The University of Arizona Launches New Bachelor of Landscape Architecture to Meet Growing Demand for Landscape Architects

The College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (CAPLA) at the University of Arizona is pleased to announce a new undergraduate degree in landscape architecture that is accepting applications for Fall 2020. The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) is a four-year undergraduate professional degree that builds on the success of CAPLA’s acclaimed,  longstanding programs in design and planning of the built environment.

“Landscape architecture is a profession of increasing importance in the face of climate change and swelling urban populations,” says Lauri Macmillan Johnson, director of CAPLA’s School of Landscape Architecture and Planning and a professor of landscape architecture. “Landscape architects work closely with architects and urban planners to create high-performing and healthful outdoor environments that include a wide range of project types. Landscape architects create design solutions across many scales that improve quality of life, protect natural resources, preserve cultural heritage, manage stormwater and mitigate extremes of climate. These professionals are trained to synthesize art with ecology to create public places that utilize sustainable design strategies that solve problems and delight users.”   

Demand for trained landscape architects is high and growing at the local and national levels. A study of the market finds significant projected demand for careers in landscape architecture. For the growing sunbelt state of Arizona, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 14.7 percent increase of landscape architects in the state by 2026, more than twice the national average. Despite this growing demand, local and national practitioners have noticed a shortage of qualified graduates entering the profession.

The UArizona BLA will educate future landscape architects by preparing them to successfully enter the job market and become licensed professionals. The robust curriculum and studio-based program endows students with a comprehensive understanding of professional practice, design approaches and creative problem-solving. Students graduate with the knowledge, skills and values they will need to become sustainability-minded practitioners.

CAPLA’s internationally recognized, award-winning faculty will teach students the core competencies required to become licensed professionals. Students will learn design history, theory, and criticism; design processes and methods; professional communication including written, verbal, multimedia and hand graphics; advanced technologies and tools; landscape ecology; sociocultural design factors; site engineering, construction and design implementation; and professional practice policies, procedures and ethics.

The BLA will utilize the diverse professional, entrepreneurial and technological resources available in our community. For example, interdisciplinary studios co-convened with Bachelor of Architecture students will engage with practitioners and industry leaders to work collaboratively on real-world projects that shape our local built environment.

Students will have the opportunity to advance into one of CAPLA’s accelerated master’s programs, including the Master of Science in Architecture, Master of Architecture, Master of Science in Urban Planning, Master of Real Estate Development and, with one added year, the Master of Landscape Architecture.

“The BLA curriculum will prepare students with the advanced technologies and design and planning skills needed to meet the challenges and opportunities that will arise during the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” says Nancy Pollock-Ellwand, CAPLA dean and professor of landscape architecture. “This program will equip them with the skills and the mindset to lead and tackle the grand challenges in the built environment.”

For additional information or to apply for admission to the new Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, visit capla.arizona.edu/bla or contact Luis Zozaya, recruitment and outreach coordinator, at 520-621-4231 or zozaya@arizona.edu.