Landscape Architecture
Landscape Architecture is the design and planning profession that applies both art and science to achieve the best use of land. Landscape architects design the setting for a variety of land uses ranging from residential to industrial development while providing stewardship for the natural environment. The profession has a special commitment to improving the quality of urban and rural life. Students acquire hand and computer graphic skills, study design theory and site engineering and apply the knowledge to a series of environmental design projects.
Program Admission and Curriculum
Students who meet University admission requirements may be accepted directly into the Davis College as Landscape Architecture majors; however, enrollment in the program is limited to 50 students in the first-year studio. All other eligible students who wish to enter the program are waitlisted and admitted prior to the beginning of classes if the quota has not been met. To earn a bachelor’s degree, all students must complete 136 credit hours including the General Education Curriculum required by the University.
Students begin their professional studies in Landscape Architecture developing drafting, graphic and computer skills applicable to a variety of design problems. Upon conclusion of the sophomore year, students are required to submit representative examples of their work as a condition for progressing into the final two years of the program. During the third year, students develop planting design and construction skills while the design sequence simultaneously introduces problems ranging from small-scale to regional contexts in recreation, housing, conservation and urban development.
Examples of core courses include but are not limited to landscape architectural drawing, computer graphics in landscape architecture, landscape construction materials and methods, planting design, natural systems design and regional design.
Complete course listings and descriptions can be found in the current WVU Undergraduate Catalog.
Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities for landscape architects exist in multidisciplinary planning and design firms and with the federal government in the Departments of Agriculture, Defense or Interior. About one of every six landscape architects is self-employed. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree typically have starting salaries exceeding $40,000. The average annual salary for all landscape architects in non-supervisory, supervisory and managerial positions within the federal government is $55,500.
Accreditation
The Landscape Architecture major is accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
