MLA Program

We appreciate your interest in the graduate program at LSU’s Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture. Our program is well established and our graduates routinely find jobs in design and planning firms, governmental agencies, and community-based organizations throughout America and abroad. We offer a curriculum that is design-oriented, with opportunities for involvement in issues that range from those of relevance to the Gulf South region to those of international importance. Our faculty have diverse professional and research interests, and these interests are integrated into the learning experience.

The program of study is rigorous, particularly in the first year. The curriculum becomes more flexible as you advance, with elective classes taken in second and third year. We encourage students to discuss past academic and professional experiences with the Graduate Coordinator to facilitate making the most of the curriculum and students’ interests. Students have three options for their final semester of work: the studio option; independent work with a faculty supervisor; and a written thesis. Students considering the second or third option should begin discussions with Graduate Coordinator as soon as possible in order to begin work in time to meet academic deadlines and requirements of LSU’s Graduate School.

We encourage all potential students to visit our campus, see our facilities, see student work, and meet students and faculty. We routinely schedule an open-house for prospective students in November. Let us know of your interest and we will be sure to add your name to the invitation list. Be sure to contact us if you are planning a visit to ensure your time here is productive.

The following pages describe application procedures, schedule of classes, suggested readings, and a materials list for the first semester’s studio.

Thank you for your interest in our program. Feel free to contact us if you have additional questions about the program, application process, and timelines.

Glenn Allen, MLA

Professor and Graduate Coordinator

Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture

Louisiana State University

Baton Rouge, LA 70804

glennallen@lsu.edu

telephone 225-578-1444

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Students are admitted to the Master of Landscape Architecture program based on their academic qualifications, GRE scores, portfolio of creative work, a statement of intent, and references. The three year professional degree program is open to applicants with undergraduate qualifications in any discipline. Applicants with a first accredited degree in landscape architecture or architecture, including foreign students, may be admitted to the program with advanced standing following consultation with the Graduate Coordinator, and for these students the course of study is two years. Most foreign students, however, enter in first year.

Students are required to have their own personal computer. Specifications can be found elsewhere on this website (at the ‘Education’ tab, see ‘computing’). Also entering students are required to assemble various supplies and materials and that list is here. A list of suggested readings is also included [see end of document].

We admit students only for the fall semester. In evaluating potential students, we strive for diversity in all areas, including geographic origin, academic history, cultural background, and life experiences.

For general application information and procedures, go to the Graduate School’s web page; follow general instructions for application to the Graduate School. Note the following:

* college transcripts, test scores, application forms and fees are sent to the Graduate School;
* the Graduate School’s minimum requirements for test scores: GRE is 1100; TOEFL (required of any student whose native language is not English) is 550 (paper based); 213 (computer-based); or 79 (internet-based);
* if interested in being considered for financial aid, apply for aid through the Graduate School;
* general questions about application procedures should be directed to the Graduate School; specific questions about the landscape architecture program should be directed to the landscape architecture school’s graduate coordinator.

In addition to requirements of the Graduate School, per their instructions, admission to the program in landscape architecture is based on the following additional information, described below. You should send this material directly to the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture (address below):

* portfolio of creative work (hard copy only; up to 24 pages; maximum size 8 1/2” x 11”) including drawings, sketches, photography, past academic/professional design work; portfolio required of students with design degrees; highly recommended for others;
* statement of interest (one page maximum) that discusses your motivation for application;
* letters of reference – three -- addressing your capacity to succeed in a rigorous studio-oriented design curriculum; letters should be brief and reflect the writer’s specific experience with regard to your capacity for graduate school;
* resume (up to two pages) of academic and work experiences;
* you may send copies of your test scores and college transcripts (not required);
* deadline is January 31 for receipt of material to the landscape architecture program; this is earlier than for Graduate School.

Material should be addressed as follows:

Glenn Allen

Graduate Coordinator, Landscape Architecture Program

Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture

302 Design Building, Louisiana State University

Baton Rouge, LOUISIANA 70803

We begin our review of applicants in February and will send preliminary notifications to those selected in order to fill available places as soon as possible. Official acceptance into the program comes from the Graduate School.

