long-term monitoring of restored landscapes, and comparison of methods upon which current and future professionals can draw.
The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) describes landscape architecture as a profession encompassing “the analysis, planning, design, management, and stewardship of the natural and built environments.” Landscape architecture is a professional discipline focused on the promotion of environmental balance and human well-being through sustainable design. Ecological landscape restoration, the emphasis of this M.L.Arch. degree, has emerged as a critical dimension of landscape architecture over the past few decades. Landscape restoration increases local and regional biodiversity and mitigates potentially dangerous consequences of degradation through projects such as stream bank stabilization, created wetlands to help infiltrate stormwater, mine reclamation, industrial brownfield remediation, and reforestation of urban land. Understanding the ecological processes and natural history that constitute a site is fundamental to the design process.
Time Limit for Degree Completion: 6 years
Campus Location: Temple University Ambler, with some courses offered at the Main and Center City campuses
Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.
Interdisciplinary Study: The program is interdisciplinary and allows students to enroll in classes from allied disciplines. In addition to the courses in Landscape Architecture, the program builds on the field courses in Horticulture related to the woodland and riparian habitats at the Ambler campus. The program can also draw from the repository of local ecological landscape restoration examples and practitioners in the Philadelphia region.
Affiliation(s): The Department of Architecture and Environmental Design is a member of the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS), the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA), and the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER).
Accreditation: The Department of Architecture and Environmental Design offers two accredited programs in Landscape Architecture. The first professional Master of Landscape Architecture (M.L.Arch.) degree and the undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (B.S.) are both accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
Areas of Specialization: The focus of the M.L.Arch. degree program is ecological landscape restoration, which emphasizes understanding of ecological processes and plant communities. This understanding is applied in a sequence of design studios. The design application results in connecting theory and scientific principles to creative application in the natural setting. The program educates practitioners skilled at designing beautiful landscapes that are also ecologically appropriate to their locale.
Job Prospects: Prepared with the knowledge to make informed and creative environmental design decisions, graduates are highly marketable and have the skills required of professional landscape architects, including design, computer graphics, horticultural knowledge, technical competence, and knowledge of restoration. While the U.S. Department of Labor cited landscape architecture as a top growth profession through 2016, projecting a needed increase of 16%, organizations related to the profession indicate that the number of graduates from professional degree programs is insufficient to meet current or projected demand. Temple University's location in the tri-state region supports professional opportunities for graduates. This area has a very high concentration of prominent landscape architecture firms, public agencies, and ecological restoration professionals.
Licensure: Graduation from an accredited program is a requirement for taking the licensure exam and practice as a landscape architect.
Non-Matriculated Student Policy: A maximum of 9 graduate credits can be taken at Temple University prior to applying to the program.
Financing Opportunities: Inquiries about funding should be directed to the Department of Architecture and Environmental Design.
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadline:
Fall: January 6
Spring: November 1
Applications are reviewed as they are received up through the deadline. Applicants must meet the January 6 priority deadline to be considered for financial assistance. After January 6, applications may be considered on a rolling basis. See the Tyler School of Art and Architecture website for the most up-to-date application information.
APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.
Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 3
From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university faculty members, employers, and others who can evaluate the applicant's past work and/or ability to do graduate work. The letters should be submitted with the application at https://apply.temple.edu/Tyler/, along with the statement of goals.
Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: All applicants apply directly to the M.L.Arch. program, not to a specific curricular track. Admitted students are placed in the appropriate track based on a thorough review of all application materials.
For students who have an undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture, this program is a 44-credit post-professional degree. The program is also open to students without a degree in Landscape Architecture, but students without the appropriate prerequisite coursework need a maximum of 26 additional credits.
Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of the appropriate baccalaureate degree at Temple University. Official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended, whether or not a degree was awarded, must be sent to the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Graduate Admissions Office, 2001 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6016.
Statement of Goals: Approximately 500 to 1,000 words include your reason for pursuing an advanced degree in Landscape Architecture; your interest in Temple's program in particular; and your aspirations and future career goals.
Standardized Test Scores:
GRE/GMAT: Due to testing limitations related to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, the Tyler School of Art and Architecture is temporarily waiving submission of GRE scores for applicants to the M.L.Arch. in Landscape Architecture degree program for Spring 2021 and Fall 2021 admissions. Applicants may still voluntarily submit GRE test scores, but scores will only be used as a supplement to required application materials. All other admission requirements, including submission of scores for a standardized test of English, if applicable, still need to be met. In some circumstances, the Graduate Admissions Committee may request additional supplemental application materials or an interview as part of the admissions process.
Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:
- TOEFL iBT: 79
- IELTS Academic: 6.5
- PTE Academic: 53
Resume: Current resume required.
