Florida International University

What you'll study

This programme is organised around design studios supported by technical and theoretical coursework. Core studio sequences focus on site analysis and conceptual design, landscape and urban design, and a culminating capstone or professional project that demonstrates comprehensive design and planning skills. Students study plant and ecosystem ecology as it applies to landscape systems, stormwater and green infrastructure design, coastal and tidal resilience strategies, and materials and construction detailing for landscapes.

• Design Studio: iterative, studio-based projects progressing from small-scale to complex urban and regional interventions.
• Landscape Ecology & Planting Design: plant communities, habitat restoration, and planting frameworks for performance and biodiversity.
• Water & Soils: hydrology, stormwater management, low-impact development and soil science for landscape performance.
• Urban Design & Planning Methods: urban theory, land-use planning, zoning fundamentals and community-engaged planning techniques.
• Digital Methods & Representation: GIS, mapping, digital modelling, rendering and fabrication techniques for landscape practice.
• Professional Practice: business of landscape architecture, project delivery, contracts, codes and ethics, and professional licensure pathways.
• Electives & Research: options in coastal resilience, ecological restoration, public space design, and interdisciplinary collaboration with planning, architecture and environmental science.

Students typically complete a mix of required courses and electives over one-and-a-half to two years full-time. The programme often includes opportunities for a practicum or internship with local government agencies, design firms or environmental organisations, and may offer both thesis and non-thesis routes depending on student interests.

Entry requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in architecture, landscape architecture, planning, environmental science, horticulture, or a related discipline; applicants from non-design backgrounds are considered but may be asked to complete bridging coursework.
• A portfolio demonstrating design thinking, technical competence, visual communication and project work; portfolios should include academic or professional examples and explanatory captions.
• Academic transcripts showing previous undergraduate performance.
• A statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals, design interests and reasons for choosing the programme.
• Two to three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees familiar with the applicant's work.
• Evidence of English proficiency where applicable (TOEFL, IELTS or comparable), in accordance with university policy.
• Relevant professional experience is an advantage but not always required; some applicants may be asked to complete preparatory courses in design graphics, studio fundamentals or technical drawing before entry.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of professional roles across public, private and non-profit sectors. Typical career paths include landscape architect in private design firms, urban designer, environmental planner, parks and recreation planner, coastal resilience specialist, ecological restoration practitioner, and sustainability or green-infrastructure consultant. Many alumni find work with municipal planning departments, regional planning agencies, landscape and architecture studios, environmental consultancies, and conservation organisations. The programme also prepares students for licensure routes in landscape architecture and provides skills relevant to roles in project management, policy-making and academic research.

Why study at Florida International University

FIU is located in a subtropical, coastal metropolitan region that serves as a living laboratory for landscape architecture focused on sea-level rise, coastal resilience and tropical ecology. The university’s strengths in environmental science, urban planning and design foster interdisciplinary collaboration and practical, site-based learning. Students benefit from connections to local governments and professional firms in Miami and South Florida, enabling internships and community-engaged projects.

FIU offers access to specialised research centres and resources that support work on climate adaptation, water management and ecological restoration. Facilities include design studios, digital fabrication labs and GIS resources, alongside faculty who combine professional practice with research in resilience, urbanism and sustainable landscape systems. The programme’s emphasis on real-world applications and regional knowledge equips graduates to address pressing environmental and urban challenges in coastal and tropical contexts.