UGA Bulletin

Program Description

The Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture (MLA) at the University of Georgia’s College of Environment and Design provides the foundational knowledge, practical skills and design expertise needed to engage in both public service and private practice of landscape architecture. It provides, through community engagement in service learning projects, development of the knowledge, skills and values required to attend to the health, safety and welfare needs of people, communities and the environment. In addition, it affords students the opportunity to focus and define their unique position within the profession through scholarly discovery, preparing them for a leadership role in practice, or a possible future in academia. The CED’s MLA program prepares students to lead the profession as outstanding practitioners, educators and scholars in the planning, design, and management of the natural and built environment.

Double Dawgs

This major is part of a Double Dawgs pathway: Landscape Architecture BLA/Landscape Architecture MLA For more information, go to doubledawgs.uga.edu

Contact

Director of Graduate Studies: Jessica Fernandez, Professor Jessica.Fernandez@uga.edu Graduate Program Administrator: Annelie Klein annelie@uga.edu

To be considered for assistantships, applicants are required to submit the following by January 15: Graduate School Application UNOFFICIAL academic transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be included in your online application. Official transcripts will be required for those admitted to UGA. More information. Graduate Record Exam scores – WAIVED. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is no longer required for admission to the MLA program at UGA. We are happy to review your scores as part of the overall application package if you choose to take the GRE and would like to submit your scores. Exam scores are one out of many metrics used to evaluate candidate suitability and the award of assistantship funding. However, the admissions committee also places weight on creative aptitude as evidenced in candidate and referee letters, experience, interviews with the coordinator, and the portfolio.

Three letters of recommendation – As part of the online application, you will need to furnish accurate email address information for individuals to provide three letters of recommendation. The link for the form will be electronically sent to your recommender while completing the online application. A letter of intent, outlining the reasons for the applicant’s interest in landscape architecture, the relevance of previous education and experience, and the applicant’s aims and ambitions. The letter should include how the applicant found out about landscape architecture as a potential field of study and work, why landscape architecture is the right field for the applicant, and what kind of application or contribution within the field is anticipated. The letter of intent is also the applicant’s opportunity to provide any additional information that might help the faculty to evaluate the applicant fully and accurately.

Although not required, a campus visit and meeting with the Graduate Coordinator is recommended for all applicants within half a day’s traveling time of Athens. Visits are strongly encouraged for all others who can arrange to travel to Athens. Visits assist the school in evaluating applicants accurately and help applicants in selecting a school that can best meet their specific needs. Accommodations at the Georgia Center are available at a discount for prospective grad students. To arrange a campus visit, call 706-542-4704 or email bdavis@uga.edu Applicants with prior training or experience in landscape architecture or another design field must submit a design portfolio. There are no restrictions on portfolio format; we request only that material be neat and easy to read. Slides and digital portfolios are not accepted, with an exception only for international students.

If you would rather submit a hard copy of your portfolio, please mail it to: Attn: Brad Davis, MLA Program Coordinator 285 N. Jackson Street Athens, GA 30602 If you wish us to return the portfolio by mail, you must enclose an appropriately stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Applicants from non-design backgrounds are strongly encouraged to submit a portfolio, as it can give a more complete picture of creative aptitude. The portfolio may include evidence of creative accomplishments in art, photography, theater, writing, music, dance, etc. Send design portfolio to: MLA Program College of Environment & Design 285 South Jackson Street Athens, GA 30602 International students only, submit digital portfolios* (pdf attachment no larger than 6MB) via email to: Brad Davis bdavis@uga.edu *Web-based downloadable pdf portfolios are not accepted.

Applicants from foreign countries where English is not the native language are required in addition to submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores or the IELTS. Send 1) optional test scores and 2) official transcripts from all institutions (required if admitted) to: UGA Graduate School Admissions Office Brooks Hall, Herty Drive Athens, Georgia 30602-4401

Matriculation in summer (for 3-year program) or fall semester is encouraged; however, applications will be received throughout the year until spaces are filled. For mid-cycle application deadlines, refer to the Graduate School website http://grad.uga.edu/ Acceptance letter response required; a letter of acceptance from the graduate school does not guarantee your place in the MLA program. The applicant must indicate acceptance of the admissions offer in writing.

Landscape Architecture MLA

Program Description

Double Dawgs

Contact

Total Program Hours (41-78 hours)

Entrance Requirements

Required Courses

1st Professional Degree (78 hours)

2nd Professional Degree from BArch (52 hours)

2nd Professional Degree after completing a BLA (52 hours)

Accelerated MLA (41 hours)

Additional Requirements