Landscape Architecture is a diverse and rewarding design profession. Landscape architects play an important role in shaping our environment, working in collaboration with other design professionals, specialists and the public.

Students in the B.L.A. program attain professional knowledge and skill that prepares them to deal with problems that concern the interface between people and the environment. Program emphasis is on core professional knowledge domains that include landscape analysis, design, implementation, communication, history and professional practice. Additional required and elective courses in the arts and sciences provide a well-rounded education.

Graduates of the program have exciting careers in the public and private sector. As landscape architects, they design memorable places that are attractive, functional and sustainable and that affect the way our cities, suburbs, rural and wilderness areas are planned, designed and managed.

The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council (LAAC) of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA). This accreditation is also recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Graduates of accredited landscape architecture programs have the educational qualifications to apply for membership in provincial and state professional associates in Canada and the United States after completion of the required number of years of professional practice and successful completion of required examinations.

Students wishing to enter the program of study leading to the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree should consult Section IV--Admission Information.

The degree granted for the successful completion of the program is the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (B.L.A.).

All electives may be chosen independently although counselling with the BLA Program Counsellor is highly, recommended. In selecting electives two approaches may be followed: 1) electives may be chosen from a variety of disciplines to achieve breadth of knowledge or, 2) all or most electives may be chosen in a subject area in order to pursue a particular field of interest in depth. Some of these fields might include agricultural and biological sciences, environmental studies, studio arts, geography, philosophy or sociology.

Students wishing to elect a permissible substitute shall do so in consultation with the BLA Program Coordinator and BLA Program Counsellor. A substitute course will normally be in the same academic area as that listed in the Landscape Architecture Program.

Students can consult the BLA Coordinator who is a faculty member that can address program issues and individual curriculum queries.

Expertise in many aspects of computer application is now a fundamental skill for the profession. Recognizing this, the school provides computer facilities in the building. If it is feasible we recommend that students acquire their own computer within the first two years of the program.

Participation in organized visits to site study areas and project sites is obligatory for all students taking certain courses in landscape architecture. To the extent that it is possible, students will be informed of the dates, destinations and cost of field trips prior to registration. Students who have reason to seek exemption from the requirement may apply to the director prior to registration for permission to substitute papers on appropriate topics.

It is considered highly advisable that the prospective graduate prepare for later professional practice through summer employment in the landscape industry. Two summers spent in landscape related work followed by 1 summer in a professional office is considered to be a desirable sequence of employment.

Students are advised to consult the regulations for continuation of study within the program which are outlined in detail in Section VIII--Undergraduate Degree Regulations & Procedures.

In order to qualify for graduation from the 8 semester Honours B.L.A. program, the student must successfully complete all of the courses approved for the program (20.00 credits) and maintain a minimum 60.0% cumulative average.