Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at Colorado State University

    Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at Colorado State University

    Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at Colorado State University

    Colorado State University offers the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Fort Collins , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for landscape architecture and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 21, 2027.

    About Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

    Studying Landscape Architecture at CSU is an adventure. Taking part in a challenging course of study, students prepare themselves for careers in a field whose enormous potential has only begun to be recognized. Landscape Architecture students study design as accomplished landscape architects see it: shaping spaces as well as planning and preserving them.

    Landscape architects lead the stewardship, planning, and design of built and natural environments. Throughout the program, emphasis is on the relationship between design, nature, and society: the impact of environments on the individual as well as the impact of users on the environment. Registration laws for landscape architects in 49 states encourage graduation from programs such as that offered at CSU, which is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

    Landscape architects must analyze the natural elements of a site including the climate, soil, slope of the land, drainage, sunlight, and vegetation. Computer-aided design (CAD) has become an essential tool for landscape architects. Landscape architects often work with building architects, surveyors, engineers, and urban planners and collaborate with environmental scientists, foresters, and other professionals to find the best way to conserve or restore natural resources. Knowledge of appropriate local, state, or federal regulations such as those protecting wetlands or historic resources is essential.

    Nature, culture, form, and space are the classic elements of landscape architecture with which students work in a series of design studies and related courses. Coursework focuses on a variety of landscape projects that grow more complex as the curriculum proceeds. The courses include subjects such as site design, landscape design and construction, surveying, landscape ecology, and urban and regional planning. Other courses specific to the major are history of the designed landscape, plant and soil science, geology, and professional practice. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of summer travel courses available to study highly-valued ecological/cultural sites in Colorado and designed landscapes in Europe.

    CSU offers the only nationally accredited undergraduate professional landscape architecture program in Colorado, via the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB).

    Successful students will demonstrate:

    • Basic problem solving skills and knowledge for comprehensive landscape design that include the following characteristics:
      1. Research of natural systems, cultural systems, users, and precedents
      2. Analysis of related site systems and users
      3. Synthesis, the articulation of formal responses to research and analysis of findings
    • Technical competency in basic landscape architectural methods and communication, including organization of writing, project development, representation, and documentation
    • Fundamental knowledge and skills appropriate to public and private entry-level landscape architecture including:
      1. Application of digital media
      2. Technology applications for analysis and design
      3. Landscape design
      4. Representation for analysis and design

    Disciplines

    Horticulture and Landscape Architecture

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at Colorado State University

    Entry Requirements

    Personal Statement

    What we call a “personal statement” is called the “personal essay” in the Common Application. This short writing piece is your opportunity to help us understand what makes you unique, to share a talent or element of your identity that’s important to you, to describe what you are passionate about, or to highlight an accomplishment you’re proud of.

    Transcripts

    • Submit your most recent transcripts or mark sheets. We will ask for additional materials if necessary.
    • All decisions are provisional until a final, official transcript verifying graduation is received.
    • Only transcripts sent directly from the school or stamped and sealed are considered official.
    • If a record is not in English, a certified literal English translation must accompany the transcript.

    If you need a student visa, you must submit the following items in order to secure an I-20 or DS-2019:

    • Immigration Information Form
    • Copy of the identification page of your passport which must be valid for at least six months beyond the first day of classes.
    • Financial support documents demonstrating the ability to meet or exceed your estimated expenses. Because none of our institutional scholarships cover the full cost of attendance, you must be able to show outside funding.

    Immigration information is not considered in the admission decision.

    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 6
    • TOEFLMin 72

    Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

    Many types of organizations and individuals hire landscape architects – from real estate development firms starting new projects, municipalities constructing airports or parks, to home owners desiring garden designs. Many landscape architects are employed by government agencies doing site design for buildings, parks, and other public assets. Others are involved in park and recreation planning in national parks and forests, and restoration of environmentally damaged landscapes. Since 1998, average salaries for landscape architects exceeded average salaries of architects. Anticipated growth in construction is expected to increase demand for landscape architectural services. Participation in internships and cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance practical training and development. Graduates who go on for advanced studies can attain more responsible positions with the possibility of rising to top professional levels.

