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 2023-2024
With insurance: $61,320
Without insurance: $57,200
Estimated housing costs per year: $17,530
Average cost of books and materials per year: $3,500

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 2022 and continued into fall 2023: 98%
Percentage of students who began studies in fall 2021 and continued into fall 2022: 97%
Percentage of students who began studies in fall 2020 and continued into fall 2021: 100%
Four-Year Graduation Rates:**
Percentage of students graduating within 4-years, entering class of 2020: 91%
Percentage of students graduating within 4-years, entering class of 2019: 82%
Percentage of students graduating within 4-years, entering class of 2018: 89%

*Percentages do not include students in the MLA II program until beginning with the 2023-2024 Academic Year.
**Each year, a growing number of students elect to pursue a dual degree which extends the length of their program by one year. Percentages do not currently include students in the MLA II program.

 

Number of MLA Degrees Awarded:*
Number of degrees awarded for the 2023-2024 Academic Year: 75
Number of degrees awarded for the 2022-2023 Academic Year: 68
Number of degrees awarded for the 2021-2022 Academic Year: 51

*Totals do not include students in the MLA II program until beginning with the 2023-2024 Academic Year.

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.