MLA Independent Thesis

Landscape Architecture students are not required to complete an independent thesis. The thesis project is an opportunity for students to pursue a design project that they have researched and developed independently. Landscape students interested in pursuing thesis declare the thesis track in May prior to their final fall semester. MLA students who declare thesis will be required to enroll in Thesis Prep seminar (ADV-9341; 4-units) in the fall of their final year.

The Independent Design Thesis track (ADV-9341; 4-units, ADV-9342; 8-units) is a full-year commitment and carries a total of 12-units.

Candidates pursuing a thesis in the spring must complete an option studio offered by the Department of Landscape Architecture (1400-level option studio) in addition to the Thesis Prep seminar in their final fall term.

MLA Thesis Manual 2022-2023
MLA Thesis Manual Appendix I – Readings
MLA Thesis Manual Appendix II – Archiving Guidelines
MLA Thesis Manual Appendix III – Sample Permissions Statement
MLA Thesis Manual Appendix IV – PDF Creation Examples

MLA students entering their final year who wish to submit a binding declaration to the one-year thesis track must do so by Thursday, May 24 at 5:00 pm ET. Please contact Program Coordinator Briana King for more information.

MLA Thesis Declaration Form 2024-2025

Selected MLA theses are available through HOLLIS (Harvard Library) or in hard copy in the Loeb Design Library.

For current thesis students, all final PDF theses must be submitted to the Thesis Director and Program Coordinator no later than 9:00 AM (ET) on May 13th, 2024. The Department reserves the right to withhold student grades until thesis materials are submitted.