Design activities range from residential and commercial properties to community facilities to regional landscapes. People attracted to landscape design have a wide range of interests including concern for the environment, biological science, art and architecture, horticulture and public service. Preparation for the Major Students interested in landscape design should follow a high school program which will prepare them for college level study. Additional courses in art, the natural sciences, architectural drafting and computer science are helpful but not mandatory. Summer work experience in a construction trade or a landscape nursery is especially beneficial.
Some students opt to supplement the landscape design major with a second major in a related field.
A second major can be useful if the student desires more specialization or has a specific employment opportunity in mind. A second major typically adds at least one year to the graduation process. The College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences and the university course requirements provide a broad base of knowledge upon which the landscape design curriculum is built. Technical support courses and electives are very important because they add breadth to the curriculum and allow the student to specialize in subject areas of special interest. Studios are located in the Northern Plains Biostress Laboratory, and computers and a blueprint machine are conveniently available for student use.