UGA Specific Information for Landscape Architecture

The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at UGA is a professional degree (can sit for certification test after graduation and 18 months of professional practice in the state of Georgia) and is one of the top ranked Landscape Architecture programs in the country. Students take Landscape Architecture courses in various content areas as well as complete a required internship to gain professional experience before graduation. To better meet the challenges and needs of an ever-changing society, the B.L.A. program focuses on sustainable design in an effort to produce graduates with the most current knowledge and skills. Students participate in studio classes with graduated content and partner classes, offering the chance to combine theory with practice as well as technology. The B.L.A. at UGA offers guest lecturers, service learning opportunities, charette experiences, study abroad trips with opportunities to gain credit in LAND classes, student clubs, and much more.

Landscape Architecture is a growing field, and a B.L.A. degree does not limit one to only landscape architecture as a future career. Careers are available in both private and public sectors. Typically, students gain employment in design firms specializing in Landscape Architecture, Urban Design and/or Planning. Working with Federal and State agencies such as the National Park Service, Forest Service and City Planning Departments are also employment options. Growing trends in Sustainable Design have opened additional employment opportunities for Landscape Architects in these and other related fields. Graduates of the program also often go on to study at the graduate level in environmental planning, design, landscape architecture or historic preservation.



Class of 2023 Career Outcomes for Landscape Architecture*

** Includes Self-Employed


Campus Resources

Connect with BLA Program Coordinator, Donnie Longenecker, on LinkedIn

College of Enviroment + Design Student Organizations

To find additional clubs and organizations, go to the Center for Student Organizations

Connect with your Career Consultant for guidance and support.


Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations

Licensure

Landscape architects who work outside of the federal government need a license. As of 2010, all 50 states required landscape architects to be licensed. Licensing is based on the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.), which is sponsored by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards. Candidates can take the L.A.R.E. at different times of the year in two parts—three multiplechoice sections and two graphic response sections.

Applicants who want to take the exam usually need a degree from an accredited school and 1 to 4 years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect, although standards vary by state. For those without an accredited landscape architecture degree, most states provide alternative paths to qualify to take the L.A.R.E., usually requiring more work experience.

Currently, 13 states require landscape architects to pass a state exam, in addition to the L.A.R.E., to satisfy registration requirements. State exams focus on laws, environmental regulations, plants, soils, climate, and other characteristics unique to the state.

Because requirements for licensure vary, landscape architects may find it difficult to transfer their registration from one state to another. Common requirements include graduating from an accredited program, serving 3 years of internship under the supervision of a registered landscape architect, and passing the L.A.R.E. By meeting national requirements, a landscape architect also can obtain certification from the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards. That certification can be useful in getting one state to accept a license from another state.

Landscape architects who work for the federal government do not have to be licensed. For federal government jobs, landscape architects should have a bachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture.

*Taken from Bureau of Labor Statistics


Additional Career Research Resources

  • O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.  
  • My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.  
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.  
  • Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.  
  • Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.  
  • UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.  
  • Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance. 
  • Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.  
  • Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.


Employment Websites

General  

  • Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)  
  • LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!) 
  • Idealist (non-profit jobs) 
  • USAJobs (federal jobs) 

Major Specific


Professional Associations/Resources

Tip: Join LinkedIn groups that are related to your career interest. Need help finding groups? Check out the Groups You May Like link under the Interests/Groups tab. Review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined and consider joining them as well.


Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2023 Landscape Architecture majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Employer Position Title(s)
American Society of Landscape Architects Climate Action Committee Member
Atkins Landscape Architect I
B+C Studio Landscape Designer
B+C Studio Landscape Designer
B+C Studio Landscape Designer
Barge Design Solutions Landscape Architecture Associate
Bellwether Landscape Architects Design Associate
Bonnett Design Group, LLC Associate Landscape Designer
BYLA Landscape Architecture Landscape Designer
City of Plano Landscape Architect
Daigh Rick Landscape Architects Landscape Designer
DSLD Land Management Company Landscape Designer
EDSA, Inc. Designer
Fischer Homes Field Manager
HGOR Landscape Designer
Hollander Design Landscape Architects Landscape Designer
Kaizen Analytix Landscape Architect
Norris Design Landscape Designer
Out Teach Landscape Architect
Red Rocks Church Outreach Intern
Self-Employed Owner
Sugar Hill Outdoors Project Manager
Urquhart & Hunt Graduate Landscape Architect
Witmer Jones Keefer, Ltd Landscape Designer
WLA Studio Staff Landscape Designer
* denotes no responses received.

*Source: Areas above marked with an Asterisk (*) have been created utilizing data taken from the UGA Career Outcomes Survey. The "Employers Hiring...," "Job Titles of...," "Career Outcomes for...," and "Graduate/Professional Schools and Programs..." information listed above represent UGA Class of 2023 Graduates. The lists are not exhaustive and therefore do not represent all potential career options. Click here for more detailed Career Outcomes information regarding this major.

Graduate/Professional Schools attended by Class of 2023 Landscape Architecture majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Graduate School Program(s)
Arizona State University Urban and Environmental Planning, MS
University of Georgia Urban Planning and Design, Degree Not Specified
University of Georgia Urban Planning and Design, Degree Not Specified
University of Georgia Urban Planning and Design, Master's
* denotes no responses received.