WVU landscape architecture program earns six-year reaccreditation

The West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources landscape architecture program has received six-year reaccreditation from the American Society of Landscape Architects, the discipline’s premier professional organization.

Conducted by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board, the accreditation process included an intensive self-evaluation by the program and an on-campus visit and evaluation by a team of external landscape architecture professionals.

As the only accredited landscape architecture program in the state of West Virginia, the team at the Davis College is proud to offer a high-quality education that equips students for an array of careers in the field.

According to Peter Butler, professor of landscape architecture, being accredited is extremely important to the program and its students.

“In order to be a landscape architect, professionals are required to hold an accredited degree, which is important because it establishes that the curriculum at WVU meets the standards expected by the profession,” Butler said. “The faculty of the program, provost’s office and the administrative team contributed so much time and energy to creating a great report and an excellent visit that engaged with alumni, allied disciplines at WVU, Extension, and other groups on campus. It is very satisfying to be granted another six years of accreditation.”

At WVU, the landscape architecture program excels in teaching analytical planning, creative design, and technical construction knowledge grounded in community-led engagement.

The four-year program is unique, offering a blend of small class sizes and individual and group project-based learning that addresses contemporary subjects ranging from environmental sustainability to economic development. Students graduate with a degree that’s highly sought after by multidisciplinary professional companies, landscape architecture, architecture and engineering firms, governmental planning departments, construction firms, transportation planning agencies, design/build operations and other employers.

The landscape architecture program also offers ample opportunities for hands-on learning and experience, often taking students into small West Virginia communities and working alongside stakeholders and residents to create spaces that revitalize the area.

“One of the very meaningful comments from the LAAB visiting team was that our program is aspirational in terms of community development and engagement. Experiential learning and rural partnerships across the state are a key part of our program. Our students learn the skills necessary to work with a variety of allied professions, which makes our graduates highly desirable after graduation,” Butler said.

The landscape architecture program also offers minors, including landscape studies, sustainable trail design, and environmental and community planning. For more information on the landscape architecture program, visit the WVU academics website.

The Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources envisions a West Virginia with healthy food, resilient natural resources, and thriving communities. To learn more about the Davis College, visit davis.wvu.edu. Keep up with the latest updates and news on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube by following @WVUDavis.

-WVU-