UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · UNITED STATES
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 97 Credits (Path 3.0)Longest program duration for non-design backgrounds
- 78 Credits (Path 2.5)Program duration for pre-professional backgrounds or non-US accredited degrees
- 62 Credits (Path 2.0 Advanced)Program duration for US accredited BLA degrees
- 61 Credits (Path 2.0)Program duration for US accredited BS Arch degrees
- STEM-DesignatedEligible for extended OPT for international students
- Accredited by LAABNational Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board
The University of Virginia's Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program challenges students to explore new landscape systems through research, design, and emerging technologies. The program aims to cultivate critical thinkers and global citizens prepared to contribute to a more inclusive and resilient world. Students are encouraged to tailor their studies to their individual interests and backgrounds, fostering a diverse and innovative learning community focused on creating impactful solutions for the built environment. The MLA program is accredited by the National Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB).
Curriculum
The curriculum is structured to build knowledge and skills incrementally, starting with a core foundation in the first year. While the initial year is prescribed, later semesters offer electives allowing students to pursue specific interests, potentially leading to an independent thesis studio. The program centers around design studios that explore various scales and issues in landscape architecture, supported by technical and theoretical courses in areas like computation, fabrication, plant science, and history/theory. Advanced research studios incorporate interdisciplinary content.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3 (for Path 3.0)
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program?
- The program duration varies by your academic background. The longest path is 97 credits for those without a design background, while students with US accredited BLA degrees can complete it in 62 credits (Path 2.0 Advanced) or 61 credits (Path 2.0 for US accredited BS Architecture degrees). Pre-professional backgrounds or non-US accredited degrees take 78 credits (Path 2.5).
- What are the entry requirements for the MLA program?
- The MLA program has different paths based on your previous education. These include non-design backgrounds (Path 3.0), pre-professional landscape architecture or equivalent (Path 2.5), US accredited BLA degrees (Path 2.0 Advanced), and US accredited BS Architecture degrees (Path 2.0). A Bachelor's Degree is required.
- Is the MLA program STEM-designated for international students?
- Yes, the MLA program is STEM-designated. This allows international graduates to apply for the optional practical training (OPT) extension.
- What are the tuition and fees for the MLA program?
- Specific tuition and fees for the MLA program are not detailed in the provided information. General university notes mention a commitment to affordability and support for Virginia residents, but details for graduate international students are not specified.
- How can I apply to the MLA program?
- You can express your interest by joining the graduate program's contact list. It is also recommended to review the Graduate Admission section of the UVA website for detailed application processes, deadlines, and requirements.
- What is the accreditation status of the MLA program?
- The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program at the University of Virginia is accredited by the National Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB).
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeVaries by path: non-design background (Path 3.0), pre-professional LA or equivalent (Path 2.5), US accredited BLA (Path 2.0 Advanced), US accredited BS Architecture (Path 2.0). Specific credit requirements apply to each path.
Students are encouraged to shape their own educational trajectories by integrating their diverse undergraduate backgrounds, intellectual interests, and skills. Dual degrees are available with Architectural History, Architecture, and Urban and Environmental Planning, typically requiring one additional year of study. Graduate Certificates in Historic Preservation and Urban Design are also offered.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition and fees are not specified on the provided pages.
Tuition (home)Tuition and fees are not specified on the provided pages. However, the university offers significant financial aid and tuition support for Virginia residents based on income.
LivingEstimated living costs are not specified on the provided pages.
The University of Virginia is committed to affordability and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for undergraduates. Specific financial aid policies for graduate programs are not detailed here, but general university information highlights support for Virginia families based on income.
How to apply
1. Join the Contact ListExpress your interest by joining the graduate program's contact list.
2. Review Admissions InformationVisit the Graduate Admission section of the UVA website for detailed information on the application process, deadlines, and requirements, which may vary by school.
3. Submit ApplicationApply through the appropriate graduate admissions portal, likely specified by the School of Architecture.
4. Visit UVAConsider visiting the campus to learn more about the program and the university environment.
Accreditation
The Master in Landscape Architecture program is accredited by the National Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB).
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program?
+
The program duration varies by your academic background. The longest path is 97 credits for those without a design background, while students with US accredited BLA degrees can complete it in 62 credits (Path 2.0 Advanced) or 61 credits (Path 2.0 for US accredited BS Architecture degrees). Pre-professional backgrounds or non-US accredited degrees take 78 credits (Path 2.5).
What are the entry requirements for the MLA program?
+
The MLA program has different paths based on your previous education. These include non-design backgrounds (Path 3.0), pre-professional landscape architecture or equivalent (Path 2.5), US accredited BLA degrees (Path 2.0 Advanced), and US accredited BS Architecture degrees (Path 2.0). A Bachelor's Degree is required.
Is the MLA program STEM-designated for international students?
+
Yes, the MLA program is STEM-designated. This allows international graduates to apply for the optional practical training (OPT) extension.
What are the tuition and fees for the MLA program?
+
Specific tuition and fees for the MLA program are not detailed in the provided information. General university notes mention a commitment to affordability and support for Virginia residents, but details for graduate international students are not specified.
How can I apply to the MLA program?
+
You can express your interest by joining the graduate program's contact list. It is also recommended to review the Graduate Admission section of the UVA website for detailed application processes, deadlines, and requirements.
What is the accreditation status of the MLA program?
+
The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program at the University of Virginia is accredited by the National Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB).