The University of Oklahoma’s Landscape Architecture program prepares graduate students to address complex environmental and social challenges through design. With an emphasis on resilience, sustainability, and belonging, the curriculum combines research-driven practice with meaningful community engagement. Students develop the creative and technical expertise to lead projects that strengthen both built and natural environments while advancing the well-being of the people they serve. Degrees offered include the Master of Landscape Architecture and an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Program.
People, Projects, and Places
A landscape architect is a licensed professional who designs outdoor spaces that are both functional and inspiring. This dynamic STEM field blends science, design, and community engagement to shape environments where people live, work, and connect. Landscape architects plan and create parks, plazas, streetscapes, campuses, and other public spaces that are not only visually appealing but also resilient, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of diverse communities. Their work involves integrating environmental systems, ensuring accessibility, and incorporating public input to promote sustainability, health, and social connection. To become a licensed landscape architect in the United States, individuals must earn a degree from a Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB) program, complete supervised professional experience, and pass the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE). With licensure available in all 50 states, the profession offers a clear and rewarding path to improving quality of life through thoughtful, evidence-based design.
Norman, Oklahoma
The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program at the University of Oklahoma offers a unique, hands-on education rooted in real-world impact. Students work alongside accomplished faculty and peers from allied disciplines—architecture, planning, construction science, and more—on service-learning projects that address pressing community needs. From climate resilience and economic development to recreation and environmental justice, our students are trained to think critically and creatively about the challenges shaping our built and natural environments.
At OU, learning goes beyond the classroom. The MLA program specializes in learning by doing, embedding students in Oklahoma communities through interdisciplinary, service-based design experiences. With a strong emphasis on communication, collaboration, and community engagement, students graduate with the design and leadership skills needed to create inclusive, resilient, and meaningful public spaces.
The University of Oklahoma’s Landscape Architecture faculty and students are recognized by the highest professional societies within our discipline, such as chapters of the American Society of Landscape Architecture (ASLA), the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF), and the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA) for their excellence and achievements, reflecting the faculty’s strong commitment to mentoring and the students’ strong work ethic.
With a consistent record of achievement, the program regularly reaches a 100% post-graduation job placement rate, demonstrating the value of an OU Landscape Architecture degree in today’s competitive market.
Students work alongside peers in Architecture, Regional and City Planning, and Environmental Design, engaging directly with communities through service-learning projects that prepare them for collaborative professional practice.
How Long You'll Be Here
On average, 3 years
Job Offers
for 100% of Graduating Students within 6 months
Median Salary (Entry Level)
$69,500
The First Professional Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree is designed for students without a prior professional degree in landscape architecture, including those from diverse academic backgrounds such as English literature, drama, wildlife management, or nursing. This program provides a comprehensive foundation in landscape architecture, preparing students for professional practice through a curriculum that emphasizes design, ecological literacy, and critical thinking across a range of environmental and cultural contexts.
62 Credit Hours
MLA Curriculum
The First Professional Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree, Advanced Standing is designed for students with prior degrees in landscape architecture, architecture, or related design fields that are not accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB). This track allows eligible students to place out of required courses based on previously completed, equivalent coursework, which is reviewed individually to ensure alignment with program standards and professional preparation.
62 Credit Hours
MLA Curriculum
The Post-Professional Master of Landscape Architecture is designed for students who have already earned an accredited professional degree in landscape architecture and wish to pursue advanced study in a specialized area. This degree supports focused exploration in design or research, allowing students to deepen their expertise and contribute to the field through innovation, scholarship, or advanced practice.
This two-year Master of Landscape Architecture degree welcomes students from around the world with undergraduate backgrounds in landscape architecture or related fields. Its focused curriculum offers flexibility in course selection and includes a required internship that enables students, especially international students, to gain off-campus experience between semesters. While the degree does not lead to landscape architectural licensure in the United States, it provides a graduate education centered on critical and creative approaches to global environmental challenges.
47 Credit Hours
MLAS Curriculum
Still an Undergraduate Interested in Landscape Architecture?
The First Professional Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree, Advanced Standing is intended for students with prior degrees in landscape architecture, architecture, or related design fields that are not accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB). This track allows eligible students to place out of required courses based on previously completed, equivalent coursework, which is reviewed individually to ensure alignment with program standards and professional preparation.
156 Credit Hours
3 + 3 Curriculum
The First Professional Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree is for students who do not have a previous professional degree in landscape architecture and who may come from fields as diverse as English literature, drama, wildlife management, or nursing. Our MLA is accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board. The curriculum is designed to gradually build on concepts and skills. Students develop and demonstrate mastery over the course of three years.
Admissions are “rolling”, which means you can apply and be admitted anytime prior to the semester you intend to begin. However, if you wish to be considered for financial assistance, international student must apply by Feb. 15 and US residents by March 1. Please contact Dr. Sarah Little (sarah.little@ou.edu) with any questions.
I think the faculty right now is a really interesting mix that is helping each and every individual student find their way in a really empathetic and supportive environment.
Brent Wall
Class of 2009
The mission of the Master of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society. Our community of faculty and students works closely with towns and organizations across the state to encourage environmental resilience and to promote human health/well-being and environmental justice. Through mentoring and thoughtfully curated projects, faculty encourage the development of critical thinking skills, creative problem solving, effective graphic and verbal communication, and technical knowledge through service-learning projects which rely heavily on community engagement with a particular emphasis on working with people who have been historically underserved.
The Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) requires accredited programs to provide reliable information to the public. This information is intended to help potential students make informed application decisions.
