Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture is offered by the Department of Architecture and Environmental Design (AED). Courses for the BS in Landscape Architecture are offered at the Ambler Campus with a portion of the coursework also available on Temple's Main campus. The Landscape Architecture Program has access to the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University, Temple Ambler Field Station, and the Temple University Ambler Campus Greenhouse Education and Research Complex. Faculty and students use these resources in coursework and research.
Landscape Architecture is the art of planning the appropriate use of land and designing the built environment based on an understanding of natural and cultural site characteristics, human need, and sound artistic and technical competence.
The scope of landscape architecture includes site design, land use and urban planning at all scales. A landscape architect is responsible for the organization and placement of buildings, recreational facilities, roads, grading, and planting design. Temple's curriculum focuses on appropriate functional and ecological "fit," by using a design approach and techniques that work with and protect the natural environment.
Campus Location: Ambler
Program Code: TA-LARC-BS
Concentration
Landscape Architecture students may pursue the optional Concentration in Horticulture.
Admissions
For information on how to apply, please visit Tyler's Landscape Architecture and Horticulture admissions page.
Study Abroad
Students who plan to study abroad should arrange to meet with their academic advisor and the Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses office as early as possible, preferably during the freshman year, in order to explore options and plan the sequence of courses that would be most appropriate.
Career Opportunities
Careers in landscape architecture are available in both the public and private sector. For landscape architecture graduates, there are a variety of employment options including:
- Careers in the public sector in landscape architecture design and management positions. These might be affiliated with regional, county or city planning commissions.
- Careers in private practice including the design of open space in relation to recreational, residential, commercial, institutional and industrial projects, as well as the overall planning of new communities.
- Work on parks, recreation, trails, and open space planning and design.
- Work in environmental protection, historic preservation, landscape restoration, land reclamation and green infrastructure.
Continuing Studies
The AED department offers a variety of credit courses and certificate programs. These courses and certificates are available to degree-seeking students as well as others interested in horticulture. For many, these courses are a means of advancing careers; for others, they are a source of personal enrichment. It is also possible, over a period of years, to complete all of the requirements for some credit certificate programs and for the associate's and the bachelor's degrees in Horticulture by attending late afternoon, evening and weekend classes.
Licensure/Certification
Licensure in Landscape Architecture is required to use the title "landscape architect" in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Licensure for landscape architects is state regulated and must be obtained through achievement of three necessary components: (i) education; (ii) professional practice experience; and (iii) examination requirements. To obtain licensure, all states require candidates to pass the Landscape Architectural Registration Exam, which is administered by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB). Additionally, a majority of states require a degree that is accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accrediting Board (LAAB). Temple University's Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture are accredited by LAAB, and prepares students to sit for the Landscape Architectural Registration Exam.
Additional requirements (such as exams, questionnaires or training) may be required based on the individual requirements of the state in which you intend to become licensed.
https://www.asla.org/StateGovtAffairsLicensure.aspx
Landscape Architecture Laptop Policy
Laptops are required for all students entering Landscape Architecture programs. The computer and its corresponding digital tools, such as laser cutters, 3D printers, and digital fabrication machines, have become an integral part of architectural pedagogy and the design studio environment. All landscape architecture students begin working digitally in their freshman representation courses. This Laptop Policy has been implemented to provide advantageous learning environments that guide students towards the acquisition of tools and skillsets that are most appropriate for the furthering of both their academic and professional journeys. Students should purchase a Windows-compatible laptop.
For full device and software requirements and recommendations, please see the Landscape Architecture Laptop Policy.
Contact Information
Sasha W. Eisenman, PhD, Architecture and Environmental Design Department Chair
Tyler School of Art and Architecture
Dixon Hall, Room 201
580 Meetinghouse Road
Ambler, PA 19002
267-468-8168
eisenman@temple.edu
Kate Benisek, MALD, MLA, ASLA, Landscape Architecture Program Head
Tyler School of Art and Architecture
Dixon Hall, Room 206
580 Meetinghouse Road
Ambler, PA 19002
267-468-8186
kate.benisek@temple.edu
Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture.
These requirements are for students who matriculated in academic year 2025-2026. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2025 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.
Summary of Requirements for the Degree
The degree of Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture may be conferred upon a student by recommendation of the faculty and upon the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 124 semester hours of credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 overall and in the major.
University Requirements
- MATH 0701 (4 s.h.) and/or ENG 0701 (4 s.h.), if required by placement assessment.
- All Temple students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses as part of the major. LARC 2496 and LARC 4198 are the specific writing-intensive courses that are required for Landscape Architecture majors.
- Students must complete the requirements of the university General Education (GenEd) program.
- Summer or semester study abroad will satisfy the GenEd Global/World Society (GG) requirement.
