Florida International University

What you'll study

The programme is studio‑based and structured to build design skills, technical knowledge and ecological literacy across four years of study. Core learning combines design studios with technical and theoretical courses, labs and fieldwork.

• Design studios: progressive studio sequence emphasising concept development, site planning, construction documentation and a final capstone design project that synthesises technical, ecological and aesthetic considerations.
• Plant materials and horticulture: identification and use of trees, shrubs and groundcovers; planting design and maintenance considerations for subtropical climates.
• Site engineering and stormwater management: grading and drainage, flood mitigation, green infrastructure and low‑impact development strategies.
• Construction technology and detailing: materials, specifications, grading and hardscape detailing, irrigation basics and cost estimating.
• Landscape ecology and environmental systems: ecosystems, soils, hydrology and climate resilience with emphasis on coastal and wetland environments common to South Florida.
• Digital representation and technical skills: CAD, GIS, 3D modelling, rendering and digital fabrication techniques used for analysis and presentation.
• History, theory and professional practice: histories of landscape architecture and urbanism, ethics, professional practice, legal issues and project management.
• Fieldwork and community engagement: site visits, ecological assessments, community‑based projects and partnerships with local municipalities, agencies and non‑profits.

Electives and interdisciplinary options allow students to study topics such as urban design, historic landscape preservation, sustainable materials, or advanced digital fabrication. Internship or practicum experiences are strongly encouraged to build professional experience prior to graduation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Selection emphasises a balance of academic achievement and creative potential.

• Academic record: competitive secondary school transcript with coursework in mathematics, science and arts recommended.
• Portfolio: most applicants submit a portfolio demonstrating drawing, design work, photography, models or other creative work; portfolios typically emphasise observational drawing, graphic communication and evidence of design thinking.
• Supplementary materials: a personal statement describing interest in landscape architecture and career goals, and letters of recommendation may strengthen an application.
• Transfer applicants: college transcripts and a portfolio are required; prior coursework in design, plant science or environmental studies can be advantageous.
• International students: must present an equivalent secondary credential and demonstrate English language proficiency through a recognised test or university‑approved alternative.

Standardised test requirements and specific portfolio guidelines are subject to university policy; applicants should consult the School of Architecture admissions pages for current instructions.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry‑level positions in a variety of public and private sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Landscape architect in private practice or multidisciplinary design firms
• Urban and regional planner or urban designer
• Park, recreation and open‑space planner for municipal or regional agencies
• Environmental consultant specialising in stormwater, coastal resilience or habitat restoration
• Planting designer, horticulturalist or landscape contractor
• GIS analyst or site planner for public agencies, utilities or NGOs
• Construction documentation and specification specialist

Many graduates pursue professional licensure or certification and some continue to postgraduate study in landscape architecture, urban planning, environmental design or related fields. The programme's mix of technical and design training supports careers across design, planning, ecology and infrastructure sectors.

Why study at Florida International University

Florida International University is located in Miami, offering a living laboratory of subtropical landscapes, coastal processes and rapid urban growth—conditions that shape much of the curriculum and studio projects. Students benefit from hands‑on fieldwork in diverse ecosystems such as mangroves, coastal zones and urban green spaces.

• Regional relevance: projects and coursework address climate resilience, sea‑level rise adaptation and tropical planting strategies relevant to South Florida and other coastal regions.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: opportunities to work with allied disciplines across the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts and other colleges on campus, including planning, architecture and environmental sciences.
• Facilities and resources: access to digital fabrication labs, GIS and mapping resources, plant collections and field‑based laboratories.
• Professional connections: proximity to a dynamic regional market supports internships and partnerships with local landscape, planning and engineering firms, as well as municipal and environmental agencies.

These strengths make FIU a practical choice for students seeking an education that integrates design excellence with ecological and technical competence in a context of real‑world environmental challenges.