Master of Landscape Architecture

Create Vibrant,

Sustainable

Landscapes

Florida—It’s where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean and the Everglades meet Miami. It’s where cultures and generations mix. Where agriculture, space flight, development, tourism, and health care shape the economy.

This dynamic environment is also home to the intellectual powerhouse of the University of Florida. It attracts researchers, scholars, and artists to a community relentlessly focused on solving today’s most complex problems, from climate change to AI to social justice.

Apply Today

Request Info

Download MLA Handbook

Student Learning Outcomes

The University of Florida Experience

When you choose to extend your creativity and scholarship to a master’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Florida, you acquire the research skills and problem-solving depth to:

Conserve fragile ecosystems in Florida and around the world

Create beautiful places that connect diverse human communities

Build resilient systems that support cities and economies

Program Information

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree (we accept students from a wide range of undergraduate majors)
GRE is not required. The admissions committee would be happy to review your scores should you choose to submit them.
Minimum acceptable undergraduate GPA is 3.0
All students, regardless of background, are required to submit a portfolio of creative works.
Transcripts from all previous colleges
Letter of introduction and intent (this letter should describe the student’s background and interest in studying landscape architecture)
Resume or CV
Three recommendation letters
Completed application form
Application fee payment
International students: If you are a non-US applicant, please visit the International Applicants website to ensure you are in compliance with test scores and transcript requirements. Those who speak English as a second language should consult the University’s English Proficiency Requirements https://admissions.ufl.edu/apply/graduate/

Applying

Applicants are required to submit their applications online through the UF Admissions website. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but applications should be finalized by January 15.

Applications received after January 15 will be reviewed at the Department’s discretion. Early submissions are encouraged.

You may be asked to participate in virtual interview as part of the admissions process. We encourage applicants to visit and meet faculty, staff and students. If you plan to visit or should you have any questions, please contact Dr. Nicholas Serrano at nicholas.serrano@ufl.edu. Should you need to contact the Department by phone, please call 352-294-1494.

Jan 15 – Mar 20: Internal Processing
Mar 20 – April 14: Notification Letters
Apr 15: Deadline to Accept Funding
Beyond April 15: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis at the Department’s discretion

All required admission information should be directly uploaded to the UF Admissions website.

Pursuant to Florida Statute, your application requires inclusion of all post-high school education and employment, as well as information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding. Please ensure this information is included on your curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.

Portfolio Requirement

First Professional Master’s Program
First Professional program applicants with no prior experience in landscape architecture or the allied professions are still required to submit a portfolio.
First Professional program applicants with relevant experience in landscape architecture, art, or design that wish to be considered for course waivers in the first year (i.e., the Pre-MLA as outlined in the FPMLA curriculum) are required to provide a portfolio that demonstrates proficiency in the studio course and construction courses listed. Please upload a pdf of your portfolio to the UF Admissions website. If the file size is too large for the admission website, you may email the file to the Program Assistant. Alternatively, you may email the Program Assistant a link to a web-based portfolio hosting service (e.g., www.issuu.com). Only provide examples that are the sole work of the applicants (i.e. no group projects unless the work is CLEARLY identified as part of a team effort and the applicant’s precise role with the project detailed).

Applicants with previous formal training in landscape architecture or an allied discipline should include examples that demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

Hand graphics (including line drawings and rendered samples of plans, sections/ perspectives, etc.)
Digital graphics (including line drawings and rendered samples of plans, sections/ perspectives, photomontage, publication design, etc.)
Design process drawings
Grading and storm water management plans
Construction layout and details (graphic and innovative)
Site analysis/synthesis examples
Site design and planning
Planting design
Design projects at varying scales

Post Professional Master’s Program
PPMLA applicants are required to send a portfolio of landscape architecture and other creative works. Please upload a pdf of your portfolio to the UF Admissions website. If the file size is too large for the admissions website, you may email the file to the Program Assistant. Alternatively, you may email the program Assistant a link to the web-based portfolio hosting service (e.g., www.issuu.com). Only provide examples that are the sole work of the applicant (no group projects unless the work is CLEARLY identified as part of a team effort and the applicant’s precise role with the project is detailed).

For more information about the admissions process, visit UF’s Office of Admissions.

Computer requirements

Refer to the Department’s Laptop Computer Requirements.

Application Forms

UF Graduate Program Online Application
Application Form for US Citizens and Permanent Residents
Application Form for Non-US Applicants
Certificate of Financial Responsibility (for international students)
Recommendation Letter Form

For additional information or assistance, please contact:

Vanessa Niblett, Academic Assistant
431 ARCH
School of Landscape Architecture & Planning
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611-5706

The Advanced Design Studio sequence is at the heart of our MLA curriculum and focuses on:

Sustainable Landscapes: Designing environmentally responsible and resource-efficient landscapes that promote biodiversity, conserve natural resources, and mitigate the impact of human activities on ecosystems.
Healthy Communities: Creating landscapes that prioritize the well-being of residents by integrating green spaces, recreational areas, and amenities to encourage physical activity, social interactions, and overall community health.
Environmental & Social Justice: Examining the disparities in built environments by advocating for inclusive and equitable designed landscapes that aspire for all communities to have access to high-quality, sustainable, and culturally relevant spaces.

These design studios are supported by advanced knowledge and skill-building courses, including History and Theories of Landscape Architecture; Analysis and Design Communication; Plants, Ecosystems and Ecology; Construction & Project Management. You can further explore your interests and passions through several elective choices.

The MLA curriculum, ranging from hands-on design studio and lab courses to seminar and lecture courses, prepares you to undertake an independent terminal project or thesis in your final year. This project represents a synthesis and application of all the skills, knowledge and creative abilities acquired throughout the program.

The thesis establishes a hypothesis that is tested through established research methods appropriate to the field of design. The thesis is writing-intensive and must adhere to the University of Florida’s Graduate School formatting and timeline.

The terminal project establishes a hypothesis that is tested through critical application and reflective analysis. The terminal project allows for greater flexibility in formatting and does not require adherence to the UF Graduate School format or timeline requirements.

Previous MLA theses and terminal project topics have included:

Conservation planning and design
Resilient communities
Urban green infrastructure
Landscape performance
Agriculture and food security
Cultural landscapes
Design in an international context
Environmental and social justice

If your undergraduate degree is NOT in Landscape Architecture

The First Professional Program is for students who do not have a degree in landscape architecture accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB). Graduation from an accredited program is an essential first step toward licensing in Florida and other states that regulate the practice of landscape architecture.

Prior educational experience from any field is accepted for the First Professional Master of Landscape Architecture.
Courses of study in the FPMLA range between two and three years and the department will determine the appropriate length of study for each student upon acceptance.
If you have no formal design training, you should anticipate a three-year course of study.
If you have a non-accredited degree in landscape architecture, or education and training in allied design/planning fields, you may be allowed to waive specific courses in the first year of the program.

The Post Professional Master of Landscape Architecture program is a two-year course of study for students who already have an LAAB-accredited degree in landscape architecture.

This advanced graduate study sequence allows you to engage in issues of relevance to the discipline through critical analysis and research culminating in a terminal project or thesis.

Graduate certificates help you gain specialized knowledge and focused expertise. Earn one to make your studies truly multidisciplinary and to add an impressive academic credential to your prestigious MLA degree.

Explore UF Graduate Certificates

During your MLA program, you may choose to join faculty-led field trips to visit urban environments, notable landscape architecture projects, and professional practices across the U.S.

During the summer before your final year, you may pursue an internship position under the guidance of a registered landscape architect.

The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) programs are accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB). The BLA program has been accredited since 1972 and the MLA program since 1993. The 2022 LAAB site visit resulted in a two-year accreditation for both programs.

Public Information 2024-2025

STEM Designation

Landscape Architecture combines art and science. It is officially designated as a STEM discipline by the Department of Homeland Security – and that means that your graduate studies reflect evidence-based knowledge and technology-driven solutions. Data science skills are integrated into courses and applied research, and you have many options to take STEM-related electives.

An advanced STEM degree is your path to a high-profile leadership career in academics, government, or an interdisciplinary design, planning and construction team. With a STEM designated degree, international students may extend their F-1 visa for up to three years.

The MLA Curriculum

The MLA curriculum is designed for a rigorous, reflective, and broad study of landscape. It has the flexibility to allow you to explore specific topics in greater depth.

Curriculum Map

Course Descriptions

Faculty Research

Paying for Grad School
Advancing Your Career

Assistantships

The Department of Landscape Architecture awards a limited number of graduate research and graduate teaching assistantships on a competitive basis. In addition to departmental positions, our graduate students have been awarded other university-wide assistantships, such as those offered by the Division of Student Life.

Departmental Awards

The Department of Landscape Architecture offers several graduate student awards, including:

Howard Sebold Award: Recognizes a graduate student’s leadership, scholarship and potential professional distinction.
David W. and LeAnn S. Johnston Award: Supports graduate fellowships and will be given to the best Graduate Terminal Project Proposal (proposals presented as part of the Criticism course).
Marquis Latimer & Halback Award: Recognizes a graduate student for excellence in their Terminal Project selected by the final presentation jurors.
Joshua W. Lepp Travel Endowment in Landscape Architecture: Support travel scholarship and fellowships for the Department of Landscape Architecture undergraduate and graduate students in their last year of study who are participating in a University-approved program in Europe.
Jonathan and Elizabeth Seymour Scholarship: This fund was established in 2007 by Jonathan and Elizabeth Seymour to support the Department of Landscape Architecture in the College of Design, Construction and Planning. Jonathan graduated from the University of Georgia and immediately commenced practicing in South Florida.

More financial resources

The University of Florida offers several financial aid opportunities through the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. Eligibility varies based on different criteria. Another source is the UF Graduate School which provides several resources of varying nature to help manage your financial commitment.

With a thriving hospitality and leisure industry, Landscape Architecture is a specialization in demand in Florida. Our MLA graduates benefit from access to a robust professional community of landscape architects across the state.

Professional Advisory Committee

Job Opportunities

DCP Career Building

Highlighted MLA Projects

Eliza Breder – Addressing Environmental Injustice and Flood Risk through Brownfield Remediation and a Design-Based Approach

Climate change impacts such as sea level rise and an increase in hurricane magnitude and frequency has worsened risks in communities facing existing vulnerabilities. Historically redlined neighborhoods and majority minority communities face increased risk from flooding, disasters, sea level rise, and overall lack greenspace (Mitchell, 2018). Understanding the relationship between risk variables is critical if we are to assist resiliency planning for coastal marginalized communities…

Isabella Guttuso – A Future Florida Spring Experience

There are multiple forces putting strain on Florida’s springs, and one critical issue is the degradation that happens at spring sites due to pressure from direct human use and landscape alterations. This paper explores the ways in which a historical, cultural and ecological understanding of a natural resource and an interpretation of relative principles and theory can inform intentional interventions in a spring landscape to help mitigate direct impacts from human use by shaping an alternative type of visitor experience…

Yanni Xu – Water as a Medium to Empower Women

Access to clean water and sanitation services is essential for overall health and wellbeing. Nevertheless, 748 million people worldwide do not have access to improved water sources (WHO/UNICEF, 2014), defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as water from a protected well or spring, collected rainwater, boreholes, or a tap. Fetching water is a severe waste of time and energy for women and girls (WHO, 2017). While water is a fundamentally available resource in various regions, water collection remains a significant burden in many developing countries. In fact, 74% of people living in rural areas in developing countries need at least 30 minutes to collect water…

Alicia Carolina Rubio – Spatial Gaps in Landscape Architecture

Apopka, Florida is known as “the Indoor Foliage Capital of the World” for its plant nursery businesses. Plant nurseries’ labor-intensive production requires essential workers for year-round labor. Undocumented immigrants have become plant nurseries’ most essential workforce. Despite their essentiality, undocumented immigrants must navigate lawful social ostracization from anti-sanctuary sentiments. Florida, as an anti-sanctuary state, demands law enforcement to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in detaining undocumented immigrants…

