Dual Master's Programs with Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)/ Master of Architecture (MArch)

The Master of Landscape Architecture Program in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning and the Master of Architecture Program in the Department of Art, Architecture, and Art History offer a dual degree program for students to earn a dual Master of Landscape Architecture /Master of Architecture degree within three years of full-time study.  Many positions in the municipal as well as private sector can best be filled by persons who possess the knowledge and skills of landscape and building design.  It permits the mastery of core knowledge and skills in both areas in three years for students with a previous degree in one of the two disciplines or after the completion of a preparatory year. This is a reduction from the four years or more that would otherwise be required to complete each of the degrees individually. It does so by eliminating duplicative coursework in analytical methods and general concentration electives.   Students will spend two semesters of full-time study in each department, then divide remaining coursework between the two programs, including a joint research thesis or project. The MArch core curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong technical foundation and intensive studio and skill training, applicable to a wide variety of design issues.  The MLA core is based on combining theoretical, historical, cultural, environmental, and technical dimensions of landscape architecture with emphasis on practice through studio and service to nearby communities. The three-year dual degree program would offer its students a rich educational experience in many areas of design and planning, including sustainable development, site plan analysis and implementation, community-based design and planning, information technology and other new tools and techniques (e.g., GIS, LEED, etc.). The MLA/MArch dual degree program will provide graduates with comprehensive education for professional careers in ecological design and development in the public, nonprofit and private sectors.  Students must apply to, and be admitted to both programs, and must meet satisfactory academic progress requirements for each program.  Prior to admission, students are encouraged to complete introductory courses in design skills and techniques to prepare for the MArch and MLA curricula.

Master of Regional Planning (MRP)/ Master of Architecture (MArch)

The Master of Regional Planning in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning and the Master of Architecture Program in the Department of Art, Architecture, and Art History offer a dual degree program for students to earn a dual Master of Regional Planning/Master of Architecture degree within three years of full-time study.  The professions of planning and architecture are intertwined in numerous ways. Many positions in the municipal as well as private sector can best be filled by persons who possess the joint knowledge and skills of plan and design review.  While there is a strong relationship between architecture and planning in most other parts of the world, the connection has historically been much less institutionally strong in the United States. This dual degree program is one of only a handful in the nation. Students will spend two semesters of full-time study in each program, dividing remaining coursework between the two programs. The MArch core is designed to provide students with a strong technical foundation and intensive studio and skill training, applicable to a wide variety of design issues.  The MRP core is based on combining theoretical, historical, social, political, and technical dimensions of planning practice with emphasis on practice through studio and service to nearby communities. The three-year dual degree program  offers students a rich educational experience in many areas of design and planning, including sustainable development, site plan analysis and implementation, community-based design and planning, information technology and other new tools and techniques (e.g., GIS, LEED, etc.). The MRP/MArch degree program will provide its graduates with comprehensive education for professional careers in policy, planning, design and development in the public, nonprofit and private sectors.  Students must apply to, and be admitted to both programs, and must meet satisfactory academic progress requirements for each program.  Prior to admission, students are encouraged to complete introductory courses in design skills and techniques to prepare them for the MArch curriculum.

For additional information regarding Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning degree options, refer to that section of this Bulletin.