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Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources: School for Community and Economic Development

Landscape Architecture, BSLA

Landscape architects plan and design creative solutions for outdoor spaces, connecting people through the skillful combination of art and science.

At WVU, the Landscape Architecture Program excels in teaching analytical planning, creative design and technical construction knowledge grounded in community-led engagement.

Our four-year program is unique, offering a blend of small class sizes and individual and group project-based learning that addresses contemporary subjects ranging from environmental sustainability to economic development. You'll graduate with a degree that's highly sought after by design consulting firms, governmental planning departments, construction firms, transportation planning agencies and other employers.

For a peek inside our program, check out:

The BSLA is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects and leads to professional licensure in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Meet Your Community Places and Spaces Frequently Asked Questions Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Landscape architects design outdoor spaces for landscape and community sustainability, solve practical issues and combine qualitative analysis with the design process.

The Landscape Architecture curriculum is an eight-semester studio sequence, with new students beginning in the fall. The program is divided into four distinct years of education:

  • First year: Landscape architectural graphics and communication
  • Second year: Site design in three dimensions, planting design, construction materials, grading and an introduction to geographic information systems (GIS)
  • Third year: Construction, including site engineering, stormwater management, native plants, and restoration ecology; GIS-driven site analysis and design solutions; and community-based design in West Virginia
  • Fourth year: Large-scale urban and regional design strategies, and a semester-long comprehensive senior design project

Check the plan of study for the full list of required courses.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:

  • LARC 231:
    Landscape Construction Materials and Methods

    A study of materials used in landscape architectural construction with emphasis on methods of construction and the preparation of construction drawings for design implementation.

  • LARC 261S:
    Planting Design Studio

    Study of planting design theory and practice, including uses of plants in site and environmental design, planting design techniques and preparation of planting plans, construction details, and technical specifications.

  • LARC 351S:
    Landscape Architectural Design 3 Studio

    Site-design problems dealing with complex environmental systems emphasizing rural and urban design. Projects are integrated with landscape architectural construction.

  • LARC 360S:
    Natural Systems Design Studio

    Study of native and naturalized plants of this region and their ecological tolerances, importance to site analysis, and use in planting design. (2-day field trip required.)

  • LARC 466:
    Introduction to Urban Design Issues

    Community analysis methods, city and small town planning and management of community growth. The course focus is on understanding community and urban design issues and growth management.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
  • Complete your degree in four years, a year less than many other landscape architecture programs.
  • Only professionally-accredited landscape architecture and environmental design program in West Virginia.
  • Opportunities for hands-on experience in communities across the state and region.
  • Seniors complete a semester-long capstone project.
  • Distinctive learning experiences that emphasize Appalachian small community design issues and environmental restoration.
  • Small-school environment with all the resources of a large university. You’ll benefit from one-on-one faculty interactions and develop a close relationship with your faculty and peers.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Community Engagement Lab
Takes students and faculty from multiple disciplines to work on design projects requested by West Virginia communities. Projects include development of post-industrial landscapes, downtown revitalization, building redevelopment, trail development, beautification, wayfinding and agricultural projects like farmers markets.

Western Europe Study Abroad Trip
A three-week, faculty-led trip to Belgium, France and the Netherlands that focuses on landscape architecture and horticulture.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

All students must complete a summer internship before graduating. This internship is typically paid.

Attending college will prepare you for many things. The Landscape Architecture major will give you the following skills:

  • Graphic, verbal and written communication skills
  • Design development methods and processes
  • Working collaboratively across disciplines
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Construction Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $104,900

Possible job titles include: Construction Manager, Construction Superintendent, General Contractor, Project Manager.

Explore Career

Landscape Architects

Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.

Median Salary: $73,210

Possible job titles include: Director of Landscape Architecture and Planning, Golf Course Architect, Land Planner.

Explore Career

Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $78,980

Possible job titles include: Coastal and Estuary Specialist, Executive Director, Project Manager, Watershed Coordinator.

