Master of Landscape Architecture
WHAT YOU’LL STUDY
The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) is a nationally recognized, STEM designated, professional degree that prepares students with the knowledge, skills, techniques, theories and technologies to become an effective contributor to the Landscape Architecture profession. The combination of rigorous education, research engagement at a Tier-1 research institution and practical knowledge provides a strong foundation for different career paths.
An internationally renowned and award-winning faculty lead the program with broad expertise in urban and community design, health and design, ecology, environmental sustainability and design implementation. Throughout the program, students are engaged in design and research at local and global scales focusing on contemporary issues such as climate change, sustainability, social and environmental justice and resilient communities.
As the only Landscape Architecture program in the state of South Carolina and one of the top programs in the nation, the MLA program offers a balance of professional skills, theoretical and historical knowledge that prepares students for professional practice immediately upon graduation.
POINTS OF PRIDE
• College Factual ranked Clemson’s Landscape Architecture program in the top 10 Best Landscape Architecture Schools.
• The award-winning Lee Hall, home of the landscape architecture program, features a highly sustainable building with an extensive green roof.
• Our graduate landscape architecture program is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB), which is the official accrediting body for first professional programs in landscape architecture.
• The MLA program is open to students from design and non-design backgrounds. The program is particularly designed for students: seeking professional education and careers, looking for a change of career, or are in pursuit of advanced education in Landscape Architecture.
• The School of Architecture is home to the Clemson student chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Our student chapter engages the student body through events, workshops and trips to the annual ASLA Conference.
“From day one I knew I would fit right in with my classmates. We are all passionate about design and approach it from a diversity of backgrounds, interests, and experiences. Our studios are small and tight-knit, so it’s easy to form friendships with classmates and instructors. My professors are like mentors to me and have never hesitated to help when I ask for guidance.”
Molly Foote MLA ‘24
Clemson University
“When I applied they said it’d be like joining a new family and they weren’t lying. The faculty and my fellow students are amazing and make it all worth it. I’ve never doubted that coming here was the right life decision. Everyone should come here just for the plant walks with Professor Lara Browning.”
Annie Steele MLA ‘22
Clemson University
DEGREE TRACKS
Clemson offers two Master of Landscape Architecture tracks:
First Professional MLA
The First Professional MLA is a 3-year, 81-credit hour professional degree, geared towards students without an undergraduate degree in design. The program provides students with a professional education and research opportunities focused on real-world projects. In the program’s first year, students focus on developing graphics and design skills, which are essential proficiency requirements for a design discipline, while taking graduate coursework that addresses key issues in landscape architecture, history, theory and introduction to plant communities. The program prepares students for professional practice, leadership, scholarly research and community advocacy. The First Professional MLA is a terminal degree that qualifies graduates to sit for the professional license exam (Landscape Architecture Registration Exam) after practicing under a licensed landscape architect, for the required probationary period of your state, as well as teach landscape architecture at an academic institution.
Note: Students with design backgrounds such as architecture and urban design may achieve advanced placement in the program.
Second Professional MLA
The Second Professional MLA is a 2-year, 42-credit hour professional degree in landscape architecture geared towards students with an accredited Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. The Second Professional degree allows students to pursue an advanced exploration of landscape architecture through advanced studies and gain invaluable academic and professional skills. The program prepares students for professional practice, leadership, scholarly research and community advocacy. Fluid campus, off-campus semester and international experiences are available and optional. The Second Professional MLA is a terminal degree that qualifies graduates to sit for the professional license exam (Landscape Architecture Registration Exam) after practicing under a licensed landscape architect, for the required probationary period of your state, as well as teach landscape architecture at an academic institution.
Contact Us
We hope you’ll consider the excellent opportunites available to you with a degree from Clemson University’s School of Architecture. If you’d like additional information, please contact the program director for the degree you are interested in:
Hala Nassar, Ph.D., Fellow CELA Director of Landscape Architecture and Graduate
Email:
hnassar@clemson.edu
Programs
