Roger Williams University

What you'll study

The programme balances design studios with courses in landscape ecology, urban and regional planning, and the technical methods required for professional practice. Core studio sequences emphasise site analysis, conceptual design, and project delivery across scales from detailed planting and construction to neighbourhood and watershed planning. Lectures and seminars typically cover topics such as landscape theory, ecological systems and restoration, stormwater and green infrastructure, planting design, materials and detailing, and the social dimensions of landscape planning.

• Design Studio — iterative, project‑based studios that develop conceptual thinking, technical documentation and presentation skills.
• Landscape Ecology & Restoration — principles of ecosystems, habitat design and ecological resilience.
• Urban and Regional Planning — land use, zoning, community engagement and strategic planning methods.
• Site Engineering & Sustainable Infrastructure — grading, drainage, stormwater management, and green infrastructure techniques.
• Planting Design & Horticulture — plant selection, composition and maintenance for varied climates and site conditions.
• Digital Technologies & GIS — mapping, analysis and digital modelling for design and planning decisions.
• Professional Practice & Ethics — project management, contracts, codes, and the business of landscape architecture.
• Capstone/Thesis or Advanced Design Project — a culminating research or design project that synthesises studio work and technical learning.

Fieldwork and community‑based projects are a regular part of the curriculum, taking advantage of the university's coastal and urban regional setting to study real sites and stakeholders. Electives allow further focus on topics like climate adaptation, historic landscapes, or construction detailing.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; degrees in landscape architecture, architecture, environmental design, planning, ecology or related fields are commonly accepted. Candidates with a non‑design undergraduate degree may be admitted but are often required to complete bridging coursework or preparatory design modules.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating undergraduate performance.
• A portfolio of design or project work that illustrates visual, analytical and problem‑solving skills (requirements vary for applicants without prior design education).
• A personal statement outlining professional goals, relevant experience and reasons for choosing the programme.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé detailing relevant experience, internships or employment.
• Proof of English proficiency for international applicants where applicable (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL or institutional alternatives).

Standardised tests are not typically the primary basis for admission; applicants should consult the programme for details about any additional requirements, preparatory courses, or interview/portfolio review processes.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of professional roles across public, private and non‑profit sectors. Typical career paths include landscape architect in design firms, urban or regional planner with municipal governments, ecological restoration specialist, coastal resilience planner, park and recreation designer, or consultant in stormwater and green infrastructure. Many graduates also work in interdisciplinary teams on community development, transportation corridors, campus planning, and brownfield redevelopment.

With professional experience, graduates can pursue registration/licensure where required by jurisdiction, or continue into doctoral study and research in landscape ecology, urbanism or design theory. The programme’s combination of studio work, technical training and community engagement prepares alumni for roles that require both creative design and evidence‑based planning.

Why study at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams offers a studio‑focused learning environment with relatively small cohorts that foster close mentorship from faculty with professional and research experience. The university's coastal New England location provides immediate access to shoreline environments, post‑industrial waterfronts and compact urban centres — useful contexts for studying resilience, waterfront regeneration and ecological design.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across architecture, engineering and environmental science programmes, access to fabrication and digital labs, and opportunities for hands‑on fieldwork and community projects. The programme is oriented toward applied, practice‑oriented outcomes, emphasising portfolio development, real‑world project experience and preparation for professional practice or further study.