UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · UNITED STATES
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Accredited First Professional DegreeAccreditation
- Two Year Program for Post-Professional StudentsDuration
- Specializations in Ecological Design, Community Design, Cultural HeritageSpecializations
- Thesis or Advanced Design Studio OptionsProgram Structure
- Emphasis on Design Thinking and CommunicationLearning Outcomes
The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a first professional degree accredited by LAAB. The program is designed to provide students with advanced insights and research opportunities related to land use and human interaction with the environment. Students can specialize in areas such as ecological design, community design, and cultural heritage history and design. A joint MLA/MUP option is also available. The department also offers a Master of Sustainable Urban Design (MSUD) and a PhD in Landscape Architecture.
Curriculum
The MLA program requires a minimum of 48 credit hours. Students can choose between a thesis option or an advanced studio option. For students entering with an undergraduate degree in landscape architecture from an LAAB-accredited program, the degree is typically completed in 2 years. Students without this specific undergraduate preparation may need an additional 2.5-3 years to complete prerequisite undergraduate courses.
- Year 1 (Post-Professional)
- Planning & Design Studio ILA 533
- Design Workshop G-ILA 534
- Advanced Design CommunicationsLA 482
- Landscape Arch Theory & PracLA 501
- History of World LandscapesLA 513
- Research Design & MethodsLA 597
- Electives (Social/Cultural Aspects, Ecology, Method)
- Year 2 (Post-Professional - Thesis Option)
- Thesis ResearchLA 599
- Electives (Social/Cultural Aspects, Ecology, Method)
- Year 2 (Post-Professional - Advanced Studio Option)
- Planning & Design Studio IILA 537
- Design Workshop G-IILA 539
- Electives (Social/Cultural Aspects, Ecology, Method)
- Pre-Professional Prerequisites (Examples)
- Landform Design & ConstructionLA 241
- Environmental Site AnalysisLA 250
- Design Communications ILA 280
- Design Communications IILA 281
- Site EngineeringLA 342
- Landscape ConstructionLA 343
- Professional PracticeLA 346
- Woody Landscape PlantsLA 352
Careers
The MLA program aims to develop graduates with strong design thinking, communication skills, technical competence, and a sense of responsibility. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in the field of landscape architecture.
- Ecological Designer
- Community Designer
- Cultural Heritage Specialist
- Urban Designer
- Landscape Architect
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program?
- You need an undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and adherence to Graduate College requirements. Candidates from undergraduate design programs must submit portfolios. Those without prior landscape architecture preparation may need to complete prerequisite courses.
- How long does the MLA program take to complete?
- For students entering with an undergraduate degree in landscape architecture from an LAAB-accredited program, the MLA is typically completed in two years. Students without this specific undergraduate preparation may require an additional 2.5-3 years.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition rates are not provided in the program information and international candidates must refer to the university's official fee schedule for current rates. International candidates must also demonstrate full financial support for their studies to obtain a visa.
- What specializations are available within the MLA program?
- Students can specialize in areas such as ecological design, community design, and cultural heritage history and design. A joint MLA/MUP option is also available.
- How do I apply for the MLA program and what documents are needed?
- Apply through the Graduate College admissions portal after reviewing their requirements. You will need to submit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a portfolio, and proof of financial support for international applicants.
- Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities for international students?
- Students can compete for merit-based fellowships, assistantships, and tuition/service fee waivers. Some awards are determined during the admissions review and communicated with the acceptance letter.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeCandidates from undergraduate design programs must submit portfolios. Candidates without undergraduate preparation in landscape architecture will be admitted on limited status and must complete undergraduate prerequisite courses.
GPAMinimum 3.0 GPA
Graduate College RequirementsAdherence to Graduate College admission requirements.
Admission is on an individual basis, with emphasis on academic achievement and prior accomplishments. All students begin their studies in the fall semester.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the university's official fee schedule for current tuition rates, as they are not provided in the program information.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the university's official fee schedule for current tuition rates, as they are not provided in the program information.
LivingInternational candidates must demonstrate full financial support for their studies to obtain a visa. Funding documents are required for application processing.
How to apply
1. Review Graduate College RequirementsFamiliarize yourself with the general admission requirements for graduate studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all necessary documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a portfolio (required for MLA candidates).
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application through the Graduate College admissions portal.
4. Demonstrate Financial SupportInternational applicants must provide documentation proving they can fully support themselves during their studies to meet visa requirements. The Graduate College will not process applications without this funding documentation.
5. Await Admission DecisionAdmissions are competitive and based on a comprehensive review of your application. Decisions are typically communicated through the acceptance letter.
Scholarships
Fellowships, Assistantships, and Tuition/Service Fee WaiversVaries
Accreditation
The MLA is an accredited first professional degree.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program?
+
You need an undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and adherence to Graduate College requirements. Candidates from undergraduate design programs must submit portfolios. Those without prior landscape architecture preparation may need to complete prerequisite courses.
How long does the MLA program take to complete?
+
For students entering with an undergraduate degree in landscape architecture from an LAAB-accredited program, the MLA is typically completed in two years. Students without this specific undergraduate preparation may require an additional 2.5-3 years.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition rates are not provided in the program information and international candidates must refer to the university's official fee schedule for current rates. International candidates must also demonstrate full financial support for their studies to obtain a visa.
What specializations are available within the MLA program?
+
Students can specialize in areas such as ecological design, community design, and cultural heritage history and design. A joint MLA/MUP option is also available.
How do I apply for the MLA program and what documents are needed?
+
Apply through the Graduate College admissions portal after reviewing their requirements. You will need to submit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a portfolio, and proof of financial support for international applicants.
Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities for international students?
+
Students can compete for merit-based fellowships, assistantships, and tuition/service fee waivers. Some awards are determined during the admissions review and communicated with the acceptance letter.