West Virginia University

Landscape Architecture

Landscape architects design, plan, and arrange natural and manmade elements on the land. They deal with virtually every external space, ranging from public parks and tourist areas to industrial parks and commercial developments.

At WVU, the major equips students with techniques and skills through problem solving in design theory, site construction, land use planning, and planting design.

Courses within the major are supplemented by related courses in the arts, sciences, engineering, and planning, giving students a well-rounded education that reflects current trends within the profession.

In addition being prepared for traditional landscape architectural roles, our graduates also are trained to address the unique needs of the Appalachian region and other rural areas.

Facts

• WVU offers the state's only landscape architecture program that is accredited by the American Society of Landscape Architects.
• Our program was ranked 13th in the nation and fourth in the eastern states in a survey conducted by the Design Futures Council.
• As part of WVU’s service mission, students in design studio courses assist communities in developing plans for parks, main street beautification, and other projects.
• About 165 students are enrolled in WVU’s landscape architecture program.
• Over 90% of our graduates get jobs in their field, with several ending up owning a design office.

Average Starting Salary

$25,000-$30,000 - The average salary of landscape architects with 0-5 years of experience is $40,000; for those with 21-25 years, it is $80,250.

What can I do with this major?

Landscape architects find employment with landscape architecture and architecture firms, multi-disciplinary planning and design firms, the federal government, US Department of Agriculture, US Department of Defense, and the Bureau of Land Management in the US Department of the Interior. Many landscape architects choose to work as self-employed consultants.

Graduates from our program have found employment with firms and agencies such as McHale & McHale Landscaping, Land Design Inc., LaQuatra Bonci Associates, Biafore’s Landscaping, Pennoni Associates, The Brickman Group, and many others.

Some students also continue their studies in graduate school to demonstrate mastery or specialize in some aspect of landscape architecture.

What classes will I take?

Majors complete a curriculum that combines theory, intensive design studio experiences, and a wide variety of opportunities for hands-on activities. Landscape Architectural Drawing, Computer Graphics in Landscape Architecture, Planting Design, and Landscape Construction Materials and Methods are just a few of the courses taken by landscape architect majors. Courses in math, biology, and land surveying are also required.

In addition, students are required to work at least one summer in an approved landscape architecture office or equivalent.

What departmental organizations can I join?

Student Society of Landscape Architecture, Mountaineer Collegiate FFA, Undergraduate Agriculture and Resource Economics Club, and Alpha Tau Alpha honorary

How do I find out more?

Check out these Web sites:

• WVU Landscape Architecture
• Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences
• Landscape Architecture Major Flyer

Or send an e-mail to: Amber.Hines@mail.wvu.edu

Photo Gallery

The pictures below are from the annual Exhibit of Spatial Vision and Expression, which features work by landscape architecture students in Professor Michael Hasenmyer's Theory of Landscape Architecture and Design class. The exhibition consists different spaces designed to reflect a specific, evocative adjective, with such words as "mysterious," "fluid," and "dynamic." Students are encouraged to create designs that evoke their specific word without resorting to common iconography.