Landscape Architecture
MLA
Why study Landscape Architecture?
The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program at the University of Cincinnati (UC) is founded on the contemporary practice of landscape architecture and its broad applications of regenerative planning, design, and stewardship, and the synthesis of art and science to balance human activity with natural systems.
The Master of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Cincinnati is distinguished by Cooperative Education (Co-op). Our MLA program is the only one in the nation to require a full semester of co-op study. The licensed profession of landscape architecture has led the way in sustainable landscape design for more than 100 years. Our alumni are leading projects to implement urban design and green infrastructure, reclaim exhausted and damaged lands, revitalize neighborhoods, enhance community development, and advance projects of local significance.
A uniqueness to our MLA program is that it can be completed in two-years through six-consecutive semesters that includes 5 semesters on campus and one semester co-op experience with these six consecutive semesters saving students an entire year cost of living expenses vs those 3-year programs.
Applications for Fall 2025 start are open.
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements:
- Completion of the UC Graduate Admissions Application that requires a non-refundable $65 application fee ($5 surcharge for international applicants)
- 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale at most recently attended academic institution
- Unofficial transcript(s) from all colleges/universities attended. Note: Official transcripts are not required during the admissions process, and only unofficial transcripts are required for the application. Applicants should not send official transcripts until they are offered admission. For complete requirements please view UC's Official Transcript Policy for Enrollment.
- Applicants from outside the U.S. are required to have test scores higher than the following minimums for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 84-85 (internet-based), 223 (computer-based), or 563 (paper-based). Other acceptable scores include above a 6.5 minimum on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or above a 54 on the Pearson (PTE). The Duolingo English Test is also accepted. We also strongly recommend that international applicants submit a video to the application website that demonstrates English proficiency.
- A professional resumé, which may also include a link to a digital portfolio (see below).
- Applicants are required to submit a digital portfolio. In addition to design work, a portfolio displays an expression of interests, travel, experiences, creative work, accomplishments, and prior education that demonstrates an affinity with landscape architecture. Applicants may upload an e-portfolio no larger than 2 MB into the online University Application. Alternatively, applicants may upload a PDF that includes a link to portfolios larger than 2MB. We do not accept hard copies of portfolios.
- A statement of interest. This paper (800 words, maximum) should describe the applicant’s broader goals within the professional discipline of landscape architecture, and why pursuing an MLA degree is the right path. The applicant should describe significant academic accomplishments and experiences.
- Submission of three letters of recommendation (two minimum) from persons familiar with your potential to complete professional graduate study. At least one recommendation should be from an academic reference who can address the applicant’s academic performance. If the applicant is applying for graduate assistantship support, at least one recommendation should address the applicant’s competence or potential abilities to contribute to research and/or teaching. These letters must be submitted by references online.
- Applicants interested in a graduate assistantship should upload a one-page description of relevant skills and knowledge (such as teaching experience, computer programming, design software, languages, drafting/design, and knowledge of research tools) that could be utilized as a graduate assistant. The applicant should describe how these skills have been used in prior academic/work experiences.
The profession of landscape architecture has led the way in sustainable design for more than 100 years. From residential gardens to regional plans, the practice of landscape architecture spans the spectrum of human intervention on the land and the stewardship of the earth’s natural resources. Landscape architects are leading projects of global significance in private, public, and academic practice settings.
The MLA at UC is the only advanced degree in landscape architecture with a cooperative education requirement. UC’s unique cooperative education program combines academic semesters of study in landscape architecture with placement in professional work environments, thereby creating a program structure that balances academic inquiry with industry application to foster and develop robust professional knowledge and judgment. By graduation, an MLA student will have worked at least one full semester directly in the field of landscape architecture in North America or internationally, for a full-time employer gaining hands-on experience. This work experience is built directly into the MLA’s curriculum, providing graduates with a significant advantage in the post-graduation job market and a head start on internship requirements for licensure. The UC approach to cooperative education is further described on UC's Career Education website.
Students gain proactive learning experiences and professional exposure from the co-op that accelerates their job searches and helps them define the area of practice for which they are best suited.
Location within the School of Planning and the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP)
DAAP programs in allied fields and disciplines are top-ranked and accessible to students in the MLA program. This includes Fine Arts, Industrial and Transportation Design, Architecture, Planning, and Urban Design. The MLA’s home in the School of Planning in DAAP aligns the MLA with the contemporary practice of urban design.
Focus on the urban environment and the critical practice of Landscape Architecture
The MLA at DAAP focuses on the urban environment, the scene of habitation for the majority of the world’s population, to provide maximum relevance and preparation for practice. MLA students have the opportunity to complete certificates, including graduate certificates at DAAP or in other Colleges.
Focus on Sustainability and Living Architecture
The MLA curriculum is closely linked to the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES®). Our students get training from GBCI, Inc. certified instructors to prepare them to become SITES Accredited Professionals (SITES AP). We are also affiliated with the SITES® Community Partners and the Biophilic Cities Network. The STEM CIP code for the MLA is 01.1103.
This STEM program is an immersive experience with a curriculum that promotes the synthesis of art and science to balance human activity with natural systems.
The MLA Program is associated with the Greater Ohio Living Architecture Center, which is one of three Regional Centers of Excellence in North America designated by the Green Infrastructure Foundation and Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. Our MLA students are trained by Accredited Green Roof Professionals (GRP) and have access to free and discounted resources with these organizations, including GRP training and the School of Planning's Green Roof Certificate.
MLA: 72 credits, First-Professional Degree for 6 consecutive semesters including one co-op experience.
Application Deadlines
We strongly suggest that application materials be received prior to January 10 to assure first consideration for a financial award from the program. Our assistantships and financial awards are merit-based and extremely competitive.
Our LAAB accredited Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program will help prepare you for leadership and interdisciplinary teamwork that will sustain the urban, regional, and global landscape in a prosperous and dynamic equilibrium. As a first-professional degree program, the MLA provides the body of knowledge common to the profession and promotes the acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary to enter the professional practice of landscape architecture.
The LAAB is the accrediting organization for landscape architectural programs. As such, the LAAB develops standards to objectively evaluate landscape architectural programs and judges whether a school’s landscape architectural program is in compliance with the accreditation standards.
The LAAB is comprised of landscape architecture practitioners and academicians, representatives from landscape architecture collateral organizations and public representatives. The collateral organizations are the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) and Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA).
For more information about accreditation, please visit this website: https://www.asla.org/accreditationlaab.aspx.
Contact Information
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Program Code: 23MAS-LAND-MLA