Sebastian Hilpl – Florida Ranchlands: Exploring the Landscape Architect’s Role in Design, Management, and Conservation of Florida’s Working Cattle Ranches

Florida ranches are complex systems operated within thin economic margins. Hardships often result in putting ranching operations out of business, and the ranch land being sold to development (Main, 2004). The economic, cultural, and environmental value Florida ranches offer benefits all of Florida’s citizens (Main, 2004). Population growth in Florida has resulted in increasing real estate values, making profitable ranch operations more difficult. Developers offers to purchase land become more appealing to ranch families as making a profit off the land becomes more difficult (Main, 2004)…

Ross West – Floating Wetlands: Timber-based Design Explorations

Floating treatment wetlands (FTW’s) provide multiple ecosystem services to our polluted aquatic environments in Florida, including bioremediation and habitat production. As stewards of these ecosystems, Landscape Architects are oriented to designing with sustainability as a central focus. While FTW’s are often considered storm water treatment strategies in terms of bioremediation, sustainability ratings for these systems have been largely determined by both cost to build the system and biological uptake capacity…

Cenqi Zhu – Wildlife conservation strategy on wildland-urban interface

Because of continuing urban sprawl, Florida wildlife keeps losing more habitat. Protection of large, intact landscapes well buffered from urban land uses is essential for the conservation of most focal species (Hoctor et al. 2013). However, some focal species may be found near and even within suburban and urban environments. Even some species that used to be thought could never acclimate to human-occupied areas also now in some cases are nesting near and within suburban and urban landscapes…

Christopher A. Nelson – The First Amendment & U

This study examines student activity centered on engagement with First Amendment rights and its complex role in shaping the development of the university landscape. It further identifies trends and adaptations of campus planning which encourages free-speech on campus and promotes meaningful, safe design to nurture cultural experiences. It demands that these spaces, which are central to the student and university identity, function in a way that resonates beyond the college border…

Breanna Ross – Landscape Architecture on the Offense

This study observes the interactions between homeless individuals and public spaces, particularly within the context of a half-acre park in the downtown area of Jacksonville Florida. Research was conducted in the fields of landscape architecture, urban design, sociology, anthropology, and community activism in order to provide greater insight on a complex issue…

Jingyan Xu – Comparative study of urban riverine flooding landscape infrastructure in the U.S. and China

Due to the inevitably fast rate of urban development and climate changes, people who live around riverine sites in urban areas are threatened by floods. However, building resilient landscape and fostering social engagement near waterfronts are necessary missions, and successful landscape infrastructures can lead to huge benefit, allowing a recreation and improvement of a soothing atmosphere and environment, allowing a place for social interaction, and promoting economy development…

Jason Seickel – Depot Park: A Study of Social Interaction

This study examines the relationship between social interaction among diverse user groups and public park design in the context of a 32-acre park located near downtown Gainesville Florida. Theory on designing for diversity, social interaction, and the benefits of such are drawn upon as a base of research, not only from landscape architecture, but also from related research fields such as anthropology, sociology, architecture, urban design and recreational planning…

Therapeutic Landscapes

Since childhood, Weishunhua Zhang (MLA ’23) was drawn to art and design work. After earning an undergraduate degree in industrial design, she decided to take her career in a different direction.

After earning her master’s degree, her portfolio now includes award-winning designs and plans for therapeutic landscapes that can give back to the community through the healing process.

View Zhang’s Portfolio

Seminar: Novel Nature-Based Solutions

Prof. Jiayang Li presents “Novel Nature-based Solutions: Understanding and Expanding the Role of Community Perception and Everyday Landscape Experiences” as part of our seminar series.

Edward D. Stone, Jr. Lecture Series

DCP Research Seminar Series

Review Admission Requirements

Apply
Today

Request
Info

View
Catalog

Contact Us

Dr. Nicholas Serrano

Interim Graduate Coordinator

nicholas.serrano@ufl.edu

Vanessa Niblett

Academic Assistant

vniblett@dcp.ufl.edu