Major in Landscape Architecture

Studying Landscape Architecture at CSU is an adventure. Taking part in a challenging course of study, students prepare themselves for careers in a field whose enormous potential has only begun to be recognized. Landscape Architecture students study design as accomplished landscape architects see it: shaping spaces as well as planning and preserving them.

Landscape architects lead the stewardship, planning, and design of built and natural environments. Throughout the program, emphasis is on the relationship between design, nature, and society: the impact of environments on the individual as well as the impact of users on the environment. Registration laws for landscape architects in 49 states encourage graduation from programs such as that offered at CSU, which is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Landscape architects must analyze the natural elements of a site including the climate, soil, slope of the land, drainage, sunlight, and vegetation. Computer-aided design (CAD) has become an essential tool for landscape architects. Landscape architects often work with building architects, surveyors, engineers, and urban planners and collaborate with environmental scientists, foresters, and other professionals to find the best way to conserve or restore natural resources. Knowledge of appropriate local, state, or federal regulations such as those protecting wetlands or historic resources is essential.

Nature, culture, form, and space are the classic elements of landscape architecture with which students work in a series of design studies and related courses. Coursework focuses on a variety of landscape projects that grow more complex as the curriculum proceeds. The courses include subjects such as site design, landscape design and construction, surveying, landscape ecology, and urban and regional planning. Other courses specific to the major are history of the designed landscape, plant and soil science, geology, and professional practice. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of summer travel courses available to study highly-valued ecological/cultural sites in Colorado and designed landscapes in Europe.

CSU offers the only nationally accredited undergraduate professional landscape architecture program in Colorado, via the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB).

Learning Objectives

1. Design Process and Methodology: 
   Formulate a range of approaches to analyze and evaluate landscapes to develop material, spatial, and temporal landscape compositions, site-specific design solutions, and other creative responses grounded in the natural, physical, and social sciences that address aesthetic, environmental, and social issues and goals. 
2. History and Theory:
   Demonstrate a critical understanding of, and application of, the histories, theories, and practices of landscape architecture and environmental planning, and their role in reflecting and shaping culture and environments regionally, nationally, and globally. 
3. Systems, Processes, and Resilience (Natural and Cultural): 
   Demonstrate an understanding of ecological systems, economic systems, and diverse human cultures in a global context to make thoughtful decisions regarding environmental resilience, human health, and overall well-being. 
4. Communication and Representation: 
   Listen, speak, write, create, and employ appropriate traditional and digital representational tools and technology to convey ideas to a variety of audiences. 
5. Construction, Materials, and Methods: 
   Demonstrate a critical understanding of material selection, methods of assembly, and landscape architecture practices necessary to translate conceptual ideas into construction documents. 
6. Professionalism and Professional Practice: 
   Demonstrate professionalism and an understanding of the legal and ethical responsibilities and role of landscape architects to safeguard human health, safety, and public welfare through the practice of landscape architecture. 
7. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: 
   Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion as they relate to the field of landscape architecture and apply this understanding to a design process. 

Potential Occupations

Many types of organizations and individuals hire landscape architects – from real estate development firms starting new projects, municipalities constructing airports or parks, to home owners desiring garden designs. Many landscape architects are employed by government agencies doing site design for buildings, parks, and other public assets. Others are involved in park and recreation planning in national parks and forests, and restoration of environmentally damaged landscapes. Since 1998, average salaries for landscape architects exceeded average salaries of architects. Anticipated growth in construction is expected to increase demand for landscape architectural services. Participation in internships and cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance practical training and development. Graduates who go on for advanced studies can attain more responsible positions with the possibility of rising to top professional levels.

Some examples include: design consultant, private practice business, construction supervisor, land or environmental planner, urban designer, historic preservationist, golf course architect, resort planner.

Effective Spring 2025