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. Most undergraduate landscape architecture degree students go on to enter private practice, a smaller percentage work for the government or multidisciplinary firms and a few seek further education. 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.
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.