Undergraduate B.L.A. Program Information
The following sections provide details regarding undergraduate application for incoming freshmen, change of major, and transfer students to the B.L.A. program. Direct any questions about the application process or the B.L.A. program in the Department of Landscape Architecture to larch@psu.edu.
Incoming Freshmen/First-Year Students
Important Application Dates
Priority deadline is November 30
Spots remain available until our freshman class numbers are filled.
Admission Requirements
First-year applicants must submit an online application found at https://admissions.psu.edu
Students with no prior collegiate work are selected by the admissions office to enter directly into the major based on high school performance and SAT scores. On Penn State’s application form, high school students must specifically designate landscape architecture. Freshman admission applications are submitted during the fall, as processing starts in September for those seeking entry the following fall. Applicants are encouraged to submit a completed application by November 30, though spots remain available until our freshman class numbers are filled.
Materials needed to support freshman applications are specified by the admissions office,
201 Shields Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-5471
Fax: 814-863-7590
Note: Many Bachelor of Landscape Architecture students also qualify for the Schreyer Honors College. Please consider the requirements and benefits of the Honors College. Also note that many requirements in the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program also satisfy honors requirements, such as study abroad.
Change of Major/Assignment Students
Important Application Dates
Rolling application period: October 1 – February 15. Review of applications begins February 15.
Applications received after this date may be considered in a second round of reviews.
Admission Requirements
If you are already enrolled as a Penn State student, and you are applying for Change of Major/Change of Campus, please select: Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (B.L.A.) – Change of Major/Change of Campus.
Step 1. Cover letter (1 page)
Write a cover letter addressed to Roxi Thoren, Department Head. Introduce yourself, briefly describe what your major is, and why you are considering a change. You may also wish to reference the accompanying essay and how it supports your application.
Step 2. Essay (3-5 pages)
Write a succinct and compelling essay telling us:
- What aspects of this diverse profession most interest you
- What proven traits and accomplishments (skills, creativity, advocacy, innovations) you possess that show why you’re suited to becoming a landscape architect
- Why you’re choosing to study landscape architecture at Penn State specifically
Step 3. Submit all Materials
Once your letter and essay are well-crafted, create separate PDF files and email to larch@psu.edu
Transfer Students
Important Transfer Eligibility Information
Fall term admission only. Only applicants who have 2 or less academic semesters of attempted college coursework (roughly 34 attempted credits) by their projected date of enrollment may apply for consideration.
Important Application Dates
- February 15: Application deadline
- February 15: Cover letter/essay submission deadline
(Transfer applicants, also known as advanced standing applicants, have graduated from high school and attempted 18 or more semester credit hours of college coursework after high school graduation.)
There is a two–part process for transfer applications. The Undergraduate Admissions Office handles the first portion of application to the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Program [B.L.A.], followed by the Landscape Architecture Department portfolio review. The admissions decision rests with the Undergraduate Admissions Office with recommendations from the Department of Landscape Architecture.
Admission Requirements
Step 1. Undergraduate Admissions Application
If you are enrolled in another university, you must submit an application to Undergraduate Admissions. For further information, visit their website: https://admissions.psu.edu
Step 2. Cover letter (1 page)
Write a cover letter addressed to Roxi Thoren, Department Head. Introduce yourself, briefly describe where you’ve been going to college, what your major is, and why you are considering a change. You may also wish to reference the accompanying essay and how it supports your application.
Step 3. Essay (3-5 pages)
Write a succinct and compelling essay telling us:
- What aspects of this diverse profession most interest you
- What proven traits and accomplishments (skills, creativity, advocacy, innovations) you possess that show why you’re suited to becoming a Landscape Architect
- Why you’re choosing to study landscape architecture at Penn State specifically
Step 4. Submit all Materials
Once your letter and essay are well-crafted, create separate PDF files and email to larch@psu.edu.
Graduate Programs Information
Applying to the graduate program is a multi-step process. For consideration for admission for the fall semester, complete application materials should be received no later than January 15 of the preceding academic year. Prospective candidates are strongly advised to contact the graduate program coordinator to discuss his/her intended area of graduate study.
Landscape Architecture Graduate Program Professor-in-Charge
Stuart Echols
Phone: 814.865.9511
Email: spe10@psu.edu
In addition to the materials to be submitted to the Penn State Graduate School, the Department of Landscape Architecture requires submission of applicant information specific our programs. The materials detailed below should be submitted via the Graduate School website with your other application materials. If you have any questions, or if you are unable to submit a portfolio electronically and need to make arrangements to submit a physical portfolio, please email: dbs115@psu.edu.
M.L.A. Application Requirements
- GRE scores.
- Evidence of analytical ability (research paper or other).
- Individual M.L.A. application statement from the applicant describing why they wish to pursue a career in landscape architecture at Penn State, how it relates to their previous academic experience and how it will enhance their professional interests and goals in the future.
- Evidence of creative work, either through a digital portfolio or through examples of writing or some other creative outlet. (See Crafting a Quality Portfolio.)
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic history; employer recommendations are also welcome.
M.S. in L.A. Application Requirements
- GRE scores.
- Evidence of analytical ability (research paper or other).
- Individual M.S. in L.A. application statement from the applicant stating why they wish to enroll for the M.S. in L.A. at Penn State and describing their professional interests, goals, and proposed area of concentration related to one of our research centers/initiatives – the Stuckeman Center for Design Computing, The Hamer Center for Community Design, or WATERxDESIGN. Students are encouraged to contact individual faculty members whose research interests intersect their own.
- Evidence of creative work, either through a digital portfolio or through examples of writing or some other creative outlet. (See Crafting a Quality Portfolio.)
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic history; employer recommendations are also welcome.