Landscape Architecture

University of California, Berkeley

This is an archived copy of the 2019-20 guide. To access the most recent version of the guide, please visit http://guide.berkeley.edu.

About the Program

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Berkeley's undergraduate curriculum in Landscape Architecture centers upon creative and ecologically-tuned design and introduces students to the breadth of knowledge common to the profession. This program leads to the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Landscape Architecture and provides the necessary education for students interested in entry-level professional practice.

At the heart of the undergraduate curriculum are three core studios: LD ARCH 101, LD ARCH 102, and LD ARCH 103. The core studios ensure that undergraduate students benefit from the department's full range of interests and expertise.

Licensure and Accreditation

The BA degree is certified by the State of California and counts as part of the education/experience requirement of the Uniform National Examination (U.N.E.) as well as for the Landscape Architects Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.) for licensure. Please visit the Landscape Architects Technical Committee and the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards for more information about licensure in California.

Admission to the Major

Students must declare one of the CED majors at the time of application to the College. However, current UC Berkeley students may apply to change into the College of Environmental Design. Transfer applicants must complete two years worth of lower division coursework to be considered for admission to CED. For information regarding admission to the major for freshmen, transfer students, and current students who wish to change majors or colleges, please see the College of Environmental Design (CED) page in this Bulletin or the CED website.

History and Theory of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design Minor Program

This program introduces students to conceptual issues of landscape architecture. A letter grade of C- or higher in ENV DES 1, LD ARCH 1, or LD ARCH 12 is required to declare the minor. To declare, students must submit the CED Request to Add Minor Form, available on the CED website. Open to all majors at UC Berkeley except Landscape Architecture.

Other Minors Offered by the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning

The Department sponsors a minor in Sustainable Design, in conjunction with the Department of Architecture. For further information regarding this minor program, please see the program's page in this Guide.

Visit Department Website

Major Requirements

In addition to the University, campus, and college requirements, listed on the College Requirements tab, students must fulfill the below requirements specific to their major program.

General Guidelines

  1. All lower division courses taken in fulfillment of major requirements must be completed with a grade of C- or better.
  2. Courses taken to fulfill lower division major requirements may also be used to fulfill Seven-Course Breadth.
  3. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 must be maintained in upper and lower division courses used to fulfill the major requirements.
  4. A minimum overall GPA of 2.0 for all courses taken at UC Berkeley is required for graduation.
  5. Courses used to fulfill an upper division major requirement may not simultaneously fulfill a breadth requirement.
  6. Up to two upper division courses taken at another institution, including an approved study abroad program, may be applied to the major requirements below (if transferable and approved in advance).

For information regarding residence and unit requirements, please see the College Requirements tab.

Lower Division Major Requirements

Freshman and sophomore year (three courses)

LD ARCH 1Drawing a Green Future: Fundamentals of Visual Representation and Creativity4
Physical Science: Select one course from the following 1
General Chemistry [3]
The Water Planet [3]
Introduction to Climate Change [3]
Earth's Greatest Volcanic Eruptions [3]
Earthquakes in Your Backyard [3]
Earthquakes in Your Backyard [3]
The Planet Earth [4]
Environmental Earth Sciences [3]
Atmospheres [3]
EPS C82
Course Not Available [3] (This course can be used for either Phys Sci or Bio Sci but not both.)
Introduction to Oceans [3] (This course can be used for either Phys Sci or Bio Sci but not both.)
Introduction to Environmental Sciences [3] (This course can be used for either Phys Sci or Bio Sci but not both.)
Introduction to Earth System Science [4] (This course can be used for either Phys Sci or Bio Sci but not both.)
INTEGBI C82
Course Not Available [3] (This course can be used for either Phys Sci or Bio Sci but not both.)
Earthquakes in Your Backyard [3]
Physics for Scientists and Engineers [4]
Introductory Physics [4]
Descriptive Introduction to Physics [3]
Biological Science: Select one course from the following (Note: courses from the above PS breadth list that can be used for BS breadth instead include EPS/IB C82/N82, ESPM 15, and GEOG 40): 2
Introduction to Biological Anthropology [4]
General Biology Lecture and Laboratory [4]
The Biosphere [3]
Environmental Biology [3]
Environmental Issues [4]
Insects and Human Society [3]
Natural History of Insects [3]
Sierra Nevada Ecology [4]
Environmental Science for Sustainable Development [4]
The (Secret) Life of Plants [3]
Bioinspired Design [3]
Primate Biology [3]
Introduction to Toxicology [3]

Upper Division Major Requirements

Twelve courses.

