Landscape Architecture encompasses the analysis, planning, design, management and stewardship of the natural and built environment through science and design, and is a profession that is broad in scale and scope. Landscape Architects receive training in site design, historic preservation, and planning as well as the technical scientific areas such as grading, drainage, horticulture and environmental sciences. With this diverse background, Landscape Architects possess a unique blend of abilities to help address important local, regional, and national priorities.

Students will develop skills such as gaining a sensitivity to landscape quality, understanding of the arts and a humanistic approach to design, having the ability to analyze problems in terms of design and physical form, gain technical competence to translate a design into a built work, and formulate skills in all aspects of professional practice including management and professional ethics.

Landscape Architects plan and design traditional places such as parks, residential developments, campuses, gardens, cemeteries, commercial centers, resorts, transportation facilities, corporate and institutional centers and waterfront developments. They also design and plan the restoration of natural places disturbed by humans such as wetlands, stream corridors, mined areas and forested land. Their appreciation for historic landscapes and cultural resources enables Landscape Architects to undertake preservation planning projects for national, regional and local historic sites and areas.

Working with architects, city planners, civil engineers and other professionals, landscape architects play an important role in environmental protection by designing and implementing projects that respect both the needs of people and of our environment.