The profession of landscape architecture embodies both the art and science of design, planning, and management of the land and the natural and man-made elements upon it. The program embraces creative, cultural, philosophical, and scientific knowledge bases as part of the educational requirements for a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture professional degree. The diverse curriculum is designed to prepare students for entry into the profession or graduate studies. The program's educational, community outreach and research efforts are guided by concern for the complex interdependence of the biophysical and cultural landscapes and are focused on the challenges that face the Intermountain West. These challenges include: explosive urban growth accompanied by struggling small towns and rural areas; boom and bust cycles in the mining, ranching, and forestry industries; large federal land ownership; critical shortage of water; environmental degradation; and increased demands for recreational environments.
Landscape architecture in the State of Nevada is defined by the arid landscape, importance of tourism, gaming and related activities, and a fundamentally pragmatic approach to solving problems. The Department of Landscape Architecture and Planning at the University of Nevada Las Vegas is located in a dynamic metropolitan context that integrates unique urban design and significant natural resource challenges.
The professional curriculum prepares students for areas of practice in landscape architecture and planning including site design, urban design, master planning, community planning, regional planning, and natural resource conservation. Graduates of the program are actively engaged in the design and planning of residential communities, institutional complexes, commercial developments, park and recreational lands and facilities, industrial parks, urban spaces, regional and rural districts, and the preservation and restoration of both historic and natural environments.
Course sequences offered within this context include design studios, ecology, plant materials, planting design theory, landscape technologies/construction, landscape media, history, literature, climate, and professional practice, thereby providing students with opportunities to develop critical and creative abilities with a broad environmental perspective.