Landscape Architecture, B.S.

The profession of landscape architecture has grown out of the tradition of the great garden designers of Italy, France, England, and China to encompass the art and science of design, planning, and management of the land. The science of landscape architecture is concerned with the conservation and management of natural resources. The art of landscape architecture is concerned with the creation of more enjoyable, comfortable, and safe outdoor areas where human use requires adaptation of the natural environment.

This four-year professional program is accredited by the American Society of Landscape Architects and meets all the requirements for licensing of landscape architects in Kentucky and other states. Landscape architecture employment opportunities may be found in the designing of urban communities, plazas, university campuses, institutional grounds, parks and recreational areas, commercial and industrial sites, and residential communities, as well as in the areas of historic preservation, regional planning, and mine reclamation.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the University of Kentucky and to the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment does not guarantee admission to the Landscape Architecture program. All applicants must be reviewed by the Landscape Architecture Program Chairperson. The number of applicants ultimately admitted is determined by the resources available to provide high quality instruction. Applicants will be reviewed on a comparative basis. Determination of acceptability into the program is based on the following.

Entering freshmen and transfer students from degree programs other than Landscape Architecture must:

1. submit a formal application to the Undergraduate Admissions Office indicating Landscape Architecture as your major;
2. meet the minimum criteria for admission or readmission to the University as specified in this Bulletin (The Landscape Architecture program requires a minimum of a 2.0 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale for eligibility to transfer into the program.); and
3. successfully complete the aptitude testing designated by the Landscape Architecture program.

If a student transferring from another degree program has a background in related design fields, he or she may submit available work, such as a portfolio or other work examples, as an indication of potential success.

Transfer students from degree programs in Landscape Architecture at other accredited institutions must:

1. submit a formal application to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions indicating Landscape Architecture as your major;
2. meet the minimum criteria for admission to the University as specified in this Bulletin (The Landscape Architecture program requires a minimum of a 2.0 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale for eligibility to transfer into the program.); and
3. submit a portfolio for review which, combined with an evaluation of courses completed, will determine acceptance into the program as well as the level to which the student will be accepted.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture, the student must have 128 semester hours with at least a 2.0 grade-point standing (on a 4.0 scale). Remedial courses may not be counted toward the total hours required for graduation. In addition to satisfying the UK Core requirements, each student must complete premajor, professional, and specialty support requirements. The Landscape Architecture program policy requires a student to achieve a C grade or better in major design studios in order to advance to the next level.