Master of Landscape Architecture
Ecologically centered and research-led, the Master of Landscape Architecture program at WashU critically engages with the global challenges of our time.
Your experience here—from collaborative projects to research assistantships—will model emergent, real-world conditions with St. Louis and the Mississippi River watershed as a studio.
As an MLA student in the Sam Fox School at WashU, your studies will focus on:
- water-based and riverine adaptations
- urban and ecological networks
- environmental and social justice
- climate change and extreme weather, and
- community engagement.
Chair, Landscape Architecture | Raymond E. Maritz Professor of Architecture
LAAB-Accredited & STEM-Designated Landscape Architecture Program
MLA Program at a Glance
Program Tracks
- MLA 3
- MLA 2
- Dual Degree Options
Credits
- 60 credits (MLA 2)
- 90 credits (MLA 3)
Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Full and partial tuition scholarships
- Fellowships
- Paid assistantships
- Loans
Facilities and Shops
- Digital fabrication studio
- Wood shops
- Metal shop
- Ceramics shop
- and more
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) Curriculum
The MLA program at WashU is built around a combination of studios and seminars that are pragmatic, with an experimental and interdisciplinary approach and inspired by faculty research. Students are equipped with emerging methodologies to immediately engage 21st century landscape architecture practices that address rapidly changing ecological, technological, and social dynamics.
Learn more about the Master of Landscape Architecture curriculum.
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) Program Tracks
Students may pursue either a two-year or three-year Master of Landscape Architecture program. Both are STEM-designated and LAAB-accredited. Students may also choose to pursue a dual degree with architecture or urban design to broaden their education at the graduate and post-professional level.
Socially Engaged Practice and MLA Travel Opportunities
While deeply committed to the St. Louis region and our unique position at the center of the fourth largest watershed in the world, our students and faculty engage in meaningful, impactful research and projects locally, nationally, and globally.
Office for Socially Engaged Practice
MLA students can participate in a wide variety of courses, fellowships, workshops, projects, and programming offered through the Sam Fox School’s Office for Socially Engaged Practice during the academic year and summer months that meaningfully engage in community-driven work.
Career Paths for MLA Graduates
Graduates of the MLA program at WashU earn an accredited professional degree in landscape architecture, allowing them to become registered landscape architects. Specialists from WashU’s Center for Career Engagement work with MLA students from the start of their time in the Sam Fox School to provide resources and opportunities that will build their professional network and prepare them for rewarding, impactful careers. Learn more about career advising and our alumni.
A through-line in Tom Klein’s career has been thinking about how infrastructural systems can be reimagined so that they take a more holistic approach to designing for human and non-human needs.
L. Irene Compadre is the founding principal and design director of Arbolope Studio, an experimental, design-forward, sustainability-minded, and socially engaged design firm.
Landscape Architecture Scholarships & Financial Aid
MLA Admissions Requirements
Students with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, landscape architecture, or in any major are welcome to apply. Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores for admission to our MLA program. Connect with a graduate recruitment specialist for any questions about applying.
Master of Landscape Architecture Application
Application opens
September 1
Application fee starts
December 15
Application due
January 3
Materials required
- Curriculum vitae
- Transcripts
- Personal essays (2)
- Portfolio
- References
- English test scores (international students only)
- Application fee (free through December 14)
Graduate Recruitment Specialist, Architecture
Preparing your MLA Portfolio
Students are asked to submit a digital portfolio showing 10-12 examples of design work or work in the visual arts. The work represented in the portfolio should be the best examples of your efforts. For more information about putting together your portfolio, visit the admissions page, attend an upcoming virtual event, or reach out to us.
As you put together your portfolio, get inspiration from the work of our Master of Landscape Architecture students.