Landscape Architecture MFA/MLA Application/Portfolio requirements

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Admissions 

Deadline: January 2

Contact:

admissions@gsd.harvard.edu
617.495.5453

  • Online Application Form.
  • Application Fee of $90 (non-refundable) for each application submitted.
  • Transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you have received credit (please note that transcripts must be scanned into the online application; official transcripts sent to the GSD are not accepted at the time of application).
  • Letters of Recommendation (three), which must be submitted electronically through the online application
  • Resume and Essay

Submit an essay that addresses your background as it relates to your academic and professional interests, and why you wish to pursue this degree program to which you are applying. Limit responses to approximately 1,000 words.

  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores, required of all applicants
  • TOEFL

minimum required score is 92, with minimum section requirements of 23. The preferred TOEFL iBT score is 104, with individual section scores of 26 or above

  • Portfolio

All portfolios must be submitted online.

Portfolios should be formatted as follows:

–  One PDF file only – no separate JPG, TIFF, or PPT files.
–  Portfolios may be composed of no more than one separate PDF, 40MB maximum. Total pages submitted may not exceed thirty (30). Cover pages or table of contents do not count towards total pages.
– Portfolios will be viewed by the Committee on a typical computer screen, so please format accordingly. Recommended sizes for page layouts are 12” x 18” or A3.- A maximum resolution of 150 dpi is recommended for all images appearing in the portfolio (or for the whole PDF file). RGB is the recommended format for color management on computer monitors.- When importing line drawings into PDF format, please check that line weights are properly reproduced or adjusted.- Text fonts should be legible when portfolio pages are viewed full-screen on a 15” monitor.- Applicants have the option of submitting one video as a supplement to the PDF portfolio. Videos should be
in MOV or WMV format and no more than 60 seconds in length. Videos should be sized for 640 x 480 px. In exceptional cases where video has been a primary focus of an applicant’s previous design work, up to three video files may be submitted.CONTENTPortfolios should show work in the visual arts or design executed by the applicant. Candidates without previous training in architecture, landscape, or related fields may demonstrate design aptitude by submitting examples of freehand drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, furniture, product design, etc. The purpose of the portfolio is to demonstrate creativity, aptitude for design, and a capacity to think and design in three dimensions.

Any application materials received by mail will not be considered

Admissions Office 48 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 http://www.gsd.harvard.edu
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Degrees Offered

Master of Landscape Architecture Degree

Individuals holding an undergraduate degree including landscape architecture or architecture may apply for the license-qualifying Master of Landscape Architecture Degree. Learn more

Master of Professional Studies in Landscape Architecture

The year-long Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) program in Landscape Architecture was created for individuals with an interest in advancing their career options by pursuing timely and innovative issues related to planning, designing, and/or managing natural and built environments. Learn more

Dual Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture and City and Regional Planning

The Department offers a Dual MLA. and MRP. Degree. For more information please visit City and Regional Planning.

 

  • Online application
  • Transcripts from all educational institutions
  • (2) letters of recommendation are required for graduate students.
  • GRE scores are recommended, and required for fellowship applicants.
  • Portfolio
  • Applicants to the Landscape Architecture program are required to submit a portfolio.  The portfolio is used to assess your aptitude for visual thinking and design.

    The portfolio contents may represent a wide variety of media, including:

    • freehand drawings
    • travel sketches
    • painting
    • printmaking
    • photography
    • garden design
    • pottery
    • and other creative endeavors

    as well as evidence of any knowledge of graphics software programs, such as:

    • Photoshop
    • Illustrator
    • AutoCAD
    • and 3D modeling.

    The total number of works should be 10-12.  Please include a brief caption with the:

    • title
    • size
    • project intention
    • and medium of each work

    The portfolio format is flexible but the department prefers high-quality printed pages of images, spiral bound or displayed in a simple portfolio, 8.5″ x 11″ or 11″x 17.” Please make sure your name clearly appears on all materials and portfolios submitted.

Portfolio demonstrating creative ability is required. Portfolios may include drawings, photography, creative writing or designs.

  • Foreign students without an undergraduate degree from a U.S. institution or an undergraduate degree conducted in English are required to pass the Test for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a reading (22), writing (22), listening (20), and speaking (25).

Professor Kathryn Gleason

Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Landscape Architecture
440 Kennedy Hall
Ithaca NY 14853-4203
Email: klg16@cornell.edu
Phone: (607) 255-1649

 

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Ashcan Student work for MFA Landscape Architecture

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landscape architecture

master of landscape architecture

The Landscape Architecture Program offers Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree options at the main campus in Blacksburg, Virginia and in the National Capital Region (NCR) through Virginia Tech’s Washington Alexandria Architecture Center located in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia:

3-Year First-Professional MLA Program (Alexandria) — first professional degree, accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB), for students who wish to enter the profession who do not have a degree in landscape architecture.

2-Year Advanced Master of Landscape Architecture (Blacksburg and Alexandria) — for students who have a professional degree in landscape architecture or architecture and who wish to do in-depth studies within a focused area of the discipline of landscape architecture.

1-Year Plus Thesis Master of Landscape Architecture (Blacksburg and Alexandria) — an accelerated scholastic degree for students having a professional degree in landscape architecture who can demonstrate, by portfolio, that they meet or exceed the professional requirements of the MLA degree program.

