Master of Landscape Architecture

The Master of Landscape Architecture Degree is made up of three phases:

Segment I: Foundation; Segment II: Integration; and Segment III: Synthesis, and is intended to be completed within three years.

During Foundation, all entering graduate BAC students share their first semester studio and learning experience, and are exposed to broad principles of design thinking affecting Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Interior Design, and Design Studies. Fundamental design concepts, and a common, spatial language is established, as students embark in their discovery process. Courses in history and theory, critical reading and research, design media, including freehand and digital, coupled with interdisciplinary and program specific 2D and 3D sketch and analytical site problems, kick off the beginning of the Master's program.

The second phase of the study, Integration, leads students to a more complex set of spatial problems, from natural, regional systems and urban ecologies, to housing and institutional planning issues, to urban infrastructure, the public realm, and to civic, interdisciplinary buildings and structures. The highly resolved, constructed site parameters encircling these are studied during this Segment. Landscape Architecture technologies, principles of grading and storm water management, site detailing, as well as a deeper comprehension of the social, cultural significance of spatial history and design are explored. Existing methodologies for sustainable thinking, both through research and applications, is a consistent focus of the study. During Integration, students participate in Practice and partake in community work and professional collaboration, and through applied learning begin to observe, refine, and formulate ideas that will further strengthen their Landscape Architectural studies.

The third and final Segment, Synthesis, takes the Master's students through an independent and guided, two semester Thesis research and design proposal that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding, knowledge and mastery of the applied study of Landscape Architecture.

The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) professional degree conferred by the School of Landscape Architecture at the Boston Architectural College will begin its accreditation process with the Landscape Architecture Accrediting Board (LAAB) in the fall of 2012.  LAAB visiting teams are comprised of landscape architectural practitioners, faculty from other programs, and college or higher education administrators from other universities. The visiting teams review programs against the Accreditation Standards and Procedures established by the LAAB Board.