Landscape Architecture (BS)

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Program Description

Cornell University offers accredited, license-qualifying landscape architecture degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The undergraduate landscape architecture degree is the only one of its kind in the Ivy League. Both of our undergraduate and graduate programs comply with the requirements of three governing bodies: The New York State Education Department (NYSED, The Council of Landscape Architecture Registration Boards (CLARB), and The Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB). Both academic programs provide a sound grounding in theory and technology which is deployed through the design studio and supplemental courses that inform the design process. The undergraduate landscape architecture curriculum is a broad-based course of study that provides instruction in the skills necessary for professional practice and is a license-qualifying, first professional degree.

Due to its unique position within the university, the Department of Landscape Architecture promotes interaction and collaboration with other academic fields, including horticulture, architecture, city and regional planning, fine arts, and the natural and social sciences.

In addition, an undergraduate minor in landscape studies is available for nonmajors.

Study Abroad:

Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad, typically during the fall semester of their senior year. It is not permitted for students to study abroad in their final spring semester of senior year. Most students start by browsing program options (see Discover Programs) or by attending a college info session or university-wide events like the International Fair. Learn more about CALS Study Abroad Policies, Credit transfer and program options by attending a CALS Study Abroad 101 Fair or by visiting the CALS International Opportunities website.

There are two approved avenues for studying abroad during the Fall, Spring, or the full Academic Year:

The department actively partners with the CALS Exchange Program to provide unique opportunities for students to study Landscape Architecture in another cultural context, at reputable partner institutions around the globe.  Partner schools offer studios, enabling students to stay on track to graduate on time.  Some of the destinations include Denmark (Copenhagen University), Sweden (SLU), the Netherlands (Wageningen University) and Singapore (National University of Singapore).  Previous foreign language experience is not required as most institutions teach in English. 

Undergraduate Double Major Policy

Cornell students are not allowed to double major across different colleges. 

Please be advised: It may prove difficult for students majoring in CALS Landscape Architecture to double major (within CALS). Due to the specific nature of Landscape Architecture coursework (studio based) we do not expect that more than 12 credits of coursework will overlap with any other CALS major and these 12 credits would likely be electives.