10 Best Landscape Architecture Programs for 2019
The field of landscape architecture is expected to continue to grow over the next several years. According the statistics reported by the United States Department of Labor, the employment rate for landscape architects is projected to increase by 5% between now and 2024. Populations around the globe are expanding, and these growing populations are creating a need for development while the strain of development on the natural environment and resources is creating a need for trained individuals capable of balancing both facets without causing detriment to one or the other. Landscape architects are included among the professionals responsible for managing the two. The landscape architect works in collaboration with other professionals to create functional designs. However, while other professionals are concerned with the practicality of the project, it is the responsibility of the landscape architect to create a beautiful project design, like some of these top beautiful schools , while ensuring the continued sustainability of the natural resources and ecology of the area being developed.
Landscape architecture has become one of the premier occupations of today; ranking among the best professions to enter. Providing the opportunity to contribute to the protection of the environment and natural resources while performing an essential service, the field is both challenging and fulfilling. The profession requires individuals with skills in creativity, science, problem solving, collaboration and an aptitude for technology . Individuals entering the profession will require knowledge and training in a vast array of disciplines and subject areas. Practical experience is essential to developing an inherent understanding of the various aspects of the field. The landscape architecture profession is competitive, with most employers and clients seeking individuals with industry experience, even for entry level positions. It is exceedingly important to obtain an education in landscape architecture from a college or university with a comprehensive degree program which incorporates experiential training with academic studies . Selecting an institution with accreditation through the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board will ensure the quality of the program.
What Are The Best Landscape Architecture Programs?
10 Best Landscape Architecture Programs for 2019
The Department of Landscape Architecture at the University of Florida offers the only professionally accredited bachelor of landscape architecture program in Florida and is considered to be one of the best landscape architecture schools in the United States. The department was established in 1933, and its mission is to conduct research to enhance the understanding and practice of the profession of landscape architecture, and address societal challenges. Their faculty research interests are diverse and cover a wide spectrum of practice and theory. Students in the programs are provided opportunities to study in summer programs abroad in places like Nantucket, Mexico, Prague, and China. There are also longer study abroad programs that take place over the course of an entire semester. The degree programs are fully accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board.
The University of Florida offers a five-year bachelor of landscape architecture program that combines classroom instruction and studio work. Fifth-year students are required to complete an independent capstone project that will showcase the culmination of their academic work. Internships are also encouraged after students' third year of study. At the graduate level, the university offers a first professional master of landscape architecture program, a post-professional master of landscape architecture program, and a interdisciplinary program leading to the doctor of philosophy degree in design, construction, and planning. Master's students may either produce a thesis or a terminal project, which allows for greater flexibility in formatting.
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Landscape Architecture Degrees Online
Most universities do not currently offer an accredited landscape architecture degree online, since much of the learning is research-based and requires hands-on fieldwork. Several schools may offer individual courses online that may suit students' individual needs, but as of now programs cannot be completed fully by distance learning. For students looking for a more flexible learning environment, consider individual departments to explore options and looking for low-residency programs.
To determine the best online landscape architecture programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the 10 best online landscape architecture programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.