Portfolio: Applicants have the option of submitting a portfolio. Portfolios from students with prior academic experience in Landscape Architecture should include design work done in academic settings. Portfolios may also include work in the visual arts or in visual communication. In addition, work completed in practice may be included but should clearly articulate the applicant’s role in the project. Papers, research, or other materials (preferably dealing with the built environment) are invited as evidence of scholarly, academic, or creative work. Work chosen for inclusion in a portfolio should best represent the applicant's knowledge, aptitudes, interests, creative ability, and experience relative to the discipline of Landscape Architecture. The portfolio may include up to 20 images or other items.
Portfolios are to be uploaded at https://temple.slideroom.com, as instructed on the website. SlideRoom requires an additional fee for this service. Original work, slides, CD-ROMs, catalogs, photographs, books, and/or binders are not acceptable substitutes for the SlideRoom portfolio and will not be reviewed or returned.
Transfer Credit: The Landscape Architecture Admissions Committee recommends the awarding of transfer credits on a case-by-case basis as applications are reviewed. The student may not receive transfer credit for coursework taken as part of any other awarded graduate degree. The maximum number of transfer credits a student may receive is 9.
Program Requirements
General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required to Earn the Degree: 44 for students with an undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture seeking a post-professional degree; 44-70 for students without an undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture seeking a first professional degree
Required Courses:
Post-Professional Degree (for students WITH an undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture)
Year 1 | ||
---|---|---|
Summer I | Credit Hours | |
LARC 8789 | Landscape Restoration Workshop | 3 |
Term Credit Hours | 3 | |
Fall | ||
WOODLANDS | ||
LARC 5551 | Landscape Architecture Computer Technology II | 3 |
LARC 8151 | Woodland Design Studio1 | 4 |
LARC 8351 | Aesthetics of Ecological Design Seminar1 | 1 |
LARC 8751 | Northeastern Woodland Ecosystems1 | 3 |
Term Credit Hours | 11 | |
Spring | ||
WETLANDS | ||
LARC 8152 | Wetland/Riparian Design Studio2 | 4 |
LARC 8552 | Research Design Methods | 3 |
LARC 8752 | Wetland Ecology2 | 3 |
Elective3 | 3 | |
Term Credit Hours | 13 | |
Year 2 | ||
Fall | ||
PUBLIC LANDS | ||
LARC 8153 | Public Lands Design Studio | 4 |
LARC 8355 | Capstone Seminar | 1 |
LARC 8755 | Native Plant Communities | 3 |
LARC 8889 | Invasive Species Management and Restoration Monitoring | 3 |
Term Credit Hours | 11 | |
Spring | ||
LARC 9995 | Capstone Restoration Design Project | 3 |
Elective3 | 3 | |
Term Credit Hours | 6 | |
Total Credit Hours: | 44 |
1 | These three courses (8 credits) are co-requisites and must be taken together. |
2 | These two courses (7 credits) are co-requisites and must be taken together. |
3 | Students working toward the post-professional degree select two 3-credit electives in consultation with a Landscape Architecture advisor. |
First Professional Degree (for students WITHOUT an undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture)
Year 1 | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credit Hours | |
PREREQUISITES | ||
HORT 8261 | Native Woody Plant Identification | 3 |
LARC 8141 | Design Communications/Introductory Design Studio I | 4 |
LARC 8241 | Landscape Engineering I | 3 |
LARC 8496 | Landscape Traditions | 3 |
Term Credit Hours | 13 | |
Spring | ||
PREREQUISITES | ||
HORT 8514 | Landscape Restoration | 3 |
LARC 5544 | Landscape Architecture Computer Technology I | 3 |
LARC 8144 | Landscape Design Studio II | 4 |
LARC 8242 | Landscape Engineering II | 3 |
Term Credit Hours | 13 | |
Summer | ||
LARC 8789 | Landscape Restoration Workshop | 3 |
Term Credit Hours | 3 | |
Year 2 | ||
Fall | ||
WOODLANDS | ||
LARC 5551 | Landscape Architecture Computer Technology II | 3 |
LARC 8151 | Woodland Design Studio1 | 4 |
LARC 8351 | Aesthetics of Ecological Design Seminar1 | 1 |
LARC 8751 | Northeastern Woodland Ecosystems1 | 3 |
Term Credit Hours | 11 | |
Spring | ||
WETLANDS | ||
LARC 8152 | Wetland/Riparian Design Studio2 | 4 |
LARC 8552 | Research Design Methods | 3 |
LARC 8752 | Wetland Ecology2 | 3 |
Elective3 | 3 | |
Term Credit Hours | 13 | |
Year 3 | ||
Fall | ||
PUBLIC LANDS | ||
LARC 8153 | Public Lands Design Studio | 4 |
LARC 8355 | Capstone Seminar | 1 |
LARC 8755 | Native Plant Communities | 3 |
LARC 8889 | Invasive Species Management and Restoration Monitoring | 3 |
Term Credit Hours | 11 | |
Spring | ||
LARC 8644 | Professional Practice | 3 |
LARC 9995 | Capstone Restoration Design Project | 3 |
Term Credit Hours | 6 | |
Total Credit Hours: | 70 |
1 | These three courses (8 credits) are co-requisites and must be taken together. |
2 | These two courses (7 credits) are co-requisites and must be taken together. |
3 | Students working toward the first professional degree select one 3-credit elective in consultation with a Landscape Architecture advisor. |
Internship: All students work with a local or regional client as part of the Capstone Course (LARC 9995 Capstone Restoration Design Project).
