Landscape Architecture

Admission Requirements:

• Completion of the UC Graduate Admissions Application that requires a non-refundable $65 application fee ($70 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 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. 
• Professional resume, which may also include a link to a digital portfolio. Resume should address unique areas of academic interests, leadership and/or responsibilities (academic history/work history), proclivity toward design, and critical thinking.
• 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 2MB 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. Applicants’ portfolios will be reviewed separately by category – 1) those applicants with no or minimal design background (academically – majors in business, language, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, etc.); and 2) those applicants with design backgrounds (majors in architecture, landscape architecture, graphic design, interior design, etc.).  It is important that entering cohort groups emphasize breadth in academic backgrounds.
• Statement of Interest. This (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. Applicants must address their plan to develop/expand creative expression through design.
• Submission of two letters of recommendation 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. The letter addressing the applicant’s performance must address the applicant’s critical thinking accomplishments. One of the letters must address the applicant’s creative thinking approach to problem solving.
• Applicants interested in a graduate assistantship should upload a one-page (800 word, maximum) 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.

A student’s dossier (application materials) is evaluated first by a representative group of faculty to rank the applicant. Faculty make recommendations to the Program Director on whether students are eligible for advanced standing (those with design backgrounds) to allow waiving of some introductory coursework; however, if waived of a required course, those students must still replace them with credit hours to meet the 72 credit requirements for the MLA degree.

The faculty and Program Director do an evaluation of all student submissions and make a final assessment on advanced standing.  The following criteria are conditions for advanced standing:

• Number of credit hours for studio
• Degree complexity of the studio problems
• Work experience
• GPA
• Experience with digital tools
• Credit in introductory digital communications

The faculty and Program Director do an evaluation of all student submissions and make a final assessment on admission to the MLA program. The following criteria are conditions for admission:

• Demonstration of academic success, work experience competency consistent with a professional path of growth – Resume, Letters of Reference
• Demonstration of creative and critical thinking, and problem-solving ability – Letters of Reference, Statement, Portfolio
• Demonstration of design competency (limited or non-design background) – Portfolio
• Demonstration of design competency at the professional level (design background) – Portfolio
• Work ethic and reliability is evidenced in the application materials – Resume, Letters of Reference, Statement