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

First Year

Fall Semester
LA 7001 Landscape Design I - 6hrs
LA 1101 Landscape Representation I - 3hrs
LA 2201 Landscape History I - 3hrs
LA 7401 Landscape Ecology - 3hrs

Spring Semester
LA 7002 Landscape Design II - 6hrs
LA 1102 Landscape Representation II - 3hrs
LA 3201 Landscape History II - 3hrs
LA 2301 Landscape Technology I - 3hrs

Second Year

Fall Semester
LA 7003 Landscape Design III - 6hrs
LA 2101 Landscape Representation III - 3hrs
LA 3301 Landscape Technology II - 3hrs
LA 3401 Plant Materials I - 3hrs

Spring Semester
LA 7004 Landscape Design IV - 6hrs
LA 7201 Graduate Research Methods - 3hrs
LA 3302 Landscape Technology III - 3hrs
LA 3402 Plant Materials II - 3hrs

Third Year

Fall Semester
LA 7005 Landscape Design V - 6hrs
LA 4201 Planning Theory and Methods - 3hrs
LA Electives Approved Landscape Electives - 3hrs
Elective Natural Systems Elective - 3hrs

Spring Semester
LA 7006 Landscape Design - 6hrs or Thesis - 6hrs
LA 8000 Thesis
LA 5301 Professional Practice - 3hrs
LA 4501 East/West Coast Trip/Elective - 3hrs
Elective Approved Electives - 3hrs

MATERIALS LIST

Fall 2009: LA 7001/Cathy S. Marshall

Equipment requirements for studio (all materials should be available for each class)

* Drafting Stool/Chair
* Drafting board -- hollow core door
* Borco board cover, color green cover entire door min area coverage 32” x 40”
* Mayline straight edge min length requirement 40” or T-square
* 2 retractable drafting lamps and electric cord
* 45° Triangle, 30°-60° Triangle (large and small)
* Adjustable triangle (large)
* 6” Bow compass
* Architect’s scale, Engineers scale, Metric scale
* Mechanical Push-point Drafting Pencil with leads: 2H, H, B, 2B
* Lead pointer
* Various graphite pencils: 5H, 4H, 3H, 2H, HB, F, B, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B
* Drafting pencils
* Various drafting pens, ink
* Drafting brush
* Scissors
* Erasers grey (graphite), white (ink)
* Eraser shield
* Pounce pad filled with eraser bits
* Templates various circles, ellipses and squares
* Drafting tape (or its cheaper cousin: masking tape)
* Tracing paper in roll
* Newsprint, 18” x 24” pad
* Sketch paper in pad 17” x 24”
* Carbon transfer paper
* Vellum in 24” roll
* Workable fixative
* Sketchbook journal min size 5” x 5” max 11” x 17”

Suggested drawing materials

* Vine charcoal
* Charcoal pencils in various grade of hardness H, B, and 2B
* Graphite sticks HB, B
* Conte crayons
* Pastel, oil or chalk
* Watercolors and brushes
* India inks and brushes
* Heavy weight drawing paper 18”x24” pad, 30”x44” sheets [Bristol board, Arches cold press or Stonehenge warm white ]
* Bone folder

Required modeling materials

* Exacto & box of #11 blades
* Straight edge with core backing (thumb guard optional)
* Cutting board or mat,
* Tacky glue, such as: sobo, Elmer’s, wood glue, etc…
* Utility knife with snap blades or razor blades
* Chip board, colored brown 1/32”, 1/16” ply (may be referred to 1 ply or 2 ply)
* Bristol board
* Non-hardening modeling clay, plaster, cement, resin
* Plexiglas, plastics, etc…

Other materials may be required during the semester.

MLA Program

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

First Year

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Second Year

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Third Year

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

SUGGESTED READINGS

MATERIALS LIST

Fall 2009: LA 7001/Cathy S. Marshall

Equipment requirements for studio (all materials should be available for each class)

Suggested drawing materials

Required modeling materials