North Carolina State University

What you'll study

The undergraduate programme emphasises design-based learning delivered through sequence studios alongside courses in environmental science, construction technology and planning. Typical studio projects move from small-scale site interventions to comprehensive landscape and urban design, developing skills in site analysis, conceptual design, technical documentation and professional presentation.

• Design studios: iterative studio projects that teach site planning, form-making, and client-based problem solving.
• Planting and ecological design: plant materials, planting design, landscape ecology and stormwater management.
• Technical and construction courses: site grading and drainage, materials and detailing, construction documentation and specifications.
• Digital and mapping tools: CAD, 3D modelling, rendering, GIS and data visualisation for landscape planning.
• History and theory: landscape and urban history, contemporary theory, and cultural context for design decisions.
• Planning and policy: land use planning, sustainability, environmental regulation, and community engagement strategies.
• Professional practice and ethics: practice management, contracts, codes and the regulatory environment affecting landscape work.
• Field work and electives: site visits, materials workshops, interdisciplinary electives and a senior capstone or revision studio synthesising technical and conceptual skills.

Programme structure

The curriculum is studio-centred and sequential: early years focus on design fundamentals, representation and basic ecological principles; later years integrate technical documentation, larger-scale planning, practicum or internship experiences, and a culminating senior design project. Collaborative courses with architecture, urban design and planning programmes are common, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the field.

Entry requirements

Admission to the university requires a recognised secondary school diploma and a competitive academic record demonstrated by transcripts. Applicants to the landscape architecture programme typically present a portfolio that shows visual and design thinking (sketches, design projects, photography, model work or other creative work). Strong preparation in maths, science and visual arts at secondary level is beneficial.

• General university admission: secondary-school completion with a strong record of coursework.
• Programme-specific: portfolio demonstrating observational drawing, design thinking or related creative skills; evidence of interest in design, environment or planning is advantageous.
• Recommended skills: basic digital literacy, drawing or visual representation, and an understanding of ecological or physical site processes.
• Transfer applicants: articulation of previous college coursework and a portfolio; credit evaluated on a course-by-course basis.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across landscape architecture, urban design and planning, public sector agencies and private practice. The degree prepares students for both immediate professional work and for further study toward licensure.

• Landscape architect in private practice designing parks, campuses, streetscapes and residential developments.
• Urban or regional planner working on land-use, transportation and community development projects.
• Ecological designer or restoration specialist focusing on habitat restoration, green infrastructure and stormwater solutions.
• Site designer, garden designer or landscape contractor liaison producing planting plans and construction documents.
• Public agency roles in parks departments, transportation agencies and municipal planning offices.
• Consultancy positions in environmental assessment, landscape management, and sustainability reporting.
• Further study: graduate degrees (MLA, MUP, MArch) for advanced specialisation; professional licensure typically requires a combination of accredited education, supervised experience and licensing examinations.

Why study at North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University’s College of Design offers a strong, studio-driven environment with an emphasis on real-world, research-informed practice. The university’s location in the Research Triangle provides ready access to municipal agencies, design firms and interdisciplinary research centres, supporting internships and professional networking.

• College strengths: a design-focused college with faculty who are active practitioners and researchers in landscape architecture, planning and sustainability.
• Facilities and resources: dedicated design studios, fabrication and digital labs, GIS and mapping resources, and access to campus and regional field sites for hands-on learning.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: collaboration with architecture, city and regional planning, environmental sciences and engineering programmes to address complex site and urban problems.
• Professional connections: close ties with local and regional firms, public agencies and non-profit organisations that provide internship and employment pathways.
• Commitment to sustainability: curricular emphasis on resilient design, ecological function and community engagement that prepares graduates to respond to environmental and social challenges.