Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA)
Prerequisite Courses
To apply for admission into the professional BLA program, students must complete the following prerequisite courses:
- Land Arch 210 Introduction Landscape Architecture Design OR Land Arch 366 Introduction to Architectural and Environmental Design
- Land Arch 250 Survey of Landscape Architecture Design
Credit Hours
The applicant must have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours. University GPA will be considered.
Application
Students wishing to apply to the professional BLA program must submit an application in the spring of the academic year during which they will complete the prerequisites. For those taking summer courses to complete the prerequisites, we do offer a second round of admissions at the end of summer. Each fall we admit up to 30 students. Selections are based on a combination of the following:
- Letter of Intent: The letter should be no more than 2 pages, single spaced. This letter should express why you are interested in the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program. Include any past experiences related to landscape architecture and address what aspects of the profession intrigue you, what you expect to obtain from your education, and what your future goals may be to the extent that you have thought about them. Finally, briefly describe the five creative work samples you provided in your portfolio submission in #2 below. In your description, be sure to tell us why you selected these work samples. We will review the letter for content as well as communication skills.
- Portfolio: Submit a brief portfolio of five samples showcasing your creative work from past landscape architecture, art, planning, engineering, or other courses. The portfolio may also contain samples from past internships and personal projects not affiliated with a course. The portfolio should be submitted as a 5-page (8.5×11) PDF document in landscape orientation. Each page should ideally include one image, but no more than three images. Be sure to include your name.
- DARS Report (Grades): Submit a copy of your DARS to complete the application. For instructions on how to access your DARS, click here. Make sure that your spring semester grades are included.
Off-Campus Transfer Students
The BLA program welcomes off-campus transfer students who have completed coursework at another college or university after graduating from high school. Please setup a meeting with our Undergraduate Advisor to learn more about the transfer process and requirements.
Cross-Campus Students
Cross-campus students are students who are currently undeclared or enrolled in another school or college at UW-Madison who wish to major in the BLA program. Please setup a meeting with our Undergraduate Advisor to learn more about the transfer process and requirements.
For more information on the BLA program admission procedures, check out the Undergraduate Guide, or follow this link to the Undergraduate Office of Admissions and Recruitment for more information. Refer to the Office of Student Financial Aid for the cost of undergraduate study, scholarships, student jobs, and different types of aid.
BS/BA Landscape and Urban Studies
The Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture accepts all undergraduate students into the Landscape and Urban Studies degree program who have been admitted to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and to the College of Letters & Science. Click here for information in UW-Madison Guide.
Undergraduate Advising
Contact Debi Griffin to schedule an advising appointment.