Landscape Archiecture Graduate Program
Meeting Your Postgraduate Career and Education Goals
The MSLA at Washington State University has two primary educational goals. The first is to serve the advanced study needs of those possessing a professional degree in landscape architecture. The MSLA offers the opportunities to:
- Enhance knowledge and skills in a particular area of landscape architectural and land planning practice, for currently practicing landscape architecture professionals.
- Acquire a strong interdisciplinary knowledge and practical background in support of their research topics, for students working toward a doctorate.
- Contribute to the body of design and planning knowledge and the related growing innovative application of cognitive and technical skills.
The second MSLA educational goal is for applicants with degrees in disciplines other than Landscape Architecture. For them, the MSLA offers the opportunity to pursue research and advanced specialization in Landscape Architecture that complements their current knowledge and skills.
Applicants without a degree in Landscape Architecture may be admitted to the program but will be required to acquire basic skills and knowledge in landscape architecture. Each student's needs will be evaluated to determine the appropriate program of study to obtain needed background. This may be done by
spending one year taking undergraduate courses in landscape architecture, emphasizing graphics, design, and landscape technology.
Potential Areas of Study and Faculty Interests
Faculty in Landscape Architecture at WSU, five of whom have Ph.D.s, have remarkable academic backgrounds in the environmental sciences and planning fields. Faculty have specialized and practiced in areas such as: landscape planning, geographic information systems, community design, cultural landscapes, landscape ecology, and behavioral aspects of environmental design. Students may choose to direct their studies toward these areas or other related topics.