University of Maine

What you'll study

The curriculum balances design-led studios with technical and theoretical courses so students learn to design for people, place and ecosystem function. Studio classes progress from fundamental composition and drawing to complex site design, master planning and landscape construction detailing. Core study areas typically include:

• Design studios – iterative projects focussing on residential, civic and large-scale landscape design, emphasising site analysis, systems thinking and graphical representation.
• Landscape ecology and plant materials – principles of ecosystems, native plant selection, and how vegetation contributes to function and biodiversity.
• Construction and materials – grading, drainage, paving, retaining structures and specification of hardscape and softscape elements.
• Environmental sustainability and stormwater management – green infrastructure, low-impact development and climate‑responsive design strategies.
• Planning and policy – fundamentals of land use planning, zoning, community engagement and the regulatory context for landscape projects.
• Technical skills – GIS and spatial analysis, digital modelling, CAD and physical model-making.
• History and theory – study of landscape and urban theory, historic landscapes and the cultural context of design.
• Professional practice and project management – contract documents, ethics, cost estimation and collaborative practice.

Many students also complete a design capstone or practicum and have opportunities for field-based learning, studio collaborations and internships with regional firms and public agencies.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary school qualification equivalent to a high school diploma. Typical criteria include a solid academic record with strengths in subjects such as mathematics, science and art or design. Because design aptitude is important, applicants are usually asked to submit a portfolio of creative work demonstrating drawing, design thinking or related projects. A personal statement explaining interest in landscape architecture and one or more references may also be required. Where offered, interviews or portfolio reviews can form part of the selection process. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles across public, private and non‑profit sectors. Common career paths include:

• Landscape architect in private practice or multidisciplinary design firms
• Urban and regional planner or planning technician
• Site and project designer, focusing on parks, streetscapes and waterfronts
• Environmental consultant specialising in stormwater, habitat restoration or ecological design
• GIS analyst or spatial planner working for municipal or state agencies
• Construction project manager or specification writer for landscape projects

Many graduates pursue professional licensure or further study in planning, architecture, or environmental sciences, and work opportunities range from community-scale projects to large infrastructure and conservation initiatives.

Why study at University of Maine

The University of Maine offers a learning environment embedded in a region with diverse coastal, forested and urban landscapes, providing rich opportunities for fieldwork and applied projects. Students benefit from close studio instruction, interdisciplinary connections with planning and environmental programmes, and access to technical facilities such as fabrication workshops and GIS labs. Faculty bring a mix of academic and practical experience, and the programme typically encourages internships and community partnerships that help students build professional experience and regional networks.