Landscape Architecture
MSLA
Why study Landscape Architecture?
The Master of Science in Landscape Architecture (MSLA) program is for students with prior LAAB-accredited degrees or extensive practice experience in Landscape Architecture who seek post-professional design studies with a topical focus on issues related to professional practice and evidence-based design in the urban environment. Students will be able to uniquely contextualize complex problems that are defined by large-scale systems of landscape ecologies, urban forces, and social conditions. The program of study includes research methodology and continuous development of inquiry and applied research in its approach to disciplinary knowledge. All graduates will complete a thesis or thesis research project reflecting independent work in their final semester of study.
The curriculum of the post-professional MSLA assumes the applicant has a level of professional education or experience that informs their desire to pursue a particular area of interest related to Landscape Architecture within the interdisciplinary atmosphere of graduate education in DAAP. A BS Landscape Architecture-accredited applicant would be eligible for licensure based on their first LAAB-accredited degree, so the post-professional, non-accredited MSLA at DAAP should be sought to advance an area of specialization with an emphasis on the practice of landscape architecture. The MSLA allows for numerous directed elective courses and certifications that support the development of specialization. This curriculum is therefore a landscape-based, advanced investigation of topics of particular interest to the student that advances and supports research and investigation in the practice of landscape architecture. The MSLA curriculum’s post-co-op coursework capitalizes on the co-op experience, to be followed by the final semester of individual accomplishment of a thesis or thesis project based on scholarly investigation of practice as experienced in cooperative education.
The MSLA degree requirement is 49 credits, and because of its emphasis on the practice of landscape architecture, it requires at least one semester of Cooperative Education (Co-op).
MSLA applicants will indicate their selection of one of two Tracks (49 credits each):
MSLA Track 1: Post-Professional Degree, Interdisciplinary Emphasis w/1 co-op
- Thesis or Thesis Project in collaboration with DAAP programs such as Fine Art, Industrial Design, Transportation Design, Planning, Architecture, or others
- 4 consecutive semesters including 1 co-op
- 25 core credits + 24 elective credits = 49 credits total
- Elective credits to support the thesis or thesis project
MSLA Track 2: Post-Professional Degree, Professional Practice Emphasis w/2 co-ops
- Thesis or Thesis Project on the critical practice of Landscape Architecture
- 5 consecutive semesters including 2 co-ops
- 25 core credits + 24 elective credits = 49 credits total.
- Elective credits to support the thesis or thesis project
Admission Requirements
Application materials must be received prior to January 10th to assure first consideration for a financial award from the School of Planning. Our assistantships and financial awards are merit-based and extremely competitive. The School of Planning will accept applications not requesting financial consideration up to August 1 of each year to begin studies at the end of that month.
- 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
- 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 overall band score on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or above a 54 on the Pearson (PTE).
- All applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a video to the application website that responds to the question supplied in the video portal of the application
- A professional resumé, which may also include a link to a digital portfolio (see below). The resume should list education history, work experience descriptions and history, licensure or other professional credentials, skill levels in computer software, reliable contact information, and unique or significant abilities and interests. The resume may also include a link to a digital portfolio but this must not be substituted for the separate submission of a digital portfolio (see below).
- Applicants are required to submit a digital portfolio which includes writing samples (see below) and design work. In addition to writing and design abilities, the portfolio should display an expression of interests, travel, experiences, creative work, accomplishments, and prior education that demonstrates an affinity with further study in landscape architecture and the MSLA curriculum. If possible, the applicant should provide material in the portfolio that indicates relevance to the applicant’s MSLA Track 1 or MSLA Track 2 selection. 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.
- Writing Sample: Applicants should submit a single pdf of at least one complete paper prepared for an academic course requirement. The selected paper(s) should demonstrate high standards for scholarly writing that include abstract(s), logical frameworks and sequences of thought, credible and ethical documentation, the relevance of sources, critical assessment of data and sources, literature review, and conclusion. If possible, the applicant should provide a writing sample(s) that indicate relevance to the MSLA applicant’s Track 1 or 2 selection.
- Interest Statement for the MSLA (1200 words total, maximum): The applicant should describe (in 1000 words, maximum) their broader goals within the professional discipline of landscape architecture, and why pursuing our Post Professional MSLA degree is the right path toward those goals. The applicant should describe significant academic accomplishments and experiences and their suitability for the curriculum of our MSLA program. In addition to this, the applicant should indicate (in 200 words, maximum) which MSLA Track they are applying for and their scholarship interests and goals relative to that Track. We welcome dialogue with applicants to help them select the appropriate Track. Please contact the MSLA program director to discuss the Track options before completing your application.
- Letter of Interest for Graduate Assistantship: Graduate Assistantships are awarded based on merit and availability of funds. MSLA Graduate Assistants will work with faculty on research and scholarly work for dissemination and course development. The Graduate Assistantship is considered an important learning experience as well as recognition and support for developing the applicant’s skills and abilities. This letter of interest should describe the applicant’s experience in scholarship and teaching.
