Become a landscape designer.
Graduating from one of the California landscape design colleges can start you on a career that U.S. News & World Report says is one of the 50 best careers of 2010. The Bureau of Labor Statistics agrees. They estimate that landscape architect jobs will increase by 20 percent through the year 2018. If you enjoy the outdoors, plants and design, this could be the perfect career for you.
University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Landscape Architecture that prepares you for an entry-level position with a landscape professional or qualifies you to open your own landscape design business. The program consists of three core courses, which are team-taught and focus on three distinct landscape design problems. You'll study landscape architecture history, ecology, geology, and methods and skills of plant design. In order to graduate, you are required to take a total of 120 units, and you must pass all classes with a grade of C minus or better. You must fulfill the university requirements, which include American history, 42 to 44 units of College of Environmental Design requirements, 45 units of landscape architecture major requirements and 19 to 29 units of electives.
Landscape Architecture & Environmental Planning
University of California, Berkeley
202 Wurster Hall, #2000
Berkeley, CA 94720-2000
510-642-4022
berkeley.edu
California Polytechnic State University
The California Polytechnic State University bachelor's degree in landscape architecture prepares students for a career as professional landscape designers. As part of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design, the landscape architecture department program focuses on the relationship between humans and nature in a variety of environments. During the program, you'll learn how nature and culture come together in home, community, city and regional landscape planning and use studies from art, technology and the natural and social sciences in your designs. In order to do the course work, you must have a notebook computer. The university has specific requirements for the type and capacity of computer, so check the website for details. Financial aid is available if you need assistance in purchasing the notebook.
Landscape Architecture Department
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0285
805-756-1319
calpoly.edu
University of California, Davis
The University of California, Davis, offers a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture that provides a general education as well as a focus in landscape design. Enrollment is limited; approximately 35 to 40 people graduate from the program each year. In order to apply to the program, you must fill out an application and submit a portfolio of your work. You'll also be evaluated on your understanding of landscape architecture and your ability to conceptualize three dimensions, solve problems in a creative manner and communicate effectively both verbally and on paper. Besides general studies in the humanities, social sciences and environmental sciences, you'll take landscape history and theory, landscape planning and design and landscape technology and professional practice.
University of California, Davis
131 Hunt Hall
Davis, CA 95616
530-752-3907
ucdavis.edu
Tags: University California, landscape design, California Berkeley, California Davis, California Polytechnic, California Polytechnic State
