The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
College of Architecture + Design

Master of Landscape Architecture, MLA

Landscape architecture design studios span from large-scale planning, like the Tennessee River Valley, to detailed design of brownfields, parks, and evolving landscapes shaped by socio-economic and ecological forces. We attract students with a strong work ethic, ambition, curiosity, and a belief that landscape architecture can change the world.

Request Info

Request information about our college and the university.

Request Info

Program Details

Start Your Application

Continue your post-secondary education at UT!

Apply Here

Program Overview   

Our coursework provides you with the robust design, digital communication and critical-thinking skills necessary for collaborative leadership on the multidisciplinary, multifunctional landscape projects that will be created in the future. 

Degree Tracks 

MLA Track 1 – First Professional Degree 
MLA Track 2 – Post Professional Degree

Earn Dual Master Degrees

The School of Architecture and the School of Landscape Architecture offer a dual program leading to the conferral of both the Master of Landscape Architecture degree and the Master of Architecture degree. This initiative addresses the growing need for graduates with an understanding of the disciplinary concepts, skills, and agendas of both architecture and landscape architecture. We educate hybrid professionals who are both willing and able to make a strong difference in a world that is increasingly ecologically and systematically designed.

MARCH + MLA

Why study landscape architecture?

 

student work pinned up for critique

Shaping Communities Through Design 

Landscape architecture shapes how people experience the built environment through the design of a wide range of landscape types such as gardens, parks, campuses, neighborhoods, streetscapes, and public spaces to name only a few. Landscape architects also participate in the creation of coastal resiliency plans, infrastructural systems, and large-scale regional planning efforts. Our students learn how design can strengthen communities, improve quality of life, and create meaningful connections between people and places. Through advanced design studios and collaborative projects, you'll explore solutions that balance environmental, social, and cultural considerations.
student participating in board meeting as part of internship

Internships and Externships  

Real-world experience is a vital part of becoming an effective landscape architect. Our Master of Landscape Architecture program connects students with internship and externship opportunities that provide hands-on exposure to professional practice, project workflows, and industry networks. Through experiences with design firms, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and multidisciplinary teams, students apply classroom learning to real projects while building the skills, relationships, and confidence needed for successful careers in the built and natural environment. 

What you can do with a Master of Landscape Architecture after graduation.

 

Landscape Architect 

Landscape architects design outdoor environments that balance aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility. From parks and campuses to urban developments and waterfronts, they create spaces that enhance communities while addressing ecological and social needs. An MLA provides advanced training in site design, planning, sustainability, and professional practice, preparing graduates for licensure and leadership within the profession. 

Urban Designer 

Urban designers help shape the public realm by planning streetscapes, parks, plazas, and neighborhood developments that support vibrant communities. Drawing on principles of landscape architecture, planning, and environmental design, they create spaces that encourage connectivity, accessibility, and long-term sustainability. 

Environmental Planner 

Environmental planners work at the intersection of design, policy, and conservation, helping communities manage growth while protecting natural resources. An MLA equips graduates with knowledge of ecological systems, land-use planning, and sustainable design strategies that support responsible development and environmental stewardship. 

Featured Courses

 

LAR 551

Design Studio I 

LAR 530

Plants in the Landscape I

LAR 587

Contemporary Landscape Architecture 

Course Catalog

View the entire UT Course Catalog.

View Catalog

Admissions + Aid

Use the links below to discover opportunities related to admissions and aid:

Ready to Learn More?

Use this form to learn more about our college and UT.

Loading…