Master in Landscape Architecture I: (MLA I)
Professional Degree
Charles Waldheim
Chair of Landscape Architecture
.The curriculum of the three-year, accredited Master in Landscape Architecture professional degree program (MLA I) provides an intellectual base of knowledge in design, history, theory, ecology, technology, urbanism, and professional practice. Individuals who have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree with a major in any field of study are eligible for admission. Those who have an accredited professional degree in architecture, or a pre-professional undergraduate degree in landscape architecture or architecture, may be granted advanced standing of one or two terms (MLA I AP).
Admission with No Previous Professional Education
Individuals who have completed a four-year bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree, or its equivalent, with a major outside the professional design fields, are eligible for admission to the program. Preference for admission is given to individuals who have completed a balanced undergraduate education that includes study in the arts, sciences, and humanities. Applicants must document successful completion of a college-level course in the natural sciences. Preparation in the visual arts is strongly advised: representation is of the utmost importance in the program's first year and is an essential component of landscape design. A minimum of a one-semester, college-level course in the visual arts, such as drawing, sculpture, graphics, and/or basic design, is required. Courses in the humanities, ecology, the history of art, landscape architecture, and architecture are strongly recommended, although not required.
Admission with Advanced Standing
Individuals with an accredited professional degree in architecture may be eligible for admission with advanced standing. Such applicants will be considered for placement in the third term of the professional degree (MLA I) program, thus reducing the required course of study to two years. Applicants who have completed a non-accredited, pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture, landscape architecture, or environmental design may be granted advanced standing of one or two terms, subject to the review of the admission committee. Applicants granted advanced standing may be able to waive certain course requirements for the MLA I program by demonstrating equivalencies in any of the required courses. The program director and faculty in charge of specific curriculum areas will determine the studio and professional course requirements for each MLA I student admitted with advanced standing.
Early Admission for Students at Harvard College
Qualified undergraduates at Harvard are eligible for early admission into the program upon approval of the department Chair and Program Director. These students may take all or a portion of the first year of graduate study during their senior year.
Residence
A minimum of six terms of full-time study in residence is required; for students with advanced standing, this requirement may be reduced to not fewer than four terms. Under special circumstances, students may receive permission to reduce their course load and extend their studies over a longer period of time.
Requirements for Award of Degree
A candidate will be recommended for the Master in Landscape Architecture as a professional degree upon satisfactory completion of 120 units in the following course of study (see section on Waiver of Required Courses under Policies and Procedures):
Pre-semester
0 units GSD 2103 Landscape Representation (See First Term)
First Term
8 units GSD 1111 Landscape Architecture Design (studio)
4 units GSD 2103 Studies in Landscape Representation I (Pre-Semester Course cont.)
4 units GSD 4109 History of Landscape Architecture I
4 units GSD 6106 Ecology, Plants and Technology I
Second Term
8 units GSD 1112 Landscape Architecture Design (studio)
4 units GSD 2106 Studies in Landscape Representation and Digital Media
4 units GSD 4317 History of Landscape Architecture II
4 units GSD 6107 Ecology, Plants and Technology II
Pre-semester
2 units GSD 6103 Site Ecology and Environment
Third Term
8 units GSD 1211 Planning and Design of Landscapes
4 units GSD 3307 Theories and Methods of Landscape Planning
2 units GSD 6218M1 Plants and Technology I
4 units Distributional electives* or electives
Fourth Term
8 units GSD 1212 Planning and Design of Landscapes (studio)
4 units GSD 3102 Theories and Practices of Contemporary Landscape Architecture
4 units GSD 6219 Plants and Technology II
4 units Distributional electives* or electives
Fifth Term
8 units Studio Option** and
12 units Distributional electives* or electives
or
8 units Studio Option**,
4 units GSD 9205 Preparation of Independent Thesis Proposal for Master in L.A., and
8 units Distributional electives* or electives
Sixth Term
8 units Studio Option** and
12 units Distributional Electives* or electives
or
12 units GSD 9303 Independent Thesis in Satisfaction of the Degree Master in Landscape Architecture and
8 units Distributional electives* or electives
* Distributional electives must be taken from three fields of study, indicated as follows: 4 units of electives in landscape architecture representation, history, or theory (to be selected from a list of approved courses issued by the department each year); 8 units of electives in natural systems (to be selected from a list of approved courses issued by the department each year); and 4 units of electives in professional practice (to be selected from a list of approved courses issued by the department each year).
** A minimum of one studio option must be taken from those offered by the Department of Landscape Architecture
Requirements for Award of Degree with Advanced Standing
A candidate who has been admitted to the program with advanced standing will be recommended for the Master in Landscape Architecture as a professional degree upon satisfactory completion of a minimum of 80 units. (see section on Waiver of Required Courses under Policies and Procedures).
Such applicants will be considered for placement in the third term of the program, thus reducing the required course of study to two years. A faculty review of MLA I students who enter with advanced standing will be done to ensure they have satisfied the first year requirements. First and second term course requirements that have not been satisfied will be taken in place of elective credits.
All candidates are required to complete GSD 3501 MLA I AP Proseminar (4 units) in the first semester of their course of study.
A candidate will be recommended for the Master in Landscape Architecture as a professional degree upon satisfactory completion of 120 units in the following course of study (see section on Waiver of Required Courses under Policies and Procedures):