    Some examples include: design consultant, private practice business, construction supervisor, land or environmental planner, urban designer, historic preservationist, golf course architect, resort planner.

    Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at Colorado State University

    Application Fee 50

    How to Apply for Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at Colorado State University

    Application Materials

    All applicants for admission must submit an online application, $50 application fee or fee waiver request, and academic transcripts. Freshman/first-year applicants are required to submit a personal statement. The application includes an optional Academic Explanation section for applicants to provide more context for their performance and/or enrollment history. Recommendations and ACT/SAT scores are not required. The Office of Admissions may request additional information before completing a full review of an applicant’s application file.

    Refer to the appropriate application guides for details.

    Application Fee or Fee Waiver

    An application fee is required as part of a complete application; a decision cannot be rendered without it. If payment of the application fee presents a financial hardship, applicants can request a fee waiver.

    Refer to the Office of Admissions website for the application fee refund policy.

    High School Transcript and proof of graduation (or equivalent)

    High school performance, as reflected on a student's transcript(s), is an essential component of the admission decision for all freshman/first-year applicants and for transfer applicants with fewer than 30 post-high school credits.

    High school transcripts for transfer applicants with more than 30 post-high school credits are considered only when needed to satisfy the admission requirement in mathematics.

    All freshman/first year applicants and all transfers with fewer than 60 post-high school college credits must submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent prior to the start of their first semester of enrollment.

    ACT/SAT results

    ACT or SAT test scores are not required. Our review process is individualized, includes a range of academic and personal factors and emphasizes students’ efforts and achievement demonstrated over 3-4 years. Test scores are not given much weight in the admission decision and are not considered at all for scholarships. Students who wish to have their scores considered in the admission decision should email [email protected] with this request.

    ACT or SAT results can be used for composition placement purposes and thus can be helpful to submit by any incoming student before orientation/registration.

    College Transcript(s)

    Freshman/first-year applicants typically are required to submit an official college transcript at the point of application only if college enrollment is being used as their full-time high school curriculum (such as early college, ASCENT and fifth-year programs, and some homeschool curricula). Refer to College-Level Courses Completed by High School Students for additional information.

    Transfer applicants must submit an official college transcript from each college attended, regardless of the type of institution, amount or type of credit earned, and age of the credential, even if the work will be reflected in transfer on another transcript. No part of the previous collegiate record may be disregarded. Failure to include all institutions previously attended may result in the rescinding of admission, loss of credit, or disenrollment. Transcripts reflecting courses taken at vocational-technical institutes or colleges that are not regionally accredited can be helpful documentation and may be required, though they do not qualify an applicant for transfer applicant status or advanced-standing credit. 

    Second Bachelor applicants are only required to submit an official transcript from the college/university from which they earned their first (or most recent) bachelor's degree. Official transcripts from other colleges/universities attended (if applicable) are encouraged if an applicant is seeking a competitive major or to demonstrate explicit pre-requisites for their new degree program.

    Advanced standing credit (transfer credit) is only awarded from an official transcript.

    International Applicants: Additional Requirements

    In addition to the documents outlined above, applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the US also may be prompted to submit the following:

    • A certified English translation of any academic credentials not in English
    • Evidence of English Proficiency to be considered for direct admission
    • An Immigration Information Form, financial support documentation and a copy of the passport identification page for immigration documentation

    Application Timelines 

    Students can begin their enrollment during fall semester (August start), spring semester (January start) or summer term (May/June start; not recommended for freshman/first-year students).

    Applicants are encouraged to apply 6-12 months prior to the start of the term. Freshman/first-year applicants must have completed at least 75% of their high school curriculum (through junior year equivalent) before a decision can be rendered; transfer applicants must have no more than one academic term in progress when a decision is rendered. Second bachelor’s/post-bachelor candidates must be finished with their first degree or in their final term of enrollment with degree pending for a decision to be rendered.

    Refer to the appropriate application guides for more detail about application dates and timelines.

    Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at Colorado State University
    Colorado State University
    Colorado State University
    United States of America

    United States of America, Fort Collins

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