CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

This studio-led programme combines design studios, technical skills and ecological sciences to prepare students for professional practice in landscape architecture and urban design. Course work is organised around iterative design studios supported by modules in site analysis, plant and planting design, construction and detailing, and professional practice.

• Design Studios: progressive design projects that move from small-scale residential and community sites to larger public landscapes and urban strategies, emphasising conceptual development, iterative drawing and model-making.
• Site Analysis and Ecology: courses in site planning, soils and hydrology, ecological systems, stormwater management and sustainable site design principles.
• Planting Design and Horticulture: plant materials, planting design, seasonal dynamics and maintenance considerations for designed landscapes.
• Technical and Construction Courses: grading and drainage, construction detailing, materials and methods, digital drafting (CAD), 3D modelling and fabrication techniques.
• Digital Tools: GIS for landscape planning, digital rendering, parametric tools and computational workflows used in contemporary practice.
• History, Theory and Professional Context: history of landscape architecture, ethics, policy, urbanism and professional practice including project management and contract documents.
• Fieldwork and Community Engagement: site visits across the New York metropolitan area, hands-on workshops, and projects developed in collaboration with community groups and public agencies.
• Capstone and Internship: a culminating design capstone or research project plus opportunities for internships with design firms, municipal agencies or non-profit organisations.

Structure

The degree is typically delivered over four years of full-time study, with studios integrated each semester alongside technical and theoretical courses. Progression emphasises increasing project complexity and professional responsibility, and students are encouraged to undertake summer internships or cooperative placements in the city.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a secondary school diploma or equivalent with a solid foundation in college-preparatory subjects. Admissions to the programme are selective and favour candidates who demonstrate both creative potential and academic readiness.

• Academic qualifications: completion of secondary education with strong grades in relevant subjects; prior coursework in mathematics, sciences or art/design is advantageous.
• Portfolio: a portfolio of creative work is generally required — this can include sketches, drawing, models, photography and design projects that demonstrate visual thinking and making skills.
• Supplementary materials: personal statement outlining interest in landscape architecture, and letters of recommendation may be requested.
• Additional considerations: some applicants may be invited to an interview or portfolio review. Transfer applicants will be assessed on college transcripts and completed coursework; advanced standing may be awarded for relevant studio work.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge design, ecology and urbanism. Typical career paths include:

• Landscape architect in private practice, working on residential, public park, waterfront and streetscape projects.
• Urban designer or planner focusing on public realm improvements and city-scale landscape strategies.
• Environmental and ecological consultant working on habitat restoration, stormwater and resilience projects.
• Municipal positions with city parks departments, planning agencies or public works.
• Specialist roles in planting design, landscape construction, landscape contracting, or nursery and horticultural management.
• Research, education or further study leading to professional qualifications or advanced degrees in landscape architecture, urban planning or environmental design.

Why study at CUNY (The City University of New York)

Studying landscape architecture through the CUNY system places students in one of the world’s most complex urban laboratories. The programme leverages proximity to a diverse range of public landscapes, waterfronts and community organisations for hands-on projects and field learning.

• Urban learning environment: frequent site-based projects across New York City allow students to work on real-world, highly varied urban landscapes and public-realm challenges.
• Industry connections: access to internships and collaborative projects with local design firms, municipal agencies and non-profit partners that operate throughout the metropolitan region.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: within the CUNY system students can draw on related departments—architecture, planning, environmental science and engineering—for electives and cross-disciplinary projects.
• Practical facilities: studios, fabrication shops, digital labs and GIS resources support a hands-on curriculum and help students build practical skills employers seek.

The programme emphasises design excellence, environmental responsibility and the professional competencies needed to enter practice or pursue advanced study in landscape architecture and related fields.