High School

To prepare for a college program in landscape architecture, you should take courses in English composition and literature; social sciences, including history, government, and sociology; natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, and physics; art; computer-aided design; and mathematics. If available, take drafting and mechanical drawing courses to begin building the technical skills needed for the career.

Postsecondary Training

A bachelors or masters degree in landscape architecture is usually the minimum requirement for entry into this field. Undergraduate and graduate programs in landscape architecture are offered in various colleges and universities. For a list of programs that are accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), visit https://www.asla.org/schools.aspx.

Courses of study usually focus on six basic areas of the profession: landscape design, landscape construction, plants, architecture, graphic expression (mechanical, freehand, and computer-based drawings), and verbal expression.

Hands-on work is a crucial element to the curriculum. Whenever possible, students work on real projects to gain experience with computer-aided design programs and multimedia simulation.

Certification

Colleges and universities and online learning platforms offer certificate programs in landscape architecture and emerging technology (e.g., AI, augmented reality) that is increasingly used by landscape architects. For example, the University of Southern California offers a graduate certificate in landscape architecture to students who complete the following classes: Urban Ecology, Plant Ecology + Identification, Global History of Designed Landscape, and Cross Cultural Topics in Landscape Architecture History. Certificate programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

The ASLA offers a variety of continuing education (CE) classes that cover topics such as green roofs, site planning, security design, and historic preservation. The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects also offers CE opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

All states require landscape architects to be licensed or registered, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The American Society of Landscape Architects offers links to state licensing boards on its Wen site, https://www.asla.org/StateGovtAffairsLicensure.aspx. To obtain licensure, applicants must pass the Landscape Architect Registration Examination, sponsored by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB). Though standards vary by state, most require applicants to have a degree from an accredited program and to be working toward one to four years of experience in the field. In addition, some states require prospective landscape architects to pass another exam that tests knowledge of local environmental regulations, vegetation, and other characteristics unique to the particular state. Because these standards vary, landscape architects may have to reapply for licensure if they plan to work in a different state. However, in many cases, workers who meet the national standards and have passed the exam are granted the right to work elsewhere. For more information on licensing, contact the CLARB (https://www.clarb.org) or the ASLA (https://www.asla.org).

Landscape architects working for the federal government need a bachelors or masters degree but do not need to be licensed.

To obtain state licensing, applicants must have one to four years of experience as an architect.

To be a successful landscape architect, you should be interested in art and nature and have good business sense, especially if you hope to work independently. Interest in environmental protection, community improvement, and landscape design is also crucial for the profession. You should also be flexible and be able to think creatively to solve unexpected problems that may develop during the course of a project. Other important traits include good communication and organizational skills, strong analytical abilities, and skill at using computer applications and other technology, including computer-aided design software, GIS technology, advanced AI, and augmented and virtual reality.