The process of urbanization embodies a complex interaction of human and natural systems, one that transforms both our physical and ideological relationship with the earth. This interaction is fundamental to the study of landscape architecture, which engages the inherent cultural and ecological processes through the lens of environmental design. At Auburn, we view the landscape as a medium that both sustains and negotiates our relationship with the earth, and we seek to advance both the field and the profession of landscape architecture with innovative design — come join us in this pursuit.

The Master of Landscape Architecture program is rooted in an academic community within the School of Architecture that values design, scholarship, and community outreach. The curriculum is devised to prepare students with diverse backgrounds for landscape architecture careers in both the public and private sectors, and study here leads to the accredited Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree. Our graduates have set themselves apart as leaders in the workplace and the community with their design strength, critical thinking abilities, awareness of sustainable practices, and strong work ethic.

The School of Architecture comprises degree programs in the allied environmental design and planning disciplines of architecture, community planning, interior architecture, and landscape architecture. The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program adds depth to the other degree programs, while in turn, those programs enrich the MLA. This reciprocity is fostered through interdisciplinary collaboration in teaching, scholarship, and outreach.

Admission Policies

Applicants with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture seeking a second professional degree enter in the fall semester to undertake a year-long course of study. Applicants with a Bachelor of Architecture also enter in the fall semester, and undertake a two-year curriculum. All other applicants must enter during the summer semester via the Landscape Foundation Studio, and will complete a three-year course of study to earn the MLA degree.

The program is allocated several graduate assistantships from the university budget for purposes of helping faculty with teaching and research endeavors. These positions are competitively awarded and provide students with a full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend (approximately $650) for ten hours of work per week. Assistantships are typically assigned in early April for qualified students entering the following fall semester, so prospective students are encouraged to apply before March 1st in order to ensure they are considered for these awards. Additionally, external grant funding often provides research assistantships as determined by on-going research endeavors — these assignments can be made at the start of either fall or spring semesters depending on the grant funding cycle.

As a student in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC), you will be required to pay a professional fee in addition to your normal tuition. This fee is used to support our professional programs in regard to the provision of information technology infrastructure and the general needs of professional instruction. The amount of the professional fee for the 2009-2010 academic year is $2,160 per semester.

Those interested in applying to the program should also visit the website of the Auburn University Graduate School to complete the on-line application form. Applicants will also need to submit academic transcripts and GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores — and for international students, TOEFL scores — directly to the Graduate School. Provisional admission may be granted for one semester to applicants without GRE scores, though these must be obtained during that semester.

In addition, applicants must submit directly to the program chair three (3) letters of recommendation; a 500-word statement of interest in landscape architecture; and a resume of educational and professional experience. Please send these materials to:

Professor Rod Barnett, PhD
Chair, Graduate Program in Landscape Architecture
School of Architecture
Auburn University
430 Dudley Hall
Auburn, AL 36849-5316

Prospective students may also contact the program chair (Professor Barnett) via e-mail at rjb0012@auburn.edu or by phone at 334.844.5449.

The MLA Program offers opportunities to travel both abroad and within the United States. The program participates in the School of Architecture’s Study Abroad Program, which is currently based in Rome, Italy. Students can attend the Rome Program for three weeks during their second and third year of study in the MLA Program.