Master of Landscape Architecture (Course-based)
Advance your landscape architecture career.
U of Guelph’s course-based Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program is designed for students to gain a professional level of design competency in the landscape architecture field. Through field studies, intensive design studio work and seminars, you learn professional skills and theoretical knowledge to advance your career in the highly sought after profession. The program meets the educational requirements for entry into professional associations across Canada, North America and abroad. Apply theoretical knowledge to practical projects ranging in scale from individual sites to entire communities and regions.
Graduates of this program are in demand across Canada and around the world. They often specialize in a particular area of practice, such as landscape restoration, waterfront and coastal development, community design, computer visualization, forestry resource management, urban design and planning and more.
Fully Accredited
The MLA program is accredited by the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects. This accreditation is also recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Career focused skills
Gain important professionals skills for your career including leadership skills, analysis, planning, design and management of landscapes.
Global reach
Opportunities for international exchange with partner schools from around the world that will further enhance your skills, training and your professional networks and gain international experience.
Hands-on learning
Develop your professional skills and knowledge through field studies and intense design studio, digital and analogue visualization, model-making, peer-to-peer sharing, construction design studios, lectures, and seminars.
Flexible format
Complete your degree through intensive, hands-on coursework with an option to conduct a research-based thesis project in semester five.
Learn from the best
Work and study with leading national and international scholars and practitioners in landscape architecture in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD).
Build your portfolio in hands-on design labs
Engage in hands-on and immersive design studios that explore digital and analog visualization, model-making, waterfront and coastal development, community design, and more.
The MLA is a six-semester program, with scheduled summer semester academic breaks, that is completed over 32 months. Students who have previously completed an accredited Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) program* are able to complete the program over four semesters.
The MLA program is accredited by the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) and recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
The MLA program requires successful completion of 12.00 credits, as follows:
Semester 1: Foundations (Fall)
LARC*2240 - Plants in the Landscape (0.5)
LARC*6010 - Studio I - Foundational Design & Communication (1.0)
LARC*6430 - Landscape Resource Analysis (0.5)
Semester 2: Site (Winter)
LARC*6030 - Studio II - Site Design (1.0)
LARC*6340 - Landscape History (0.5)
LARC*6470 - Integrative Environmental Planning (0.5)
Semester 3: Environment and Application (Fall)
LARC*6360 - Professional Practice (0.5)
LARC*6440 - Studio III - Environmental Design (1.0)
LARC*6610 - Design Inquiry (0.5)
1 Elective (0.5)
Semester 4: Design and Detail (Winter)
LARC*2420 - Materials and Techniques (0.5)
LARC*6020 - Site Engineering (0.5)
LARC*6040 - Studio IV - Landscape Design and Construction (1.0)
Semester 5: Community and Place (Fall)
LARC*6120 - Studio V - Community Design (1.0)
1 Elective (0.5)
Design Project Option - LARC*6510 Advanced Digital Representation (0.5) or
Thesis Project Option* - LARC*6710 Special Study (0.5)
Semester 6: Capstone (Winter)
1 Elective (0.5)
Design Project Option - LARC*6700 Studio VI – Capstone Project (1.0) or
Thesis Project Option* - LARC*6730 Thesis Project (1.0)
*Thesis Project Option: Students interested in doing the thesis project option must approach a potential advisor in Semester 4. It is also recommended that thesis students will take an additional research methods course in Semester 4 or 5 as their elective. A proposal must be prepared and approved by their Advisory Committee (advisor plus one other member) by the end of Semester 4. Thesis project option allows students with a research-driven agenda to pursue supervised research work.
Graduates of this program go on to have exciting careers in the private, public and academic/research sectors. This includes careers in a particular area of practice, such as:
- landscape restoration,
- urban design,
- community master planning,
- large park designs,
- waterfront designs,
- streetscape development,
- public space improvements,
- resort design,
- heritage conservation,
- digital visualization,
- forestry and aggregate resource management.
The MLA program and the University of Guelph provide a series of scholarships and funding supports to graduate students. However, the MLA program is predominantly a self-funded professional program. As such, students need to be prepared to cover the full costs of the program. Here are a few funding supports that may be available:
- Entrance Scholarships: Each year the MLA program strives to provide entrance scholarships to student with strong academic performance. The value and quantity of this financial support changes from year to year.
- Graduate Research Assistantships: Faculty members may have opportunities for graduate students to work on funded research projects. The funded research initiatives change from year to year. For further information please contact individual faculty members.
- Graduate Teaching Assistantships: The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development typically hires a small number of graduate students to provide support to undergraduate courses. These positions are advertised in advance of each semester.
- University Scholarships: The University of Guelph offers many resources to financially support graduate students. Explore your funding options on the Graduate Studies website.
Leaders in Landscape Architecture Education.
Housed within the University of Guelph's School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, the Master of Landscape Architecture program provides you with a comprehensive and evidence-based education, equipping you with the skills and knowledge for you to lead the professional practice into the future.
Meet Your Profs
Landscape architecture is quite broad, I would say it's a fusion between science, art, design and also bringing in a lot of technical skills.
The MLA program at the University of Guelph offers passionate and engaged students the chance to study a fascinating discipline rich with potential and boundless ambition to confront the complex challenges facing society through better design.
How to Apply
Apply to the U of Guelph's Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) directly online at Applying to Guelph.
Applicants must meet the admission requirement of a baccalaureate in an honours program (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study from a recognized university with a minimal overall average of 70% (B-) in the last four semesters (or 16 to 20 credits, typically the last 2 years) of study.
For information on alternate admissions, please contact the Graduate Coordinator or Program Assistant before applying.
Acceptance to the MLA program is based on previous academic performance, references, statement of interest, evidence of creative work (portfolio) and background information provided through the MLA Background Questionnaire. See Application tab for more information.
- Applicants must apply on-line through the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.
- Once you've applied through the OUAC system, you will receive login credentials to WebAdvisor, U of G's online student information system. On WebAdvisor, you must submit the following documents:
- Transcripts: Declare and upload all post-secondary education (University level) transcripts. This includes individual transcripts for incomplete studies, transfer credit courses, study abroad (letter of permission and exchanges). Please ensure there is a grading scale for each institution.
- Two References (three max).
- CV / Resume.
- Statement of Interest
- Supplemental Document: “MLA Background Questionnaire”
- English Language Certification (for applicants whose first language is not English).
- Your MLA Portfolio (A visual document that demonstrates your artistic and creative skills.)
- This must be submitted via email as a PDF attached file to mla.portfolio@uoguelph.ca. (Note: this email address is used only for receipt of the portfolio submission).
- MLA Application Deadline: The deadline to submit completed applications is January 31, 2025 for Fall 2025 entry.
Applicants should note that the online OUAC application system can take up to five working days to process your account. Once your account is processed, you will receive an email with your login information and instructions on how to upload your documents. Please plan the submission and completion of your application in accordance with the admission deadline.
- We welcome applications from international students however we encourage you to apply eight weeks in advance of the posted deadlines to allow sufficient time to arrange any necessary documentation, such as transcripts or study permits/visas.
- If your first language is not English, and you do not have a degree from an English speaking University, you must provide an official English Testing score from an acceptable source. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Studies website for the required English Language Proficiency acceptable tests and required scores.
- Please use this guide to compare your academic credentials and determine the grade equivalency needed.
- More resources for international applicants are available on the U of G Graduate & Postdoctoral website.