MS Landscape Architecture

The graduate program in Landscape Architecture at UW–Madison provides intensive research training and experience. Our graduate program is unique among programs of landscape architecture in that we do not offer a graduate program in professional design. Instead we offer a Master of Science with an emphasis on conducting original research in the form of a research-based thesis or a project-based thesis. Within this program you will contribute to developing a scholarly foundation for the discipline of landscape architecture and related fields, and to contribute information to practitioners engaged in landscape decision-making and stewardship.

We provide an interdisciplinary education that uses the sciences, arts, and humanities to respond to current issues in the realms of natural resources and cultural and environmental stewardship, human health and well-being, and community development. Most students specialize in one of two areas that reflect the research interests of the faculty: Restoration Ecology and Ecological Design and Community-Focused Design.

Landscape architects will find unique opportunities to learn and develop new knowledge and skills. Graduate students that enter the program, however, do not need to have a previous degree in landscape architecture to succeed in our graduate program. Non-landscape architects, as well as those with professional design degrees in other fields (e.g., architecture), will gain an understanding of the problem-solving approaches used in landscape architecture. In either case, you will develop a solid foundation in scholarly inquiry.

We encourage anyone with a bachelor’s or an advanced degree from any discipline to apply. The important thing is to have a desire to advance your knowledge and skills and to contribute to improving the quality of life.