Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture & Environmental Planning

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning prepares students for advanced research and scholarship in the field. It emphasizes theory and method development, focusing on planning and design processes in natural and urban environments. Graduates pursue careers in research, teaching, government, and professional consulting, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and practice in landscape architecture and environmental planning.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning is designed for students seeking to pursue scholarly and research work beyond the master's level. It emphasizes the development of theories and methods within the field, focusing on planning and design processes to address problems in both natural and urban environments. The program caters to students aspiring to careers in research, teaching, or specialized roles in government or professional consulting.

Assessment:

The program features several assessment methods:

• Coursework: Students complete 32 units of upper-division and graduate coursework, including the Ph.D. seminar.
• Qualifying Examination: This exam evaluates the student's suitability for the Ph.D. degree.
• Dissertation: A dissertation is a significant component of the Ph.D. program, requiring independent research and writing.
• Annual Evaluation: The Ph.D. Committee conducts at least annual evaluations to assess progress toward the degree.

Careers:

The Ph.D. program prepares graduates for careers in:

• Research: Conducting academic research in landscape architecture and environmental planning.
• Teaching: Serving as faculty members at universities or colleges.
• Government: Holding specialized roles in government agencies related to environmental planning or landscape design.
• Professional Consultation: Providing expert advice and services in the field of landscape architecture and environmental planning.

Other:

• Program Emphasis: The program emphasizes the development of theories and methods that underpin the field of landscape architecture and environmental planning.
• Research Participation: Ph.D. students often participate in faculty research as research assistants, contributing to the development of knowledge and theory.
• Research Topics: Examples of current research topics include:
• Natural resource analysis
• Computerized inventories
• Environmental impact studies
• Shoreline classification methods
• Principles of forest landscape design
• Urban livability studies
• Urban perception
• Urban design case studies
• Urban edge morphological studies
• Environmental interpretation
• Behavior in parks and open spaces
• Community recreation projects
• Environmental simulation
• Admission Criteria: Admission to the Ph.D. program is highly competitive, with a limited number of spots available each year.
Applicants must hold a master's degree, preferably in landscape architecture or a related field. Students with a bachelor's degree are encouraged to first complete an appropriate master's degree before applying.
• Degree Requirements:
• 32 units of upper-division and graduate coursework
• Two-year academic residency
• Reading knowledge of a departmentally approved foreign language
• Successful completion of a qualifying examination
• Dissertation
• Dismissal: Students who, in the opinion of the faculty, are unlikely to complete the degree requirements may be subject to dismissal.