Presently, approximately 5,600 students attend accredited, first-professional landscape architecture programs in the United States and Canada, including more than 900 at the master's level. Generally, course work for a first professional degree in landscape architecture encompasses design studios, art history, construction techniques, plant identification, grading and drainage, and the natural and social sciences, such as botany, geology and sociology. State laws in 46 states require that professionals obtain a license before practicing as a landscape architect. Licensing states require successful completion of the rigorous, three-day, uniform national examination before granting licensure. Often states require a degree from a professional landscape architecture program before allowing a candidate to take the exam.
Some states also require work experience.
ASLA is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 1999 and represents over 13,000 members nationwide. Landscape architecture is a comprehensive discipline of land analysis, planning, design, management, preservation, and rehabilitation. Landscape architects hold undergraduate or graduate degrees and are licensed in 46 of the 50 states. Every year only 1,200 to 1,300 students graduate with a degree in landscape architecture. This number has held steady in the last few years, despite the strong job market.