LD ARCH 101Fundamentals of Landscape Design5
LD ARCH 102Case Studies in Landscape Design5
LD ARCH 103Energy, Fantasy, and Form5
LD ARCH 110Ecological Analysis3
LD ARCH 110LEcological Analysis Laboratory2
LD ARCH 112Landscape Plants: Identification and Use4
LD ARCH 120Topographic Form and Design Technology3
LD ARCH 121Design in Detail: Introduction to Landscape Materials and Construction4
LD ARCH 133Drawn from the Field (Formerly 134A)3
LD ARCH 134BDrawing Workshop II (Curriculum change pending; see major advisor)3
LD ARCH 135Sacred Landscapes3
LD ARCH 170History and Literature of Landscape Architecture3

Minor Requirements

Students who have a strong interest in an area of study outside their major often decide to complete a minor program. When completing their final requirements for the minor, students must submit the CED Minor Completion Form, available on the CED website.

General Guidelines

  1. All minors must be declared no later than one semester before a student's Expected Graduation Term (EGT).
  2. A letter grade of C- or higher in ENV DES 1, LD ARCH 1, or LD ARCH 12 is required to declare the minor. To declare, submit the CED Request to Add Minor Form, available on the CED website.
  3. Each course used to fulfill minor requirements must be completed with a letter grade of C- or above.
  4. Students must earn a 2.0 GPA in the upper division requirements for the minor.
  5. Any course used in fulfillment of minor requirements may also be used to fulfill major and upper division CED non-major requirements.
  6. Courses used to fulfill a breadth requirement may also be used to satisfy minor requirements.
  7. Students may apply the non-CED version of a CED cross-listed course towards the minor.
  8. Students may use up to two courses taken abroad to fulfill upper division minor requirements, with faculty approval of the individual courses.

History and Theory of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning Minor ​Requirements

Lower Division (Choose one from list)
ENV DES 1Introduction to Environmental Design3
LD ARCH 1Drawing a Green Future: Fundamentals of Visual Representation and Creativity4
LD ARCH 12Environmental Science for Sustainable Development4
Upper Division (Choose five from list)
LD ARCH 110Ecological Analysis3
LD ARCH 111Plants in Design3
LD ARCH 122Hydrology for Planners4
LD ARCH 130Sustainable Landscapes and Cities4
LD ARCH 140Social and Psychological Factors in Open Space Design3
LD ARCH 154Special Topics in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning (Must be taken for at least 2 units)2-3
LD ARCH 170History and Literature of Landscape Architecture3
LD ARCH/AMERSTD C171The American Designed Landscape Since 18503
LD ARCH C188Geographic Information Systems4
LD ARCH 189Course Not Available3

College Requirements

For College Requirements, please refer to the College of Environmental Design.

Plan of Study

Each student’s plan will vary, depending on interests. Students should see their advisor if they are interested in applying for graduate school, studying abroad, attending summer school, pursuing a minor or second major, or anything else.

For more detailed information regarding the courses listed below (e.g., elective information, GPA requirements, etc.), please see the Major Requirements tab.

Freshman
FallUnitsSpringUnits
ENV DES 13Reading & Composition B4
Reading & Composition A4-6ENV DES 4A, 4B, or 4C (Must complete 2 of 3 to graduate)3
Bio Sci for Major (fills Breadth #1, BS)3-4Phys Sci for Major (fills Breadth #2, PS)2-4
Elective (if needed to reach 12 units)2Breadth #33-4
 12-15 12-15
Sophomore
FallUnitsSpringUnits
ENV DES 4A, 4B, or 4C (Must complete 2 of 3 to graduate)3LD ARCH 14
Breadth #43-4ENV DES 4A, 4B, or 4C (Must complete 2 of 3 to graduate)3
Breadth #53-4Breadth #63-4
Elective (if needed to reach 12 units)3Breadth #73-4
 12-14 13-15
Junior
FallUnitsSpringUnits
LD ARCH 1015LD ARCH 1025
LD ARCH 1103LD ARCH 1703
LD ARCH 110L2LD ARCH 1124
LD ARCH 1333CED Upper Div Non-Major #12-4
LD ARCH 134BCurriculum change pending; see major adviser3 
 16 14-16
Senior
FallUnitsSpringUnits
LD ARCH 1035LD ARCH 1214
LD ARCH 1203LD ARCH 1353
CED Upper Div Non-Major #22-4CED Upper Div Non-Major #32-4
American Cultures (or elective, if needed to reach 12 units)2-4LD ARCH 160 (or elective, if needed to reach 12 units)2,3
 12-16 11-14
Total Units: 102-121

Students must complete 120 units to graduate. 

