What Kind of Education Does a Landscape Architect Need?

Function

• The general tasks of the landscape architect involve working within the budget guidelines of clients, which may be the city, a private homeowner, privately owned businesses, shopping malls, private and public golf courses, and others. The landscape architect also considers the site and its potential, the impact of seasonal weather and inherent limitations. A landscape architect is responsible for the contractor budget and seeing a project through from beginning to end.

Types

• At a minimum, a landscape architect should receive a Bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, but a Master's degree is highly recommended. Two types of undergraduate degrees are the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and the Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA). The BLA and BSLA take four years, and involve studies in art, design, social and natural science, construction and history. Accredited landscape architecture programs focus on landscape ecology, urban planning, history of landscape design, management and professional practice. Programs may also include surveying, construction, site design and design studio experience with computer-aided design (CAD) and geographic information systems.

Significance

• Most states require a landscape architect to be licensed, but the requirements differ between states. Getting a license may require passing the Landscape Architect Registration Exam (LARE), a college degree and work experience. The LARE involves two main parts, multiple choice and graphic. Taking the exam may require a college degree, in addition to work experience under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect. However, if you do not have a landscape architecture degree, most states offer alternative ways to qualify for taking the LARE. This usually involves more experience.

  According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 15 states currently require that both the LARE and their own state examinations be passed to satisfy registration requirements. State examinations involve knowledge about laws, regulations, soil and plants, and other factors having an impact on local landscape architecture.

Potential

• A landscape architect does not have to be licensed to work for the Federal Government; however, he should have a landscape architecture degree. At a minimum, a landscape architect should also be able to draft and design with CAD software, and complete an internship with a licensed landscape architect.

Warning

• If you acquire a license in one state but want to practice in different state, be sure to check requirements, as they vary from state to state. This is when meeting the national standards of graduating from an accredited program, doing an internship, and passing the LARE will pay off. This will make it possible to obtain certification by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Board and license reciprocity with other states. After passing the exams, a landscape architect works as an apprentice or intern with a landscape architect until he receives his license. To maintain a license, a landscape architect is required in some states to take continuing education, which may involve independent study, workshops or residential college classes.