UC Berkeley Extension
UC Berkeley Extension
UC Berkeley Extension

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Phone: (415) 284-1070


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Landscape Architecture

(EDP 022186)

Landscape architecture is a widely recognized and vital profession dealing with a broad range of complex and far-reaching issues. Successful practice requires a comprehensive and high-quality education. Since the founding of UC Berkeley Extension's Landscape Architecture Certificate Program just over 25 years ago, one of its primary goals has been to offer students with no prior background an educational experience that will prepare them for entry-level positions in the profession, and for continued professional achievement and advancement as well.

The Landscape Architecture Certificate Program offers a preprofessional curriculum focused on educating students about the numerous and varied professional opportunities that exist in the landscape architecture field and helping students develop a diverse array of skills. The program aims not only to reflect the landscape architecture profession as it is currently practiced but also to anticipate changes so that our students are well equipped to make responsible and thoughtful contributions from the outset of their career. The curriculum encourages individual creativity and expression while emphasizing the practical applications of design solutions. In short, the program offers realistic exposure to the theory and practice of the profession.

Specifically, the landscape architecture curriculum is designed to develop (1) aesthetic sensitivity and environmental awareness, (2) a thorough knowledge of historical precedent, (3) a definable and defensible design methodology, and (4) the technical knowledge and skills necessary to compete effectively for entry-level jobs in both the public and private sectors. The curriculum has been designed to comply with the highest standards of the profession. The program is certified by the Landscape Architects Technical Committee (LATC) of the California Board of Architectural Examiners. Successful completion of the program provides the educational foundation needed to prepare for the state licensing examination.

Beginning the Program

In order to begin the certificate program, enroll in one or more of the required foundation courses or electives that do not have any prerequisites. You may begin the certificate program during any of Extension's three terms. Required courses must be taken for a letter grade; if a course is taken on a not-for-credit basis, it cannot be applied toward the certificate.

Registration Procedure for the Certificate Program in Landscape Architecture

We recommend that you register for the certificate program before you complete Studio L1: Environmental Design. To register, please (1) complete and submit the Program Registration Form or (2) print out and complete the form at www.unex.berkeley.edu/info/cert.php. Mail or fax it as it indicates, and include the nonrefundable registration fee.

Requirements may be updated based on new developments in the field of study; we recommend completing the program in a timely fashion.

All students who complete their certificate requirements by the end of this term are required to notify the program office. For more information, call (415) 284-1070.

Preparation for the licensing exam

The sequence of required courses allows students to earn a portion of the qualification credit needed to take the landscape architecture licensing exam.

Time required to complete curriculum

This is a professionally oriented program; consequently, standards and expectations of our students are extremely high. All courses in the program are demanding and require an extraordinary commitment of time and energy. Spending 10 hours per week to complete homework in the foundation courses and more than 20 hours per week in the advanced courses is not uncommon. Most part-time students complete the required courses in four to five years, taking one to three courses per term.

If you have questions and/or need further information, please contact the program office at (415) 284-1070 or .

Prerequisites

Introductory courses in the certificate program are open to all. However, students should be aware that if they do not have the proper prerequisites for any required course, they will not be allowed to take that course. In particular, studio courses (Studios L1 through L5) need to be taken in the proper sequence with the required prerequisites. Please read prerequisites for each course carefully.

Required foundation courses

Required advanced courses

Beginning the certificate program this term

Appropriate courses offered this term are Principles and Elements of Design, Landscape Graphics I, Summer Plants and Applications, Introduction to Landscape Architecture, or any of the elective courses that do not have prerequisites.

Substitutions and Waivers

It is sometimes possible to substitute a comparable course or to waive a course based on comparable professional work. It should be noted that if a waiver allows you to omit a required course, you are still expected to fulfill the total number of semester units required to complete the program.

Candidates may substitute an equivalent course or courses from another institution for one in the program. The course must have been taken within the past 10 years with a B grade or better, cover substantially the same material as the required course, carry equivalent or more credit, and be from an accredited academic institution. To request a substitution, candidates should write to the Landscape Architecture department indicating which Extension course in the substitution is being requested for and enclosing a course description, a course outline, and an official transcript indicating successful completion. In many cases a portfolio review will be required.

The combined total of course substitutions and waivers should add up to no more than five courses.

Please contact the program office at (415) 284-1070 or landarch@unex.berkeley.eu for more information on substitutions and waivers.

Program information

For information, call (415) 284-1070, e-mail , or write to the Landscape Architecture Certificate Program at UC Berkeley Extension, 1995 University Ave., Suite 110, Berkeley, CA 94704-7000.



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