Georgia Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The programme combines design studios, technical electives and research methods to develop skills in site planning, landscape systems, and urban design integration. Core study areas typically include landscape design studio, site engineering and construction, planting design and ecology, stormwater and hydrologic systems, geographic information systems (GIS) for landscape planning, and sustainable materials and technologies.

Students engage in project-based studios that range from detailed site design to neighbourhood and regional planning interventions. Coursework often covers contemporary planning theory, policy and community engagement methods, digital design and simulation, and professional practice. The degree usually culminates in a capstone design project or thesis that synthesises design, technical analysis and planning strategies.

• Landscape design studio (site-to-city design projects)
• Ecology and planting design
• Hydrology, stormwater and resilient systems
• Site engineering and landscape construction techniques
• GIS, spatial analysis and computational design methods
• Planning theory, policy and community engagement
• Professional practice, ethics and project management
• Research methods and a capstone or thesis option

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Candidates with undergraduate degrees in landscape architecture, architecture, planning, engineering, environmental science or related fields are typical, though applicants from other backgrounds with relevant experience or a strong portfolio may also be considered.

Required application materials generally include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or resume, letters of recommendation and a portfolio demonstrating design work or related professional projects. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency according to institutional requirements. Some applicants may be asked to provide a writing sample or additional documentation; the programme may also accept or require standardised test scores in line with current institutional policy.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue careers in private landscape architecture and urban design firms, municipal and regional planning agencies, environmental consulting, park and recreation departments, and real-estate development. Typical roles include landscape architect, urban designer, site planner, environmental planner, stormwater and green infrastructure specialist, and project manager.

Alumni also move into interdisciplinary positions with engineering consultancies, nonprofit organisations focused on resilience and ecological restoration, or research and teaching positions in universities. The programme’s technical emphasis on GIS, modelling and construction detailing equips graduates for roles that bridge design and implementation.

Why study at Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech’s College of Design emphasises an interdisciplinary, technology-forward approach to landscape architecture and planning. Students benefit from collaboration across architecture, city planning, civil and environmental engineering, and computing, enabling integrated solutions to complex urban and ecological challenges.

The programme is studio-centred and research-connected, with opportunities to work with faculty on projects in urban resilience, ecological systems and computational design. Its location in a major metropolitan region provides ready access to a diverse range of real-world project sites, professional practices and public agencies, supporting strong industry links and internship possibilities.

Overall, the school’s combination of design studios, technical training and applied research prepares graduates to address contemporary challenges in sustainable urbanism, landscape performance and resilient planning.