Introduction to the Major
The Landscape Architecture major 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 (B.A.) degree in landscape architecture and provides the necessary education for students interested in entry-level professional practice.
The B.A. 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.
“Landscape architecture combines my interests in design, ecology, habitat preservation, history, and social studies. My degree has prepared me for a variety of career fields.”
- Justin Panganiban, Landscape Architecture major, City and Regional Planning minor
Admission to the Major
First-year applicants must declare the major at the time of application to the College of Environmental Design (CED). However, current UC Berkeley students may apply to change colleges into CED if admission requirements are met and space is available. Transfer applicants must complete lower division college and major requirements prior to Berkeley to be considered for admission to CED.
CED also offers a minor in History and Theory of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design. The minor is open to all UC Berkeley students except Landscape Architecture majors.
Amplify Your Major
- Get involved with the college as a CED Admissions Ambassador, or as a member of the Undergraduate Student Council or a CED Student Organization such as the American Society of Landscape Architects
- Complete a course thread or certificate in Design Innovation or Global Urban Humanities.
First Year
Explore Your Major
- Meet with your CED advisor in 250 Bauer Wurster Hall or virtually via Zoom.
- Review the Landscape Architecture Major Handbook for degree requirements, sample study plans, and student resources.
- Enroll in ENV DES 1: Intro to Environmental Design and ENV DES 5: Cities and Sites.
Connect and Build Community
- Meet other CED students at a CED social event.
- Find study groups, tutoring, and academic support at the Student Learning Center.
- Join a CED student group such as the American Society of Landscape Architects.
- Explore campus beyond Bauer Wurster Hall.
Discover Your Passions
- Join the CED Info Hub—the central place for announcements and enrichment opportunities.
- Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar or student-run DeCal course.
- Visit the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Attend the Calapalooza student activities fair and get involved with a student organization.
- Find service opportunities through the Public Service Center.
- Explore study abroad options with Berkeley Study Abroad.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Visit Berkeley Career Engagement and the Career Counseling Library.
- Sign up for Handshake and CareerMail.
- Explore career resources on the CED and Landscape Architecture websites.
- Attend the CED Career Fair to learn about possible careers.
Second Year
Explore Your Major
- Complete lower division major requirements and the college’s breadth requirements.
- Consider additional academic degree programs and whether you want to pursue any minors, certificates or simultaneous degrees.
- Consider doing a course thread or certificate in Design Innovation or Global Urban Humanities.
Connect and Build Community
- Apply to be a CED Admissions Ambassador or part of the CED Undergraduate Student Council.
- Attend college events like the CED Lecture Series and CED Circus.
- Get to know professors and graduate student instructors during their office hours.
Discover Your Passions
- Enroll in a Sophomore Seminar, Big Ideas Course or Discovery Course.
- Browse faculty research taking place in CED.
- Assist faculty and graduate students in their research through URAP.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Help prospective and incoming students as a CED Admissions Ambassador.
- Contribute to a community organization with an American Cultures Engaged Scholarship course.
- Check out local design events such as San Francisco Design Week.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Meet with the CED Career Counselor to discuss career options and goals.
- Explore career fields through the Career Connections Series or Cal Job Shadow Program.
- Learn about graduate and professional school. See Step-by-Step for planning help.
- Plan internships and attend internship fairs.
Third Year
Explore Your Major
- Continue following the graduation plan in your major handbook.
- Check your degree progress in your Academic Progress Report (APR) in CalCentral.
- Complement your major with a summer minor or CED minor.
Connect and Build Community
- Represent CED on the Student Advisory Council on Undergraduate Education or another campus committee.
- Consider becoming a Golden Bear Orientation Leader and welcome new students to UC Berkeley.
Discover Your Passions
- Check out CED research opportunities.
- Find research and funding opportunities in the OURS database.
- Apply for CED prizes and awards to fund your studies and projects.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Consider a Berkeley Global Internship in the United States or abroad.
- Apply your design skills in projects for Design for America or the Fung Fellowship.
- Experience life at another UC or college on a visitor and exchange program.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Conduct informational interviews. Discuss graduate school options with advisors and professors.
- Update your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn profile.
- Attend career and graduate school fairs.
Fourth Year
Explore Your Major
- Do a degree check to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Complete any “dream list” courses.
- Finish remaining major, college, and university requirements.
Connect and Build Community
- Join a professional association such as the American Society of Landscape Architects
- Connect with alumni groups and build your network as you prepare to graduate.
Discover Your Passions
- Teach your own DeCal course
- Undertake an optional honors thesis or independent study.
- Keep pursuing your interests through a fellowship or gap year after graduation.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Hone your leadership skills with the Peter E. Haas Public Service Leaders program
- Explore service opportunities after graduation, such as Peace Corps, Teach for America, or U.S. Department of State.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Utilize job board tools in your job search.
- Ask professors and graduate student instructors for recommendation letters.
- Attend Employer Info Sessions and On-Campus Recruiting
- Apply to jobs, graduate school, and other opportunities.
Graduates of the Landscape Architecture program work in a variety of areas, including private landscape architecture firms in the San Francisco Bay Area and across the country. Graduates work in the landscape architecture division of municipal public works departments as well as for environmental agencies and community non-profit groups. Alumni also pursue graduate study in Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) programs at top universities across the United States as well as programs in Architecture and City & Regional Planning.
Jobs and Employers
- Founder and Principal, ATLAS Lab
- Landscape Architect, Caltrans
- Landscape Designer, Carducci & Assoc.
- Landscape Designer, Peter Koenig Designs
- Planning Intern, City of Berkeley
- Senior Landscape Designer, HOK
- Senior Lecturer, UC Berkeley
Graduate Programs
- Landscape Architecture, Masters
- Architecture, Masters
- City and Regional Planning, Masters
Examples gathered from LinkedIn and the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit ced.berkeley.edu/news-events for news and updates.
Advising
Advising for prospective and current students is available in-person at the CED Office of Undergraduate Advising in 250 Bauer Wurster Hall and virtually via Zoom. See ced.berkeley.edu/advising/connect-with-advising for the advising schedule.
Advising Hours:
Fall/Spring: Tuesday - Friday 10am-12pm, 1-4pm
Summer: Tuesday - Friday 10am-12pm, 1-3pm
Visit ced.berkeley.edu/students/undergraduate-advising for more information or with advising questions.
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