Student Learning Goals

Learning Goals of the Major

  • To communicate effectively in graphic, written, and verbal formats.
  • To understand the relationship of the history and theory of landscape architecture.
  • To acquire knowledge of the basic fundamentals of environmental design, particularly the implications of social and natural factors.
  • To apply design principles in a range of sites and scales.

Advising

The CED Office of Undergraduate Advising provides a wide array of programmatic and individual advising services to prospective and current students, as well as to students in other colleges who are pursuing CED minors or taking CED courses. The professional advising team assists students with a range of issues including course selection, academic decision-making, achieving personal and academic goals, and maximizing the Berkeley experience.

Advising Staff

Architecture Major Advisor: Isela Pena-Rager
250 Wurster Hall
isela.penarager@berkeley.edu
510-642-4944

Landscape Architecture Major Advisor: Omar Ramirez
250 Wurster Hall
oramirez@berkeley.edu
510-642-0926

Sustainable Environmental Design Major Advisor: Heather Grothjan
250 Wurster Hall
heather.grothjan@berkeley.edu
510-642-0928

Urban Studies Major Advisor: Omar Ramirez
250 Wurster Hall
oramirez@berkeley.edu
510-642-0926

College Evaluator: Heather Grothjan
250 Wurster Hall
heather.grothjan@berkeley.edu
510-642-0928

Undergraduate Advising Director: Susan Hagstrom
250 Wurster Hall
hagstrom@berkeley.edu
510-642-0408

Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies: C. Greig Crysler
250 Wurster Hall
cgreigc@gmail.com

Advising Hours

Fall/Spring: Monday through Friday, 10 to noon (office opens at 9 a.m.) and 1 to 4 p.m.
Summer: Monday through Friday, 10 to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.

Address

Office of Undergraduate Advising
College of Environmental Design
250 Wurster Hall #1800
University of California
Berkeley, CA 94720-1800
510-642-4943

CED Career Services

The CED Career Services Center (CSC) offers personalized career counseling, a yearly CED Career Fair, and a wide variety of professional-development workshops on topics such as licensure, internships, and applying for graduate school. To schedule an appointment with the Career Counselor or for more information on CED CSC, please click here.

Office of Undergraduate Advising

Mission

The College of Environmental Design (CED) Office of Undergraduate Advising helps students graduate in a timely way with a meaningful educational experience at Berkeley. In alignment with the College's Vision and Principles, the Office collaborates with CED faculty, deans, and student service units across campus toward the common objective of supporting students as they achieve their educational and career goals. The CED Office of Undergraduate Advising seeks to accomplish the following:

  • Attract a highly-motivated, diverse pool of applicants.
  • Connect students with resources that match their goals and aspirations.
  • Support the development and transformation of undergraduates as they become educated, active and socially just citizens of the world.
  • Prepare graduates who are uniquely qualified and highly sought after in their field of choice.

Advising Values

Student Success. Above all, CED dedicates itself to maximizing student potential and to helping students succeed in their university experiences. CED encourages students to explore their minds and their hearts, challenge them to do their best work, and help them realize their talents and passions and achieve their goals.

Equity & Inclusion. CED is committed to creating an inclusive environment in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued. The Office of Undergraduate Advising aspires to provide fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all students and to identify and eliminate barriers that prevent the full participation of all.

Health & Well-Being. Collaboration with campus partners keeps the CED community healthy by helping students balance the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, occupational, spiritual, and environmental aspects of life.

Advising Excellence. In all that it does, CED strives to deliver personalized advising services of the highest quality by seeking to continuously educate itself on developments in the field and to evaluate, improve, and streamline services to support students in obtaining the best education and experience possible.

Academic Opportunities

Student Groups and Organizations

The college provides opportunities for students to be involved in student chapters of professional organizations, such as the American Institute of Architects (AIAS), the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), as well as other student groups like the Chican@/Latin@ Architecture Student Association (CASA), Global Architecture Brigades, and more. For information regarding student groups, please see the Getting Involved page of the CED website.

Study Abroad

The College of Environmental Design (CED) encourages all undergraduates in the college to study abroad. Whether students are interested in fulfilling general education requirements, taking courses related to their major/career, or simply living and studying in a country that is of interest to them, Berkeley Study Abroad will work with students to make it happen. For information about Study Abroad programs, please see the Berkeley Study Abroad website.

CED Career Services

The CED Career Services Center (CSC) offers personalized career counseling, a yearly CED Career Fair, and a wide variety of professional-development workshops on topics such as licensure, internships, and applying for graduate school. For further information, please see the CED Career Services website.

Prizes and Awards

CED offers a number of annual prizes, awards, scholarships, fellowships, and grants to its currently enrolled students. Some of these prizes and awards are college-wide, and some are geared toward students in specific majors. For general information regarding CED prizes and awards, including application instructions and a deadline calendar, please click here.

