Landscape architecture combines art, natural sciences, and social and cultural disciplines with a strong design and conceptual base. Concern for the environment and the quality of life in our urban and rural surroundings is at the heart of the profession's purpose. The curriculum uses the Lower Mississippi Valley as a laboratory for study of the roles of nature, culture, and individuals in shaping the built environment through design. Investigations include how and why landscapes evolve and the relationship of the landscape architect to change in natural environments and human settlements. Course formats include studios, seminars, lectures, and field study.
Independent study is encouraged.
The school offers graduate work to students with degrees in other fields and students with undergraduate degrees in landscape architecture who want to enhance their professional development through advanced study. The program for students with an undergraduate degree in landscape architecture requires 30 semester hours of graduate-level course work and six hours of thesis research. The program for students without a background in landscape architecture consists of a maximum of 37 hours of background preparation courses, in addition to 30 hours of graduate-level course work and six hours of thesis research. Students with prior experience or appropriate academic background may receive advanced standing credit. This sequence usually takes three years to complete.