Selective Admission & Academic Requirements

Approximately 16 landscape architecture majors are selected for admission into the second year of the program. A student’s eligibility is based on their overall grade point average (GPA) and their GPA for pre-landscape architecture courses with the ENVD prefix. It is important to apply early, complete all freshman courses in the first year and maintain a solid academic record. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA to apply to the graduate school during the third or fourth year of the program.

The following steps can be followed to ensure a smooth transition into the NDSU Landscape Architecture program:

  1. Apply to North Dakota State University and mark one of these as your intended major:
    • Landscape Architecture
    • Environmental Design
  2. The following information will be needed to apply:
    • High School Information
    • Official Transcript
    • Test Scores
    • GPA
    • Writing and drawing sample
  3. During the first year, students will complete NDSU’s Environmental Design courses (11 credits total), Architecture history courses, and suggested General Education courses.
  4. Students will apply to the professional program (year 2-4) in the spring semester of the first year.
    • Admission to the 2nd year is based on space available, weighted GPA, and additional criteria per program requirements.

High School Preparation

The best courses to study in high school are those that would be recommended for any demanding college program - a sound mixture of courses in sciences, humanities and social sciences. Physics, trigonometry or calculus, art, freehand drawing and literature are recommended. Courses in mechanical, architectural, and digital drawing are not required and, in fact, may be less useful than general academic or fine arts subjects. Prospective students are also encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school in the following ways: AP (Advanced Placement), PSEO (Post-secondary Enrolment Options), CIS (College in Schools), IB (International Baccaureate), or CLEP (College Level Examination Program).

Current NDSU Students who are looking to change their major to Architecture should meet with Rob Glarum, the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Academic Advisor, to learn how credits will apply, the duration of the major, and the types of courses required. Learn more about changing majors.

The following steps can be followed to ensure a smooth transition into the NDSU Architecture program:

Five years of study are required for completion of the degree. Transfer students may be granted advanced studio standing, depending on their previous course-work from an accredited architecture program.

  1. Apply to North Dakota State University and mark one of these as your intended major:
    • Landscape Architecture
    • Environmental Design
    • Report college and high school information, including official transcripts and test scores
  2. Students will apply to the professional program in the spring semester of the first year.

Master of Landscape Architecture

The landscape architecture program is a first professional degree course of study leading to a Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree. Students entering as freshmen typically see the graduate degree as the final outcome of their time at NDSU. Students with a minimum 3.0 GPA will apply to graduate school during the third year. Our “seamless admission” policy guarantees a spot for any of our undergraduate students who meet this GPA requirement.

Transfer students are accepted on an individual basis and will need to consult with the Department Chair to begin the approval process.

Admission to the 2nd year is based on space available, weighted GPA, and additional essay and/or brief portfolio.

Landscape Architecture

Email: emily.vieweg@ndsu.edu Phone: (701) 231-4118 Page Manager