School of Landscape Architecture
Now more than ever, the world needs landscape architects to create solutions for climate change, to improve the quality of urban life for all, to protect natural environments, and to create beautiful and inspiring places.
Landscape architecture combines art and science, living systems and designed form, historical precedent and innovative vision. At the School of Landscape Architecture, you will learn from practicing professionals, collaborate with other art and design students, and advocate for a healthier, more sustainable future.
Our graduates enter the profession well-versed in responsive design processes, ecological systems, sustainable strategies and materials, site planning, and advanced drafting and rendering techniques.
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Degrees
Earning a landscape architecture degree from Academy of Art University means learning to create relevant, innovative, and artistic solutions for all kinds of different outdoor places. We teach the skills needed to resolve contemporary design challenges large and small—from urban plazas and parklets to tidal marshes and bike trails. Landscape architecture degrees are designated as STEM degrees.
AA
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The Associate of Arts (AA) degree provides students with an introduction to a particular field of study in art and design with a firm foundation in the concepts and problem-solving skills of that field. Once earned, the Associate’s degree can also be used as a stepping stone to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. The AA degree is specifically designed for seamless transition into our Bachelor of Arts degree program and for application to entry level positions in the industry.
BFA
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The School of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program focuses on the development of flexible design processes for landscape and urban design, an understanding of ecological systems, sustainable practices and use of materials, site planning, and advanced drafting and rendering techniques. By graduation, you will have a portfolio that reflects your unique creative vision within this rapidly expanding and evolving profession.
MA
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The School of Landscape Architecture Master of Arts (MA) program offers an introduction to landscape architecture. Coursework emphasizes the essential factors involved in the creation of outdoor spaces.
MFA
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The Landscape Architecture Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program provides advanced study for students pursuing a career in landscape architecture. Coursework emphasizes design studios, collaborative and interdisciplinary methods of design and implementation, sustainability, and advanced digital rendering techniques.
Allied Skills
Interior Architecture & Design
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The School of Interior Architecture & Design is a serious professional program for the serious professional designer. Our curriculum delves not only into the conceptual and theoretical, but into the practical as well. Our teaching is hands-on, focused on aesthetics, and geared toward application and business. We are accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, the most prestigious accreditation available in the United States for interior design schools.
Architecture
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The School of Architecture is a progressive design laboratory, exploring the boundaries of one of the most compelling professions you can enter today. You will combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills, achieving a balance between conceptual thinking and hands-on problem-solving. You will gain a holistic understanding of basic architectural design principles, as well as a deep comprehension of the broad history and technical intricacy of the practice and profession.
Industrial Design
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Become a car designer, create the next hit sneaker, or design that must-have piece of furniture. From smartphones to Mars landers, industrial designers create tomorrow’s products today. You will learn to design with the user experience as a priority, a product’s branded look and feel as a criteria for success, and sustainability as a key design element. Our hands-on collaborations with industry partners such as General Motors, Nike, Audi, Volvo, Hasbro, and so many others, allow you to gain real-world industry experience while still in school.
Online Learning
Asynchronous online classes offer flexibility for students who balance work or other obligations while completing their degrees. Since 2012, the School of Landscape Architecture has offered online classes. Our faculty are adept at online teaching having honed time-tested methods. Virtual pin-up apps facilitate visual exchange of ideas. Beyond online classrooms, students connect with each other on mobile apps to build a thriving community.
Our small class sizes ensure that online students receive individualized attention and have the opportunity to develop mentor/mentee relationships with faculty.
Student Work
Careers
Critical thinking and process-driven design methods will help you successfully transition to the profession. Our courses are designed to help you build a strong portfolio that showcases a wide range of skills such as sketching, digital graphics, design, research, analysis, and synthesis. You will gain knowledge in ecology, site engineering, planting design, sustainability, construction documents, professional practices, and more. Possible careers include:
- Landscape Architect
- Garden Designer
- Landscape Designer
- Environmental Planner
- Landscape Renderer
- Master Planner
- Planting Designer
- Urban Designer
- Urban Strategist
Companies That Have Hired Our Students
As an online student, my classmates and instructors can come from all over the world. It’s a great opportunity to interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Participating in the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show was a highlight for me as a student. I was able to take the skills and knowledge from my classes and apply them to a real-life project, from design to construction.
This team project brought together a diverse group of students with various skill levels and interests. For me, the project reinforced the importance of collaboration and how our different interests and backgrounds can be utilized to strengthen a project. Once our team set our theme of the design, it focused our ideas to create a cohesive final design.
This team project brought together a diverse group of students with various skill levels and interests. For me, the project reinforced the importance of collaboration and how our different interests and backgrounds can be utilized to strengthen a project. Once our team set our theme of the design, it focused our ideas to create a cohesive final design.
Christine M Gonzales
M.A. in Landscape Architecture
