Programs leading to first professional degrees at the bachelor’s or master’s levels in the United States are eligible to apply for accreditation from the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB). LAAB is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as the official accrediting body for first professional programs in landscape architecture. LAAB is a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA).

The Master in Landscape Architecture I, I AP, and II degree program streams at Harvard are accredited by LAAB. Harvard has had an LAAB accredited program since 1929. The most recent review was in Spring 2022, and the next accreditation review is scheduled for Spring 2028.

In accordance with the Higher Education Act, we confirm that our Master in Landscape Architecture program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design meets the educational requirements for licensure eligibility in all U.S. states. In the United States, licensure is regulated by individual states. For more information about licensure requirements, see https://www.asla.org/licensure.aspx.

Program Metrics
As an LAAB-accredited program, the GSD’s MLA maintains basic program metrics and makes them available to the public. We hope this data assists potential students in making informed application decisions.

 

Student Achievement
A number of prizes, fellowships and awards are available to MLA graduates every year to assist them with travel and research costs. These include the Penny White Project Fund, established in memory of a former MLA student, which is designed to fund student projects that emphasize the relationship between natural systems and urban change.

Please visit the GSD’s news feed to see details about the activities and achievements of current students, alumni, and faculty.

Annual Cost 2020-2021
With insurance: $57, 342
Without insurance: $53,420
Estimated housing costs per year: $16,190
Average cost of books and materials per year: $3,190

Please refer to the Office of Financial Aid for more information about financial aid and other support.

MLA Program Retention Rates:
Percentage of students who began studies in fall 2020 and continued into fall 2021: 100%
Percentage of students who began studies in fall 2019 and continued into fall 2020: 96%
Percentage of students who began studies in fall 2018 and continued into fall 2019: 100%
Percentage of students who began studies in fall 2017 and continued into fall 2018: 100%
Percentage of students who began studies in fall 2016 and continued into fall 2017: 97%
Percentage of students who began studies in fall 2015 and continued into fall 2016: 100%
Percentage of students who began studies in fall 2014 and continued into fall 2015: 100%
Four-Year Graduation Rates:*
Percentage of students graduating within 4-years, entering class of 2017: 96%
Percentage of students graduating within 4-years, entering class of 2016: 95%
Percentage of students graduating within 4-years, entering class of 2015: 89%
Percentage of students graduating within 4-years, entering class of 2014: 89%
Percentage of students graduating within 4-years, entering class of 2013: 94%

* Each year, a growing number of students elect to pursue a dual degree which extends the length of their program by one year

Number of MLA Degrees Awarded:*
Number of degrees awarded for the 2020-2021 Academic Year: 50
Number of degrees awarded for the 2019-2020 Academic Year: 58
Number of degrees awarded for the 2018-2019 Academic Year: 69
Number of degrees awarded for the 2017-2018 Academic Year: 47
Number of degrees awarded for the 2016-2017 Academic Year: 67
Number of degrees awarded for the 2015-2016 Academic Year: 55
Number of degrees awarded for the 2014-2015 Academic Year: 56
Number of degrees awarded for the 2013-2014 Academic Year: 57

* Totals do not include students in the MLA II program

Employment
The MLA program at the GSD is top-ranked and our graduates are in high demand. They go on to pursue a wide variety of careers, nationally and internationally, in private design firms, public agencies, NGOs, academia, or pursue advanced degrees in landscape architecture.