Application Procedures and Admission Requirements

Graduate study in the Master of Landscape Architecture Program typically begins in the fall semester. Beyond the Graduate School academic requirements, applicants to the graduate program in landscape architecture must submit the following:

  • Formal ApplicationVirginia Tech requires prospective graduate students to apply online. Candidates should complete and submit their application online, including payment of a non-refundable application fee.
  • TranscriptsSubmit two sets of official, complete, and up-to-date transcripts of undergraduate and graduate records (if any) sent directly from all previous colleges and universities attended. One set must be sent to the Graduate School Admissions Office (with English translations, if applicable) by the application deadline. Submit an additional set to the Landscape Architecture Program office (Blacksburg). A grade point average of at least 3.0 (4.0 scale) for the last 60 semester credit hours, or equivalent, is required. Applicants whose previous academic performance is deemed deficient (grade point average of 2.75 to 2.99) may be admitted as a “Provisional” student, as described in the University Graduate Catalog.
  • Letters of RecommendationApplicants are required to submit three (3) letters of recommendation: at least two from college instructors and, if applicable, one from an employer or other individual knowledgeable about the candidate’s academic record and potential for graduate-level study. Letters from personal acquaintances are not suitable. Applicants who have been out of school for several years may request letters from employers or other persons in a position to evaluate their professional abilities and academic potential, although letters from university instructors are preferred. Referees should utilize the Reference Form provided by the Graduate School. Letters of recommendation that are not submitted on-line should be sent directly to the Landscape Architecture Program office (Blacksburg).
  • Statement of IntentCandidates must submit a written statement that addresses their background as it relates to their academic and professional interest in landscape architecture, motivation for graduate study at Virginia Tech and, if applicable, any areas of potential specialization. The statement of intent is supplemental to the questions asked on the Graduate School online application and a critical component of the application package. The Graduate Committee relies heavily on the statement in determining a candidate’s academic potential and the fit between their educational intentions and the program focus. Applicants should limit their responses to 1,000 words.
  • Personally Authored Exhibit/PortfolioCandidates for admission to the MLA program must demonstrate an aptitude for design beyond the academic transcript. A personally authored exhibit/portfolio of visual and written material expressing their interest in landscape architecture and demonstrating their facility for design is required. Portfolios should be securely bound (8½” x 11”; 8 pages max), suitable for presentation, and sent directly to the Landscape Architecture Program office (Blacksburg). Digital portfolios will not be accepted.
  • Additional Requirements for Students Seeking Advanced StandingApplicants seeking advanced standing in the MLA program must submit an annotated portfolio (8-12 pages max) that includes their most important and representative academic and/or professional design work, and other work in the visual arts (e.g., drawing, painting, sculpture, photography). Applicants should include only their strongest work and that which demonstrated their ability to pursue study at an advanced level. Applicants from graduate-level design programs must include examples demonstrating the acquisition of skills in design, freehand drawing, site analysis, site engineering, and digital representations. It is the candidate’s responsibility to provide context for each item submitted (e.g., project description; academic, professional, personal). Portfolios should be securely bound (8½” x 11”), suitable for presentation, and sent directly to the Landscape Architecture Program office (Blacksburg).
  • Additional Requirements for International CandidatesThe Graduate School requires official test scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and TOEFL or IELTS for all international applicants. Minimum TOEFL scores for applicants to the Landscape Architecture Program are: 600 (paper-based), or an equivalent score on the internet-based (IBT) or computer-based (CBT) tests. The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. In addition, transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. All international applicants should also refer to the Virginia Tech Graduate School website concerning additional admission requirements.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines for fall and spring admission are February 15th and December 1st, respectively. International students please note: the deadline for consideration for spring admission is September 1st. It is the responsibility of each candidate to ensure completed applications and supporting material is received by the University Graduate School and the Landscape Architecture Program office (below) by the posted deadlines. Applications received after posted deadlines will be considered only on a space available basis.

Landscape Architecture Graduate Admissions
School of Architecture + Design
121 Burruss Hall – 0190
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061

email: tphipps@vt.edu
fax: 540.231.9877
phone: 540.231.5583

When all required materials are received, the application is forwarded to the Graduate Committee for review and recommendation to the Graduate School. The Graduate School notifies applicants by mail after review of the Program’s recommendation regarding admission.

Interview

Faculty and students at Virginia Tech are available to talk with prospective applicants, provide tours of facilities, and answer questions about the MLA program so that applicants may determine whether the program is appropriate to their educational goals. Although an interview is not required as part of the application process, we encourage applicants to visit the Washington + Alexandria Architecture Center. Candidates wishing to schedule a visit to the WAAC should contact Program Director Laurel McSherry by email at lm@vt.edu or via telephone at 703.706.3013. Applicants are asked to consult the Virginia Tech calendar to avoid requesting a visit during the first and last two weeks of each semester.

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Masters of Landscape Architecture I & II

Contact:

Denise Hoffman Brandt: dhoffman@ccny.cuny.edu

graduateadmissions@ccny.cuny.edu

(212) 650-6977

Deadline: January 1

  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Personal Statement

A personal statement about your educational or career objectives should be typed and enclosed with the application. The personal statement is your way of introducing yourself to the Admissions Committee. Your personal statement should be of the kind and quality that expresses why you have chosen to pursue a graduate degree. The personal statement is one of several credentials that will determine your eligibility for admission to a graduate degree program at The City College and should be no longer than one page in length. The personal statement should be uploaded to your online application.

  • Portfolio:

A portfolio of creative work must be submitted.  The portfolio should reflect your level of creative ability.  The portfolio should include architectural projects when appropriate or creative work in other media such as drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, graphic design, furniture design, or photography. The portfolio should be no larger than 11″ X 17″.  The number of pieces is left to your discretion.  Do not include the original artwork. All work must be printed, hard copies.  Digital files, slides, videos and other media will not be considered.  Your work will be mailed back only if you enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
The City College of New York
160 Convent Avenue
New York, NY 10031

 

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Ashcan Student work for MFA Landscape Architecture

 

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