Introduction
The Certificate in Landscape Architecture provides an overview of the foundational knowledge and skills for students and practitioners who want to more fully engage landscape practices. The certificate will provide the foundation to understand and design landscape as a tool for meaningful cultural, social, and environmental change. Upon successful completion of the course sequence students will graduate with a highly valuable skillset and knowledge.
The Certificate in Landscape Architecture will provide students and professionals with the intellectual and practical skills necessary to bring critical landscape practice to a broad range of fields from design fields to geography, engineering, and the humanities among others. The course content will merge theoretical inquiry with skill-based learning to provide a solid foundation.
Admissions
Application to the Certificate in Landscape Architecture is open to all students holding a completed bachelor's degree, or who are currently pursuing or have completed a master’s degree. Students currently pursuing a non-landscape architecture master’s program in the College of Architecture & Planning (CAP) are admitted on an automatic basis.
All interested program participants must complete one of the online application forms found on the CAP website. Failure to submit an official application may result in the inability for CAP to officially award the certificate upon student completion.
Materials Required for Non-CAP Graduate Students and Non-Degree Seeking Students:
- A brief statement of interest (500-word max.)
- Professional resume
- College transcripts (only needed for non-degree seeking applicants)
- One letter of recommendation
- A portfolio submission is highly recommended but not required
CURRENT MLA STUDENTS
Students who are (1) currently active in the CU Denver Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program, and (2) intend to complete the MLA program are ineligible for the Certificate in Landscape Architecture. Current MLA students who wish to transfer from the masters program to the certificate program should contact their academic advisor to discuss this option further.
Certificate Requirements
GPA Requirements:
Students must make a B- or higher in all required coursework for the certificate and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA in the curriculum to be eligible for the certificate conferment.
Curriculum Requirements (21 Hours)
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| LDAR 5501 | Landscape Architecture Design Studio 1 | 3 |
| LDAR 5510 | Graphic Media in Landscape Architecture | 3 |
| LDAR 5572 | Ecology for Landscape Architects | 3 |
| or LDAR 6670 | Plants in Design |
| LDAR 6641 | Computer Applications in Landscape Architecture | 3 |
| LDAR 5502 | Landscape Architecture Design Studio 2 | 6 |
| LDAR 5532 | Landform Manipulation | 3 |
| Total Hours | 21 |
Reduced Curriculum Requirements for MArch/MUD Students (12 Hours)
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| LDAR 5572 | Ecology for Landscape Architects | 3 |
| LDAR 6670 | Plants in Design | 3 |
| LDAR 5532 | Landform Manipulation | 3 |
| 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 |
Students successfully completing the courses in the required curriculum for the certificate will acquire:
