Landscape Architecture

What is landscape architecture?

As a landscape architecture major at Virginia Tech, you’ll learn to design sustainable, resilient environments that support both human and ecological well-being. The studio-based curriculum emphasizes hands-on projects that address real-world challenges across diverse communities. Collaborative studios encourage interdisciplinary thinking and foster design innovation. You’ll gain valuable experience through internships, study abroad programs, and national conferences that offer professional connections and real-world insight. Graduates leave the program with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue licensure in a variety of states.

Why study landscape architecture at Virginia Tech?

Earn a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture in the only four-year, licensure-track degree program of its kind in Virginia.
Claim your own desk in a 24/7-access studio space where collaboration and learning by doing are central — no hot desks or shared workspaces here.
Work in dedicated makerspaces, including a wood shop, metal shop, LaserCAMM cutting room, 3D printing lab, ceramics lab, silk screen printing studio, darkrooms, and more.
Partner with communities through design charrettes that allow you to envision impactful solutions for real-world challenges, like designing accessible trail systems for Pocahontas State Park.
Explore the built environment across Europe and visit multiple cities during a summer study abroad program, Design Studies of the Built Environment – Western Europe.

Study at international universities through formal exchange programs and transfer credits back to Virginia Tech. Students have studied at the University of British Columbia, University of Montreal, University of Halifax, University of Queensland in Australia, and Tongji University in Shanghai, China.
Apply to spend a semester at the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center, where you can learn in an urban design context while earning credits.
Pursue a self-directed thesis project in your final year to deepen your expertise in an area of personal or professional interest.
A portfolio is not required for admission. Learn how to create a strong professional portfolio as part of your work in the program, with expert feedback along the way.

Table with plans and pens on them and students plus faculty all around and working together.

Curriculum

What courses will I take?

To learn more about the courses you’ll take as a landscape architecture major, review the Program Curriculum and course descriptions in the university catalog. You’ll be able to personalize your degree with electives and Pathways courses.

Careers

Meet an alum

Andrew Green and his wife standing outside together on a golf course he designed.

Andrew Green '01

Green ranks as one of the world’s top golf course architects, specializing in renovations of existing courses. He uses tools such as specialized software applications and drone footage to craft 18 holes of wonderfulness, but unlike many course designers, he occasionally hops on a Caterpillar bulldozer and brings his vision to life.