Landscape Architecture

Undergraduate Program

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.

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

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

Four-Year Student Timeline

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

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Second Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Third Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

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

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

Reflect and Plan Your Future

What Can I Do With My Major?

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.

Learn More

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.