Landscape Architecture Accreditation Information
LAAB Requirements
The professional program must provide a comprehensive disclosure about the professional program’s status and performance as set forth in Standard 1.E within a single-click link from the professional program’s website.
1.E. Program Disclosure
A professional program shall accurately disclose the following information about each landscape architecture degree in its literature, in its promotional media, and on its website:
- the professional program’s mission, objectives, and goals,
- accreditation status,
- estimated cost of attendance, including fellowship, assistantship, and scholarship opportunities and other financial support options to reduce the cost of attending,
- student retention and graduation rates,
- number of degrees granted per year,
- percentage of students with timely graduation,
- list of required and optional materials and equipment and provides an estimated cost as well as available shared resources or alternative access,
- supplemental and experiential learning opportunities associated costs and potentially available subsidies,
- i. post-graduation employment,
- number of licensed faculty, and
- in accordance with the Higher Education Act, disclose whether or not the program meets the educational requirements for licensure eligibility in each U.S. state
What is Landscape Architecture?
Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board Public Information Policy
LAAB accredited programs are required to provide reliable information to the public. This information is intended to help potential students make informed application decisions.
Mission
The mission of the Landscape Architecture Program at Colorado State University is to prepare students to enter professional practice through a studio-based design education centered on the development of foundational skills and knowledge, exploration of processes, and fluency in current technologies employed in design practice, and to benefit the University’s constituents and the public through education, research, and outreach.
Accreditation
In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program and some type/length of apprenticeship as a prerequisite for licensure. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is the sole agency authorized to accredit US professional degree programs in landscape architecture – The Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture degree program at Colorado State University is fully accredited by the ASLA.
Licensure Requirements
Landscape Architecture licensure requirements vary by state. Visit the ASLA website state licensure page read the ASLA fact sheet PDF to review licensure requirements by state.
Other Accredited Programs
Visit the American Society of Landscape Architects website to learn more.
Number of Licensed Faculty
Two of the five current faculty members are licensed in landscape architecture.
Licensure Eligibility
Our program meets the educational requirements for licensure eligibility in each U.S. State.
Students
Student Retention
Student retention is a priority of the program. Experiential learning and team-teaching initiatives encourage students to become committed to their professional and social development through the curriculum sequence. Lower division courses introduce students to the profession (history, theory, representation, design process) allowing students to make informed decisions about their academic direction. Lower division studios typically have enrollment around 35 students.
Graduation Rates
Upper division coursework explores contemporary practice and expands knowledge, skills, and abilities for the profession. The program typically awards 20-24 degrees each academic year. Most students seek private or public office experience as they enter practice. Generally, each year, 2-3 recent graduates pursue advanced degrees in landscape architecture or a related discipline.
The four-year curriculum sequence builds on transferrable knowledge and skills and is structured to encourage each cohort to move forward as a studio group. Most students (75%+/-) complete the curriculum in 4 years (9 semesters, including a 4-week summer semester field experience).
Supplemental and Experiential Learning Opportunities
In 2017, the landscape architecture faculty and the program’s external advisory boards collaborated to conceive the Landscape Architecture Externship Program. The program was officially established in 2018 and has since become an annual offering available to all students, providing an immersive experience lasting two to five days at prominent landscape architecture and municipal offices. This unique opportunity allows students to engage firsthand with the daily operations of these organizations and begin building a solid network in the industry. Past participating offices include:
Landscape Architecture Offices: BHA Design, Civitas, Davis Partnership, Design Concepts, DHM Design, Didier Design Studio, Dig Studio, DTJ Design, Hord Coplan Macht, Logan Simpson, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Norris Design, Ripley Design, Russell + Mills, Clauson Rawley Associates, Stantec, Wenk Associates,
Municipal Offices: City of Fort Collins Planning, City of Fort Collins Park Planning and Development, Town of Severance Planning, City of Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority.
Award Opportunities
ASLA Honor and Merit Awards
Up to 6 awards
Certificates of Honor and Merit awarded to graduating landscape architecture students who have demonstrated outstanding potential for contributions to the profession.
Mark Allen Kauzlarich Memorial Award
Awarded to a graduating student who has demonstrated the greatest improvement in skills and capabilities.
Amy Rose Brobst Scholarship Award
Awarded to an outstanding returning student.
Gerald Paul Monger Senior Award
Awarded to a graduating student for highest academic achievement.
Outstanding Senior Award
Awarded to the most outstanding graduating students in each program in the Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Department.
Russell L. Butler II Scholarship Award
Awarded to an outstanding returning student.
Landscape Architecture Exemplary Leadership Award
Awarded to a graduating student who has demonstrated extreme dedication and service to the program.