Online Landscape Architecture Degrees 2023

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Blooming gardens, lively community parks, and peaceful backyards all provide a place to recharge, relax, and release energy. Communities can thank landscape architects for curating inspiring outdoor spaces. If developing plans for playgrounds, public parks, and outside residential areas interests you, consider pursuing a landscape architecture degree.

Landscape architects meet with clients, create site plans and project estimates, and select landscape materials like shrubs or turf. Not every school offers this niche art degree, but aspiring landscape architects do not need to relocate to earn a degree. Continue reading to learn about online landscape architecture degrees.

Questions About Landscape Architecture Degrees

Why Get a Degree in Landscape Architecture?

Creative individuals who admire outdoor spaces might enjoy working as landscape architects. Although the BLS projects jobs for these professionals to decrease 2% between 2019-2029, earning a degree from an accredited school and completing internships can position graduates as desirable job candidates.

Construction companies, government agencies, and architecture firms will always need professionals with specific knowledge about designing outdoor spaces. According to the BLS, landscape architects who work for the government earn the highest annual salary at $88,490.

How Much Does a Landscape Architecture Degree Cost?

Landscape architecture degrees vary in cost. In addition to tuition, learners should also factor in books, technology, and studio fees. For example, studio fees at Iowa State University for landscape architecture courses range from $25-$750 per course.

Some schools charge lower tuition rates for online learners. Online learning saves money on moving, room and board, and commuting. The type of institution a learner attends also impacts the price. State schools receive government funds, so they typically charge lower rates than private schools.

How Much Do Landscape Architects Make?

According to the BLS, landscape architects earn a median annual salary of $69,360. The lowest 10% earn less than $42,320, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $112,290.

Years of experience impacts pay. According to PayScale data from March 2021, entry-level landscape architects earn an average income of $47,000, while those with more than 20 years of experience earn $77,000.

Geographical region also impacts salary. Landscape architects in larger cities may earn more than architects in rural areas. Checking current job postings and comparing them by region can offer salary insights.

Courses in Landscape Architecture

While completing a landscape architecture degree online, learners hone their presentation, communication, critical thinking, and creative skills. Architecture students discover how to use computer-aided design software to create plans for private outdoor spaces and public spaces and parks.

Many programs allow students to select a concentration or minor. For example, learners who enjoy creating plans for greenspaces may minor in plant and soil science. Students who enjoy designing outdoor structures, like pergolas or pavilions, may prefer to concentrate in construction.

In this section, we discuss three standard landscape architecture courses. Not every program offers all of the courses shown below, but the list provides a typical curriculum sample.

• Plants and Landscape Architecture

  Enrollees discover how to identify and select trees and shrubs for landscaping purposes. This course covers how soil health impacts landscaping plans and the benefits of choosing native plants. Students graduate with a better understanding of how to select appropriate plants for various sites.

• Site Engineering

  This course covers the relationship between site engineering and the environment. Students get hands-on experience with site grading and surveys. Enrollees develop their topographic site plan creation skills and learn how to interpret other topographic site plans. This course also teaches learners how to work with contractors and civil engineers to achieve desired project outcomes.

• Urban Design Studio Course

  An urban design studio course requires students to create 3-D models and sketches of site plans for city green spaces. Most courses require site visits to evaluate human-made and natural elements and how they interact with each other. Part of this course also requires individuals to think critically to solve architectural landscape problems.

Certifications and Licensure for Landscape Architecture

To succeed as a landscape architect, professionals must earn a state license and certifications. Certifications vary from educational certificates. These accolades demonstrate specialized skills and knowledge, while students can pursue certificate programs at colleges and universities. See below for three licenses and certifications for landscape architects.

Scholarships for Landscape Architecture

Rather than relying solely on loans to fund their education, students can apply for scholarships. Just like grants, these awards do not require repayment. To increase chances of earning funds, learners may focus their scholarship search on awards specifically for their major. To help in the research process, we highlight three scholarships for landscape architecture students below.

Online Landscape Architecture Programs

Tessa Cooper

Tessa Cooper is a freelance writer and editor who regularly contributes to international and regional publications focused on education and lifestyle topics. She earned a bachelor's in public relations from Missouri State University and is passionate about helping learners avoid high student loan debt while pursuing their dream major. Tessa loves writing about travel and food topics and is always planning her next meal or vacation.