- Three Letters of Recommendation: Letters on professional letterhead from persons familiar with your potential to complete professional graduate study are required. Because the MSLA degree requires the completion of a scholarly, evidence-based design and a thesis or thesis project, the letters must convey the applicant’s capacity for inquiry, critical thinking, writing, and other aspects of scholarly work that are particular to the applicant’s chosen Track and scholarly interest area. 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 teaching. Letters of recommendation must be submitted directly by references into the application online.
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. Graduates of the MSLA program will be uniquely positioned to obtain employment in a variety of firms in public, private, or academic realms. The specialization confirmed by the graduate's successful completion of cooperative education and a thesis or thesis project will demonstrate in-depth knowledge and skill in contemporary and future-forward areas of practice. MSLA graduates will also be favorably positioned for additional study in PhD or DDes programs.
The Academic Advisor for MSLA students is the MSLA Program Director in collaboration with their thesis Chair or thesis project faculty.
The MSLA at UC is the only post professional 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 MSLA 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 MSLA’s curriculum to develop thesis or thesis project topics that examine best practices in evidence-based design, 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 here:
http://www.uc.edu/careereducation/experience-based-learning/co-op.html
Students gain proactive learning experiences and professional exposure from co-op that accelerate their job searches and help 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, and Planning. The MSLA’s home in the School of Planning in DAAP aligns the MSLA with the contemporary practice of urban studies and planning.
Focus on the urban environment and the critical practice of Landscape Architecture
The MSLA 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. The MSLA curriculum allows for the “value added” option to pursue numerous certifications related to urban design and practice, including Graduate Certificates in Business such as Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Real Estate, and International Business. MSLA students have the opportunity to complete coursework in additional specialization topics such as living architecture, urban agriculture, or graduate certificates at DAAP or in other Colleges.
Focus on Sustainability and Living Architecture
The MSLA 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 MSLA is 01.1103.
The MSLA Program is associated with the international community of living architecture practitioners and researchers, including 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 MSLA 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.
Applicants must select one of two MSLA Tracks. The UC MSLA degree program Track options (49 credits each) are:
MSLA Track 1: Post-Professional Degree, Interdisciplinary Emphasis w/1 co-op
- Thesis or Thesis Project in collaboration with DAAP programs such as Fine Art, Industrial Design, Transportation Design, Planning, Architecture, or others
- 4 consecutive semesters including 1 co-op
- 25 core credits + 24 elective credits = 49 credits total
- Elective credits to support the thesis or thesis project
MSLA Track 2: Post-Professional Degree, Professional Practice Emphasis w/2 co-ops
- Thesis or Thesis Project on the critical practice of Landscape Architecture
- 5 consecutive semesters including 2 co-ops
- 25 core credits + 24 elective credits = 49 credits total.
- Elective credits to support the thesis or thesis project
A total of 24 Elective credits are required to complete either Track of the MSLA degree. Electives support the topic of the thesis or thesis project. Electives for Track 1 will support the study of interdisciplinary public, private, or academic practice of Landscape Architecture, including courses in other DAAP programs, organizational development, or contemporary approaches to sustainability and collaboration. Electives for Track 2 will support the study of the critical practice of Landscape Architecture and may include courses in business, law, related disciplines such as architecture or planning, or other areas of expertise in Landscape Architecture related to public, private, or academic practice.
As a Post-Professional degree, the MSLA curriculum includes the requirement for a thesis or thesis project which concludes with research capstone courses (a 3 credit studio with a companion 3 credit seminar). The thesis or thesis project requires original research with the guidance of a thesis or thesis project committee chaired by a Landscape Architecture faculty member with Graduate Faculty status. The MSLA thesis is the traditional research document prepared according to the UC Graduate School’s rigorous guidelines and requirements. The thesis project is an individual capstone project with expectations for rigorous original research.
Application Deadlines
Application materials must be received prior to January 10th to assure first consideration for a financial award from the School of Planning. Our assistantships and financial awards are merit-based and extremely competitive. The School of Planning will accept applications not requesting financial consideration up to August 1 of each year to begin studies at the end of that month.
The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The MSLA is a post-professional degree and as such, it is not required to be accredited. Applicants seeking an accredited degree in Landscape Architecture may consider our Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program. The MLA degree program has been designed to meet the standards of the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board. Our MLA program was reviewed by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board in April 2021. We were granted Candidacy Status, which is the first of two reviews required for full accreditation. The program will have an Initial Accreditation Review in Spring 2023. For more information about accreditation, please visit this website: https://www.asla.org/accreditationlaab.aspx.
Contact Information
Find related programs in the following interest areas:
Program Code: 23MAS-LAND-MSLA