Major Requirements
No more than one grade below a C- is allowed in any course in either Landscape Architecture or Horticulture.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HORT 1211 | Woody Plants I (fall only) | 3 |
| HORT 1212 | Woody Plants II (spring only) | 3 |
| HORT 2114 | Soils (spring only) | 3 |
| HORT 2221 | Herbaceous Plants I | 3 |
| LARC 1044 | Landscape Architecture Foundation I | 3 |
| LARC 1144 | Landscape Architecture Foundation II | 3 |
| LARC 1111 | Introduction to Green Careers in Landscape Architecture | 1 |
| LARC 1544 | Landscape Architecture Computer Technology I (spring only) | 3 |
| LARC 2143 | Landscape Architecture Design Studio I (fall only) | 6 |
| LARC 2144 | Landscape Architecture Design Studio II (spring only) | 6 |
| LARC 2241 | Landscape Engineering I (fall only) | 3 |
| LARC 2243 | Landscape Engineering II | 3 |
| LARC 2496 | Landscape Traditions | 3 |
| LARC 2551 | Landscape Architecture Computer Technology II (fall only) | 3 |
| LARC 3145 | Landscape Architecture Design Studio III (fall only) | 6 |
| LARC 3146 | Landscape Architecture Design Studio IV: Design/Build (spring only) | 6 |
| LARC 3345 | Planting Design | 3 |
| LARC 3644 | Professional Practice (spring only) | 3 |
| LARC 4147 | Landscape Architecture Design Studio V: Fall Senior Studio (fall only) | 6 |
| LARC 4198 | Landscape Architecture Design Studio VI: Spring Senior Studio (spring only) | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours | 76 | |
Suggested Academic Plan
Please note that this is a suggested academic plan. Depending on your situation, your academic plan may look different.
Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture
Suggested Plan for New Students Starting in the 2025-2026 Academic Year
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Note: The symbol after the course number indicates that the class is offered ONLY in the semester indicated | ||
| (F) = offered only in fall semester | ||
| (S) = offered only in spring semester | ||
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| ENG 0802 | Analytical Reading and Writing [GW] or Analytical Reading and Writing: ESL [GW] or Honors Analytical Reading and Writing [GW] | 4 |
| LARC 1111 | Introduction to Green Careers in Landscape Architecture | 1 |
| LARC 1044 | Landscape Architecture Foundation I | 3 |
| GenEd Quantitative Literacy Course [GQ] | 4 | |
| GenEd Breadth Course 1 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| LARC 1544 | Landscape Architecture Computer Technology I (S) | 3 |
| LARC 1144 | Landscape Architecture Foundation II | 3 |
| IH 0851 or IH 0951 | Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY] or Honors Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY] | 3 |
| GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
| GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| HORT 1211 | Woody Plants I | 3 |
| LARC 2143 | Landscape Architecture Design Studio I (F) | 6 |
| LARC 2241 | Landscape Engineering I (F) | 3 |
| LARC 2551 | Landscape Architecture Computer Technology II (F) | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| LARC 2144 | Landscape Architecture Design Studio II (S) | 6 |
| LARC 2496 | Landscape Traditions [WI] | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| LARC 3145 | Landscape Architecture Design Studio III (F) | 6 |
| LARC 2243 | Landscape Engineering II | 3 |
| HORT 2221 | Herbaceous Plants I | 3 |
| IH 0852 or IH 0952 | Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ] or Honors Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ] | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| LARC 3146 | Landscape Architecture Design Studio IV: Design/Build (S) | 6 |
| HORT 1212 | Woody Plants II | 3 |
| HORT 2114 | Soils 1 | 3 |
| GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| LARC 4147 | Landscape Architecture Design Studio V: Fall Senior Studio (F) | 6 |
| GenEd Breadth Course 2 | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| LARC 3345 | Planting Design | 3 |
| LARC 3644 | Professional Practice (S) | 3 |
| LARC 4198 | Landscape Architecture Design Studio VI: Spring Senior Studio [WI] (Capstone, S) | 6 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 124 | |
- 1
Satisfactory completion of one GenEd Science (GS) course and HORT 2114 will waive the two-course GenEd Science (GS) requirement.
- 2
The GenEd Global/World Society (GG) requirement may be waived with an approved study abroad program.
Rome Option
Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture students may study abroad in the fall semester of their fourth year. Students who plan to study abroad are encouraged to meet with an advisor as early as the freshman year. It takes careful planning with an advisor to ensure that the degree is completed as efficiently as possible. Spending a semester studying abroad in Rome will waive the GenEd Global/World Society (GG) requirement.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Year 4 Fall semester- Rome option | ||
| Electives | 10 | |
| ARCH 3234 | Architectural Design Studio in Rome | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | |