https://designcomm.wvu.edu/undergraduate/majors/landscape-architecture
Degree Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture
Nature of the Program
Landscape architecture is the art of design, planning, and arranging natural and man-made elements on the land. It applies cultural and scientific knowledge with concern for the conservation and stewardship of natural and aesthetic amenities to create an environment that serves a useful and enjoyable purpose. This involves consideration of the quality of life in urban and natural settings, as well as the interaction of humans with nature. The landscape architecture program at West Virginia University strives to equip students with techniques and skills through problem-solving in design theory, site construction, land use planning, and planting design. It emphasizes a philosophy of responsibility and commitment to ethical standards regarding the natural environment, personal relationships, and professional practice.
The faculty represents a multi-disciplinary team with practical experience in creative and scientific research, design, consultation, and public service. This diversity is the nucleus of the program, allowing for a strong undergraduate curriculum supplemented by related courses in the arts, sciences, engineering, and planning, reflecting the needs of the Appalachian region and current trends within the profession.
Graduates of the program can assume traditional landscape architectural roles, e.g., positions with design consulting firms, governmental planning departments, construction firms, transportation planning agencies, etc. In addition, WVU graduates are prepared for design and planning positions meeting the needs common to West Virginia and other rural areas.
The landscape architecture program is fully accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects. To graduate, students must complete a full four-year course of study due to the studio sequence and earn a minimum of 120 total credits. Students will typically complete more than the 120 total credit minimum. The Landscape Architecture Program within the School of Design and Community Development of the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design at West Virginia University offers an accredited Bachelor of Science of Landscape Architecture (BSLA) degree program. The BSLA program was granted continued full accreditation as evaluated by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in 2017. Demand for professional landscape architects is increasing due to emerging environmental markets and projected shortages of graduates from accredited landscape architecture programs. The BSLA focuses on environmental and community design and planning, in addition to providing the primary skills and methods of landscape architecture.
Program Mission
Landscape Architecture is the art of design, planning, and arranging natural and man-made elements on the land. It applies cultural and scientific knowledge with concern for the conservation and stewardship of natural, cultural and aesthetic amenities to create an environment that serves a useful and enjoyable purpose. This involves consideration of the quality of life in urban and natural settings, as well as the interaction of humans with nature. The Landscape Architecture Program at WVU strives to equip students with knowledge and skills in problem solving, design theory, site construction, land use planning, and planting design. It emphasizes a philosophy of responsibility and commitment to ethical standards regarding the natural environment, personal relationships, and professional practice.
The faculty represents a multi-disciplinary team with practical experience in creative and scientific research, design, consultation, and public service. This diversity is the nucleus of the Program, allowing for a strong graduate curriculum supplemented by related courses in the arts, sciences, engineering, and planning, reflecting the needs of the Appalachian region, both urban and rural, and current trends within the profession. Three of the faculty are licensed.
Graduates of the program can assume traditional landscape architectural roles, e.g., positions with design consulting firms, governmental planning departments, construction firms, transportation planning agencies, etc. In addition, WVU BSLA graduates are prepared for design and planning positions meeting the needs common to West Virginia and other rural areas.
Objectives
- To provide students with a solid professional educational foundation encompassing knowledge and skills of multi-scaled site design, construction, problem-solving, plant materials, geographic information systems, and professional practice responsive to the needs of the environment, society, and the landscape architecture profession.
- To instill ethical standards in the students regarding the environment, the profession, personal relationships, and social responsibility.
- To prepare students to be proficient in communicating professional concepts graphically, orally, and in writing.
- To provide students with cognitive opportunities to incorporate professional information through the study of real-life problems in Morgantown, the state of West Virginia, and the region.
- To enhance course offerings, collaborative faculty research opportunities, and avenues for scholarly activities by increasing and diversifying ties with other disciplines across campus.
- To provide design and planning expertise to West Virginians in the areas of community development, and improvement of the quality of life by offering the skills of the faculty and students of the Landscape Architecture Program.
Student Retention and Graduation Rates, and Degrees Granted
The graduation rate, defined as the percentage of freshmen that ultimately graduate from the program, has been 55.55% for the cohort starting in Fall 2017 and graduating in Spring 2021, and 50% for the cohort starting in Fall 2018 and graduating in Spring 2022.
The retention rate, defined as the the percentage of freshmen that return for their sophomore year, has been 81.48% for the cohort starting in 2017, 91.66% for the cohort starting in 2018, 72.4% for the cohort starting in 2019, 45.45% for the cohort starting in 2020, and 51.61% for cohort starting in 2021.
From academic year 2017-2018 to academic year 2021-2022, 93 degrees were awarded for an average of 18.6 degrees per year.
Post-graduation Employment
The BSLA program regularly surveys graduates in order to get a picture of their employment status. From academic year 2016-2017 to academic year 2021-2022, 47 alumni are working in private practice and 16 are employed in landscape horticulture and design-build practice. They correspond to 65.2% and 22.2% of the respondents respectively.
Estimated Cost of Attendance
Information about fees, tuition and other expenses, as well as scholarships and financial aid can be found at https://admissions.wvu.edu/academics/majors/landscape-architecture#sticky-page-nav__cost
and at https://admissions.wvu.edu/cost-and-aid
The following are dedicated scholarships for Landscape Architecture students.
Jack Paules Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is designated for regularly enrolled third and/or fourth year students majoring in Landscape Architecture in the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design.
The McHale Family Landscape Architecture Scholarship
This annual scholarship is provided to students in landscape architecture based on financial need and academic performance.
An endowed award that is provided to students based on the results of an open writing competition.
John R. Tschiderer Landscape Architecture Education Experience Fund
Annual awards to students and faculty for special activities such as travel and continuing education.
Upon enrollment students are required to buy a kit of drafting supplies for a cost of around $300. At the end of the second year studio sequence, students are required to purchase a computer that is capable of efficiently running programs with graphic intensive applications extensively used during the third and fourth years studio sequences. The approximate cost of a computer of this capability is around $2,500.
Opportunities for study abroad include the LARC 444 Summer Semester: International Experience Western European Gardens, Landscapes and Architecture (6 credits) for an approximate cost of $6,000. The course qualifies for student financial aid.
In accordance with the Higher Education Act the program meets the educational requirements for licensure eligibility in each U.S. state.
Contact:
Elisabeth "Lisa" Orr
Program Coordinator
Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture
(304) 293-5439
4321 Agricultural Sciences Building
For examples of student designs, view projects from LARC 450 and 652.
Admissions
- First-Time Freshman are admitted directly into major.
- Students transferring from another major within WVU must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA or departmental approval.
- Students transferring from another institution must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA or departmental approval.
Admission Requirements 2024-2025
The Admission Requirements above will be the same for the 2024-2025 Academic Year.
Major Code: 0741
Click here to view the Suggested Plan of Study
General Education Foundations
Please use this link to view a list of courses that meet each GEF requirement.
NOTE: Some major requirements will fulfill specific GEF requirements. Please see the curriculum requirements listed below for details on which GEFs you will need to select.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
General Education Foundations | ||
F1 - Composition & Rhetoric | 3-6 | |
Introduction to Composition and Rhetoric and Composition, Rhetoric, and Research | ||
or ENGL 103 | Accelerated Academic Writing | |
F2A/F2B - Science & Technology | 4-6 | |
F3 - Math & Quantitative Reasoning | 3-4 | |
F4 - Society & Connections | 3 | |
F5 - Human Inquiry & the Past | 3 | |
F6 - The Arts & Creativity | 3 | |
F7 - Global Studies & Diversity | 3 | |
F8 - Focus (may be satisfied by completion of a minor, double major, or dual degree) | 9 | |
Total Hours | 31-37 |
Please note that not all of the GEF courses are offered at all campuses. Students should consult with their advisor or academic department regarding the GEF course offerings available at their campus.
Degree Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
University Requirements | 40 | |
Landscape Architecture Major Requirements | 80 | |
Total Hours | 120 |
University Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
General Education Foundations (GEF) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (31-37 Credits) | ||
Outstanding GEF Requirements 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8 | 24 | |
ANRD 191 | First-Year Seminar | 1 |
General Electives | 15 | |
Total Hours | 40 |
Landscape Architecture Major Requirements
In addition to the following curriculum requirements, students will be required to work at least one summer in an approved landscape architecture office or equivalent. Student will be required to earn a grade of C- or better in all of their Landscape Architecture/Horticulture Courses.
Timely completion of required MATH courses are critical for advancement in this program of study.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Select one of the following (GEF 2): | 4 | |
Principles of Plant Science and Principles of Plant Science Laboratory | ||
General Biology 1 and General Biology 1 Laboratory | ||
Environmental Biology and Environmental Biology Laboratory | ||
Select one of the following or higher (GEF 3): | 3-8 | |
Algebra with Applications | ||
College Algebra | ||
Pre-Calculus Mathematics | ||
Applied Calculus | ||
LARC 105 | Introduction to Landscape Architecture, Environmental Design and Planning | 3 |
LARC 120S | Landscape Architectural Drawing Studio | 3 |
LARC 121S | Landscape Architectural Graphics Studio | 3 |
LARC 212 | History of Landscape Architecture (GEF 6) | 3 |
LARC 223 | Computer Graphics in Landscape Architecture | 3 |
LARC 224 | Digital Design Graphics for Landscape Architecture | 2 |
LARC 231 | Landscape Construction Materials and Methods | 3 |
LARC 250S | Theory of Landscape Architectural Design Studio | 3 |
LARC 251 | Landscape Architectural Design | 1 |
LARC 251S | Landscape Architectural Design Studio | 2 |
LARC 261 | Planting Design | 1 |
LARC 261S | Planting Design Studio | 2 |
LARC 330S | Landscape Architectural Construction 1 Studio | 4 |
LARC 331 | Advanced Grading & Stormwater | 1 |
LARC 331S | Advanced Grading & Stormwater Studio | 3 |
LARC 350 | Landscape Architectural Design 2 | 1 |
LARC 350S | Landscape Architectural Design 2 Studio | 3 |
LARC 351 | Landscape Architectural Design 3 | 1 |
LARC 351S | Landscape Architectural Design 3 Studio | 3 |
LARC 360 | Natural Systems Design | 1 |
LARC 360S | Natural Systems Design Studio | 3 |
LARC 450 | Advanced Landscape Architectural Design 1 | 1 |
LARC 450S | Advanced Landscape Architectural Design 1 Studio | 4 |
LARC 451 | Advanced Landscape Architectural Design 2 (Capstone) | 1 |
LARC 451S | Advanced Landscape Architectural Design 2 Studio | 4 |
Contemporary Issues in Landscape Architecture | 2 | |
Contemporary Issues in Landscape Architecture | ||
LARC 484 | Professional Practice | 3 |
HORT 260L | Woody Plant Materials Laboratory | 3 |
RESM 440 & 440L | Foundations of Applied Geographic Information Systems and Foundations of Applied Geographic Information Systems Laboratory | 3 |
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Regional Design | ||
Introduction to Urban Design Issues | ||
Total Hours | 80 |
+Suggested Plan of Study
First Year | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
LARC 105 | 3 | ENGL 101 (GEF 1) | 3 | ||
LARC 120S | 3 | LARC 121S | 3 | ||
LARC 223 | 3 | LARC 224 | 2 | ||
ANRD 191 | 1 | GEF 4, 5, 7, or 8 | 6 | ||
Select one of the following (GEF 2): | 4 | ||||
Select one of the following or higher (GEF 3): | 3 | ||||
17 | 14 | ||||
Second Year | |||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
ENGL 102 (GEF 1) | 3 | LARC 212 (GEF 6) | 3 | ||
HORT 260L | 3 | LARC 231 | 3 | ||
LARC 250S | 3 | LARC 251 | 1 | ||
GEF 4, 5, 7, or 8 | 6 | LARC 251S | 2 | ||
LARC 261 | 1 | ||||
LARC 261S | 2 | ||||
RESM 440 & 440L | 3 | ||||
15 | 15 | ||||
Third Year | |||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
LARC 330S | 4 | LARC 331 | 1 | Summer Professional Experience | |
LARC 350 | 1 | LARC 331S | 3 | ||
LARC 350S | 3 | LARC 351 | 1 | ||
LARC 360 | 1 | LARC 351S | 3 | ||
LARC 360S | 3 | LARC 484 | 3 | ||
GEF 4, 5, 7, or 8 | 3 | GEF 4, 5, 7, or 8 | 3 | ||
Elective | 3 | ||||
15 | 17 | 0 | |||
Fourth Year | |||||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
LARC 450 | 1 | LARC 451 | 1 | ||
LARC 450S | 4 | LARC 451S | 4 | ||
LARC 452 | 2 | Elective | 7 | ||
LARC 465 or 466 | 3 | ||||
Elective | 5 | ||||
15 | 12 | ||||
Total credit hours: 120 |
Major Learning Outcomes
Landscape Architecture
Graduates of the Program will complete coursework and an internship(s) providing the knowledge and skills in environmental design problem solving, design theory, site construction, land use planning, community development, and ecological design to enter into and thrive in the profession of Landscape Architecture.
Graduates of the program are prepared to assume traditional landscape architectural roles, e.g., positions with design consulting firms, governmental design and planning departments, construction firms, transportation planning agencies, etc. To accomplish this goal graduates will:
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of the core skills and techniques of landscape architecture including; graphic communication – both hand graphics and computer based, environmental analysis, design development methods and processes, and site engineering and design implementation.
- Demonstrate knowledge in allied fields such as plant ecology, community design, environmental restoration, and urban design that are critical adjuncts to the practice of landscape architecture.
- Develop and present project results through graphic, written, and oral presentations.
- Have the problem solving / critical thinking skills necessary for focused professional development, as well as for broader social development and life-long learning and community participation and engagement.