Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
Landscape architecture is a multifaceted profession that integrates diverse disciplines. Fields like geology, ecology, horticulture, architecture, engineering, geography, social sciences, and fine arts all contribute to shaping these environmental designers. From parks and housing complexes to transit routes, urban squares, zoos, and academic campuses, landscape architects skillfully blend constructed elements and living vegetation to both preserve and shape natural surroundings. They develop outdoor spaces through sketches, detailed models, and technical plans, serving both clients and construction teams who bring these visions to reality. Their work ranges from intimate residential gardens to expansive urban projects and regional watershed systems. By partnering with architects, urban planners, and engineers, they craft distinctive outdoor environments that enhance people's daily experiences.
The accredited five-year Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (B.L.A.) program stands among roughly 60 LAAB-accredited programs in North America, making NDSU's offering unique in its region. First-year studies in pre-landscape architecture explore environmental awareness and human-nature interactions, featuring three core environmental design courses alongside general education requirements. After a competitive admission process, sophomores enter the major, where studio classes cap at 16 students to ensure personalized instruction. This studio-based approach fosters intensive collaboration between learners and educators as they master design problem-solving. Central to the curriculum is design thinking, with students tackling both solo and team projects across various real-world scenarios. These studios often involve community-focused initiatives that meet professional outreach standards while providing practical experience. Supplementary coursework covers landscape history, site engineering, construction techniques, and professional standards. The program cultivates analytical skills, written and visual communication (through presentations, digital modeling, and drawings), with second-year laptop requirements, guest lectures, and field trips helping students carve their specialized career trajectories.