Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, Purdue University

The core of the landscape architecture program at Purdue University is a four-year design sequence which allows students to develop abilities in problem solving, analytical thinking and communication skills. Three fundamental tracks run through our curriculum: Design, Technical and Plant Materials.

FIRST YEAR: (PRELANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE) During the first-year students enrolled in the Pre-Landscape Architecture option take two and three-dimensional design courses taught by the visual and performing arts department and a course in graphic communications (drafting, perspectives,delineation and computer graphics) for landscape architects. Students also study the history of landscape architecture during either their first or second year of studies. The second semester of the Freshman year initiates the design-studio sequence with LA 216, Landscape Architectural Design I. The utilization of computers for drafting (CAD), is also introduced during the first year.

SECOND YEAR: (PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE) Students are admitted into the professional program of study based upon their performance and abilites demonstrated during the first years.

The seven-semester sequence of landscape architectural design courses continues in the second year, focusing on the use of design principles and concepts and a systematic design process. Projects range from small scale residential developments, to small plazas and commercial projects like shopping developments. During the second year, students also take courses in plant material identification, planting design and are introduced to site-construction methods and detailing.

THIRD YEAR: In this year of study the scale of design projects is expanded. It is not uncommon, for example, for students to be designing city or state parks of 50 to 500 acres. The projects also become more complex: systems are studied and solutions proposed for the design of entire new communities, urban redevelopment, park systems, county land use plans, and special uses such as zoos, parkways, university campuses or golf courses. In addition to design courses students take technical courses in roadway alignment, grading and drainage and landscape management.

CO-OP PROGRAM: A unique feature of Purdue University's Landscape Architecture Program is the student co-op program. Students are placed in professional offices for a minimum period of forty weeks between their third and fourth years. Office locations are nationwide and have even included employment in England and Japan. Purdue graduates have consistently enjoyed a high employment rate due in part to this valuable period of professional experience. It is not uncommon for a fourth year student to have a standing offer of employment upon graduation tendered by their co-op office.

FOURTH YEAR: The fourth and final year of academic study introduces urban design, large-scale regional design, `real-client' interaction, architectural design and professional practice. Fourth-year students have travelled to Chicago, Indianapolis and even to Toronto and Savanah, Georgia to study and design significant urban spaces in recent years. These students also focus on issues related to the professional practice of landscape architecture.

The Landscape Architecture Program is fully accredited by the American Society of Landscape Architects.

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