Roger Williams University

What you'll study

The curriculum combines a foundation in architectural thinking and design studio practice with specialised study in landscape architecture, site planning and environmental systems. Coursework typically progresses from introductory design and drawing skills to increasingly complex studios focused on site analysis, landscape design, urban planning and integrated ecological design.

• Design studios — sequential studio projects that develop conceptual thinking, technical drawing, model making and presentation skills, with an emphasis on site-responsive design.
• Site analysis & field methods — courses that teach surveying, soils and hydrology assessment, planting design, and on-site data collection.
• Plant materials and ecology — study of native plants, community ecology, habitat restoration and sustainable planting strategies for different climates and soils.
• Landscape construction and technology — grading and drainage, materials, path and pavement systems, stormwater management and small-scale structural detailing.
• Urban design and planning — neighbourhood planning, site planning at multiple scales, zoning basics, GIS for landscape and planning applications.
• History and theory — landscape history, theory of public space, and the cultural dimensions of working in the landscape.
• Environmental design and sustainability — courses addressing resilient design, climate adaptation (including coastal resilience), green infrastructure and low-impact development.
• Professional practice and ethics — project management, legal considerations, client relations and preparation for internships and licensure pathways.
• Capstone or thesis — a culminating design or research project that synthesises studio work, technical knowledge and planning principles.

Teaching methods emphasise hands-on labs, site visits around the New England coastline and urban centres, collaborative projects with community partners, and portfolio development. Students often complete an internship or practicum with design firms, landscape contractors, municipal planning departments or conservation organisations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical admissions considerations include academic transcripts, a creative portfolio, and a personal statement describing interest in landscape and environmental design.

• Academic preparation — strong performance in core subjects; courses in mathematics (algebra, geometry), sciences and sketching or visual arts are beneficial.
• Portfolio — examples of hand and/or digital drawing, design or creative work that demonstrate observational and representational skills; schools often accept a range of media.
• Recommendations — letters of recommendation from teachers or supervisors who can speak to academic readiness and creative potential.
• English language — for non-native English speakers, proof of English proficiency is required in line with university policy.
• Interview — some applicants may be invited to interview or provide additional materials; prior work or volunteer experience in design, environmental organisations or community planning strengthens an application.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of professions that bridge design, ecology and planning. Common careers include landscape architect (with further licensure), urban or regional planner, site designer, landscape project manager, environmental consultant, GIS technician, stormwater and resilience specialist, and positions with parks and recreation or conservation agencies.

Many alumni work in private design firms, municipal planning departments, nonprofit conservation organisations, design-build contractors and interdisciplinary consultancies. The programme also prepares students for graduate study in landscape architecture, urban planning, environmental design or related fields and for professional licensure pathways that require additional accredited study and practicum hours.

Why study at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University offers a studio-centred learning environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, enabling personalised feedback on design work. The campus’s coastal location in Rhode Island provides direct access to a wide variety of study sites — from shoreline and estuary systems to suburban and historic urban contexts — supporting coursework in coastal resilience, waterfront planning and ecological restoration.

Students benefit from hands-on facilities such as fabrication and materials labs, GIS and digital design studios, and opportunities to collaborate on community-engaged projects with local municipalities and environmental organisations. The university’s emphasis on experiential learning helps students build a professional portfolio and secure internships, connecting academic study to real-world practice in landscape architecture and planning.