Explore Career

Urban and Regional Planners

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $81,800

Possible job titles include: Community Development Planner, Planner, Planning Director, Urban Design Consultant.

Explore Career

Employers who hire our grads

We're known for producing very technically proficient landscape architecture graduates who are adept at site grading, stormwater management and construction. Our students get great jobs when they graduate and are known for hitting the ground running in the workplace.

Popular employers for recent grads:

  • SWA
  • GAI
  • Sasaki
  • McHale Landscape Design
  • Gateway Engineering
  • EDSA
  • Design Workshop
  • Merritt Chase

Our grads also work for the National Forest Service, National Park Service and state and local equivalents of those agencies.

Potential job titles

Graduates typically enter the workforce as Landscape Designers.

After a few years in the field, most grads are working as:

  • Landscape Architects
  • Project Managers
  • Principals and/or Partners
  • Firm/Company Owners
  • Regional/Urban/Campus Planners

Meet Your Community

The Landscape Architecture family will inspire and support you.

  • "Landscape architecture excites me due to its ability to help those in need.

    “At WVU, our Landscape Architecture Program presents us with excellent service-learning opportunities that allow us to further our education and skills while using design to help Appalachian communities.”
    Belle Irwin

  • "Design has always been my lifelong passion, and WVU has provided the perfect platform to explore it through the Landscape Architecture Program.

    “My four years here have been incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to find lifelong friendships and dive deeper into both self-discovery and the expansive realm of landscape architecture.”
    Hayden Swain

  • Peter Butler

    Professional highlights:

    • Professor of Landscape Architecture and Extension Specialist in Landscape Architecture
    • Director, School of Design and Community Development
    • Research interests: cultural landscape research and planning, community design process, industrial landscape reclamation and interpretation, and design studio pedagogy

  • Vaike Haas

    Professional highlights:

    • Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture
    • Registered landscape architect in state of West Virginia
    • Research and creative scholarship interests: promoting social equity and diversity in public greenspace
    • Fulbright Grantee – Tallinn, Estonia (2008-2009)

  • Elisabeth “Lisa” Orr

    Professional highlights:

    • Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture
    • Licensed landscape architect
    • Owner and principal of Radish Studio, a landscape architecture practice in Pittsburgh
    • Research interests: cultural landscapes in Appalachia, particularly cemeteries in West Virginia

  • Stefania Staniscia

    Professional highlights:

    • Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture
    • Registered architect and landscape architect in Italy
    • Research interests: cultural and vernacular landscapes particularly in territories that have undergone social and environmental injustices

  • Judith Wasserman

    Professional highlights:

    • Professor of Landscape Architecture
    • Elected member, Board of the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture
    • Research interests: design of urban environments for active use and health, California modernism in landscape architecture and place-making for cultural meaning

FAQs

Common questions and answers about Landscape Architecture.

  1. Four years. The curriculum requires a rigorous eight-semester studio sequence that begins in the fall of your first year.

    Many landscape architecture programs take five years to complete. Our program saves you time and money by allowing you to finish an accredited, professional degree in only four years.

  2. The WVU BSLA leads to professional licensure in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. To become licensed as a professional landscape architect, you must graduate from the BSLA program, work two years in the field under a professional landscape architect and pass the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.).

Places and Spaces

Learn about all of the places and spaces you'll learn in.

Facilities - Landscape Architecture Studios

Landscape Architecture Studios

In Landscape Architecture, you'll complete an eight-semester studio sequence. Each studio is held in a discreet, locked space that you can access 24/7. You'll use these spaces to work on projects while forming strong bonds with your classmates.

  • Virtual Tour
    It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.
  • Student Life
    You will have it all here — epic traditions, quality academics and a supportive community that feels like home.
  • Visit
    Experience WVU in person and start imagining life as a Mountaineer!

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Landscape Architecture major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Tuition and Aid

How much does Landscape Architecture at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Landscape Architecture major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Request Info

Want to know more about Landscape Architecture at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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