Culminating Events:
Capstone Course:
All students must complete LARC 9995 Capstone Restoration Design Project, which involves undertaking a project in cooperation with a local or regional client. Students synthesize the knowledge gained from previous courses in developing an integrated approach appropriate to their project.
Courses
LARC 5085. Landscape Architecture Internship. 1 to 3 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Degree Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Degrees: Master of Landscape Arch.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
LARC 5544. Landscape Architecture Computer Technology I. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
LARC 5551. Landscape Architecture Computer Technology II. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
LARC 5564. Landscape Architecture Computer Technology III. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
Pre-requisites:
LARC 1544|Minimum Grade of D|May not be taken concurrently
OR LARC 5544|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently.
LARC 5665. Grant Writing. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
LARC 8141. Design Communications/Introductory Design Studio I. 4 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
LARC 8144. Landscape Design Studio II. 4 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
Pre-requisites:
LARC 8141|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently.
LARC 8151. Woodland Design Studio. 4 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Co-requisites: LARC 8351, LARC 8751.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
LARC 8152. Wetland/Riparian Design Studio. 4 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Co-requisites: LARC 8752.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
LARC 8153. Public Lands Design Studio. 4 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
LARC 8241. Landscape Engineering I. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
LARC 8242. Landscape Engineering II. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
Pre-requisites:
LARC 8241|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently.
LARC 8351. Aesthetics of Ecological Design Seminar. 1 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Co-requisites: LARC 8151, LARC 8751.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
LARC 8355. Capstone Seminar. 1 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Degree Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Degrees: Master of Landscape Arch.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
Pre-requisites:
(LARC 5551|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently
AND LARC 8151|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently
AND LARC 8152|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently
AND LARC 8153|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently
AND LARC 8242|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently
AND LARC 8351|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently
AND LARC 8552|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently
AND LARC 8751|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently
AND LARC 8752|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently
AND LARC 8789|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently)
LARC 8496. Landscape Traditions. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
LARC 8552. Research Design Methods. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
LARC 8644. Professional Practice. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
Pre-requisites:
(LARC 8141|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently
AND LARC 8241|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently)
LARC 8751. Northeastern Woodland Ecosystems. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Co-requisites: LARC 8151, LARC 8351.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
LARC 8752. Wetland Ecology. 3 Credit Hours.
Field of Study Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Majors: Landscape Architecture.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Co-requisites: LARC 8152.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
LARC 8755. Native Plant Communities. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
LARC 8789. Landscape Restoration Workshop. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
LARC 8860. Topics in Landscape Architecture. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
LARC 8870. Topics in Landscape Architecture. 1 to 3 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
LARC 8889. Invasive Species Management and Restoration Monitoring. 3 Credit Hours.
Field of Study Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Majors: Landscape Architecture.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Degree Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Degrees: Master of Landscape Arch.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
LARC 9883. Directed Reading/Study. 1 to 3 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
LARC 9995. Capstone Restoration Design Project. 3 Credit Hours.
Field of Study Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Majors: Landscape Architecture.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Degree Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Degrees: Master of Landscape Arch.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
Pre-requisites:
(LARC 5551|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently)
AND (LARC 8151|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently)
AND (LARC 8152|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently)
AND (LARC 8153|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently)
AND (LARC 8242|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently)
AND (LARC 8351|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently)
AND (LARC 8355|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently)
AND (LARC 8552|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently)
AND (LARC 8751|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently)
AND (LARC 8752|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently)
AND (LARC 8755|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently)
AND (LARC 8789|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently)
AND (LARC 8889|Minimum Grade of C-|May not be taken concurrently)
Contacts
Program Web Address:
https://tyler.temple.edu/programs/landscape-architecture-horticulture
Department Information:
Tyler School of Art and Architecture
Graduate Admissions Office
2001 N. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6016
215-777-9090
Mailing Address for Official Transcripts:
Tyler School of Art and Architecture
Graduate Admissions Office
2001 N. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6016
Submission Address for All Other Application Materials:
Department Contacts:
Landscape Architecture Programs Curricular Coordinator:
Rob Kuper, PLA, ASLA
267-468-8179
Landscape Architecture and Horticulture Program Head:
Sasha W. Eisenman
267-468-8168