CED Events and Exhibits Calendar

CED and Wurster Hall is home to a variety of events, lectures, and exhibitions that welcome professors, professionals, and friends to the college to discuss and celebrate the community and professions. Through events and media CED is constantly creating ways to keep the college connected and up-to-date. To view this calendar, please click here.

CED on Facebook

CED on Twitter

CED Lecture Series

The departments of Architecture, City and Regional Planning, and Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning each sponsor lecture series, which offers students the opportunity to hear internationally-acclaimed speakers. These speakers often also participate in classes and seminars as part of their visit to campus. For a schedule of speakers and events in these lecture series, please see the CED website.

WursterLife

WursterLife is a closed-network platform that enables CED students and alumni from across the globe to connect with classmates, find alumni by practice area, geographic region, affinity group, or shared interest, share professional updates, news, photos, events, and jobs, enhance your career through your alumni connections, and find ways to stay engaged with the UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design.

Research Opportunities, Internships, Public Service, and Volunteer Opportunities

Check out the CED Office of Undergraduate Advising website for additional opportunities.

Courses

Landscape Architecture

Faculty and Instructors

+ Indicates this faculty member is the recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award.

Faculty

Danika Cooper, Assistant Professor.

Iryna Dronova, Assistant Professor.
Research Profile

Kristina Hill, Associate Professor.

Richard L. Hindle, Assistant Professor. Patents, landscape architecture, ecology, technology, innovation, fabrication, horticulture.
Research Profile

Walter J. Hood, Professor. Urban design, community development, landscape architecture, environmental planning, landscape design, citizen participation, design of architecture and landscape.
Research Profile

G. Mathias Kondolf, Professor. Ecological restoration, landscape architecture, environmental planning, fluvial geomorphology, hydrology, environmental geology, environmental impact assessment, riparian zone management.
Research Profile

Karl Kullmann, Associate Professor. Landscape and urban design, landscape and urban theory, digital representation .
Research Profile

Elizabeth S. Macdonald, Professor. Urban design.
Research Profile

David Meyer, Associate Adjunct Professor.

Louise A. Mozingo, Professor.

John Radke, Associate Professor. City and regional planning, landscape architecture and environmental planning, geographic information systems, database design and construction, spatial analysis, pattern recognition computational morphology.
Research Profile

Chip Sullivan, Professor.

Lecturers

Joan Chaplick, Lecturer.

Agostino Di Tommaso, Lecturer.

Daphne Edwards, Lecturer.

Daniel S. Iacofano, Lecturer.

Kelley D. Lemon, Lecturer.

Nathan Lozier, Lecturer.

Kimberlee Stryker, Lecturer.

Emeritus Faculty

Peter C. Bosselmann, Professor Emeritus. Urban design, architecture, city and regional planning, landscape architecture.
Research Profile

Clare Cooper Marcus, Professor Emeritus. Architecture, landscape architecture, environmental planning, medium-density housing, public housing modernization, public open-space design, children_ _s environments, housing for the elderly.
Research Profile

Randolph T. Hester, Professor Emeritus.

Linda L. Jewell, Professor Emeritus. Urban design, landscape architecture, environmental planning, landscapes and structures, on-site design decisions, site planning, sustainable construction.
Research Profile

Raymond Lifchez, Professor Emeritus.

+ Joe R. McBride, Professor Emeritus. Urban forestry, forest ecology.
Research Profile

Michael Southworth, Professor Emeritus.

Robert H. Twiss, Professor Emeritus.

Contact Information

Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning

202 Wurster Hall

Phone: 510-643-9335

Visit Department Website

Department Chair and Minor Program Faculty Advisor

Elizabeth Macdonald

202A Wurster Hall

Phone: 510-643-6165

emacdon@berkeley.edu

Undergraduate Major Head

Chip Sullivan

302 Wurster Hall

Phone: 510-642-2938

csully@berkeley.edu

Landscape Architecture Major/Minor Advisor

Omar Ramirez

250 Wurster Hall

Phone: 510-642-0926

oramirez@berkeley.edu

College Evaluator

Heather Grothjan

250 Wurster Hall

Phone: 510-642-0928

heather.grothjan@berkeley.edu

Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies

C. Greig Crysler

354 Wurster Hall

cgreigc@gmail.com

Director, Office of Undergraduate Advising

Susan Hagstrom

250 Wurster Hall

Phone: 510-642-0408

hagstrom@berkeley.edu

CED Career Services

Dinorah Meyer

http://ced.berkeley.edu/ced/students/career/

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