Landscape Architecture

MFA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of Final Thesis Project.
• Minimum grade of C in all required 63 units.
• Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Additional Information

• Graduate Liberal Arts

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

MFA Thesis Project

• Present an original thesis concept worthy of the MFA degree
• Demonstrate the feasibility and relevance of the thesis project
• Produce a comprehensive project that contributes to the design community, demonstrating advanced landscape architecture planning and design skills

Design Proposals

• Demonstrate command of the key principles, systems, and elements of design that inform two- and three- dimensional planning and design as well as composition
• Make effective and appropriate planning and design choices at a variety of scales
• Produce defensible planning and design proposals

Research and Design Process

• Produce comprehensive site inventory research and analysis
• Integrate findings from the site inventory and analysis to develop appropriate planning and design proposals
• Display a working knowledge of the historical influences and theoretical principles of landscape planning and design
• Incorporate appropriate public policy, law, codes and standards in the planning and design process
• Natural Systems: Identify the indigenous natural systems, components and processes found on a given site and incorporate findings into planning and design proposals
• Human & Social Factors: Demonstrate understanding of the diverse needs, values and customs of the communities and individuals active at the site by incorporating findings into planning and design proposals

Design Development

• Evaluate and select materials that will enhance the qualities of a given site as well as provide for the programmatic requirements
• Demonstrate an understanding of site development and site engineering as appropriate to the site design (grading, drainage, planting design and hardscape development)
• Apply principles and strategies of sustainability to planning and design decisions

Communication Skills

• Consolidate research and present ideas in concise and convincing verbal, written and graphic presentations
• Utilize appropriate media, including computer graphics and freehand drawing to communicate thinking process and planning and design proposals

Professional Readiness

• Produce a professional portfolio demonstrating technical and problem-solving skills that reflect professional expectations
• Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of landscape architecture on the stewardship of the environment
• Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical issues involved in landscape architectural planning, design and practice

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
8. Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs as well as collaborative, civic and pro bono projects.

MA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of Final Portfolio Review.
• Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
• Minimum grade of C in all required 36 units.

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Design Proposals

• Demonstrate basic command of the key principles, systems, and elements of design that inform two- and three- dimensional planning and design as well as graphic composition
• Produce defensible design and planning proposals that reflect an awareness of the historical, ecological and climatic factors of a given site
• Creatively solve planning and design problems

Research and Design Process

• Conduct sufficient research and analyze findings at appropriate junctures in the planning and design process
• Explore sufficient concepts and alternatives, and test them against relevant criteria and standards

Natural Systems

• Identify and evaluate key features and processes found on a site (such as soil types, individual plant species, plant communities, wildlife, climatic conditions, and hydrology) to determine design opportunities and constraints

Human and Social Factors

• Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities that exist between human behavior and outdoor space in planning and design proposals

Technical Systems and Materials

• Apply the principles of sustainability when planning and designing grading and drainage plans
• Select and evaluate materials that will both enhance the aesthetic and ecological qualities of a given site and provide for the programmatic requirements of the client and/or user group

History, Theory, and Criticism

• Demonstrate an awareness of fundamental design traditions, ideas, and influences in planning and design proposals

Visual and Verbal Communication

• Consolidate research and present ideas in concise and convincing verbal and written presentations
• Successfully apply various graphic media to clearly communicate ideas and concepts that reflect the design process and project proposals

Professional Readiness

• Produce a professional portfolio demonstrating their skills and design process

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
8. Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs as well as collaborative, civic and pro bono projects.