Associate of Arts (AA) in Landscape Architecture
Academy of Art University
Key Information
Campus location
San Francisco, USA
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning, On-Campus
Duration
4 semesters
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 1,156 *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Jun 2024
* per unit for international students | $1,072 per unit for domestic students. Additional fees apply
Introduction
The Associate of Arts degree provides students with an introduction to a particular field of study in art and design with a firm foundation in the concepts and problem-solving skills of that field. Once earned, the Associate’s degree can also be used as a stepping stone to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. The Academy of Art University Associate of Arts degree is specifically designed for seamless transition into the Academy of Art University Bachelor of Arts degree and to apply for entry level positions in the industry.
Program Outcome
Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Research and Design Process
- Apply the basic principles and elements of design to landscape architecture design proposals
- Explore sufficient concepts and alternative proposals as part of the design process
Natural Systems
- Identify the indigenous components and processes found on any site (soil types, individual plant species, plant communities, wildlife, climatic conditions, and hydrology) and determine the resultant design opportunities and constraints
- Effectively use trees, shrubs, grasses, annuals, perennials, and bulbs in their planting designs in order to provide year-round seasonal beauty and function
Technical Systems and Materials
- Design technically accurate and ecologically sensitive grading and drainage plans and irrigation systems
Historical Precedent
- Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of historical precedents, including cultural and geographic forces that have shaped major historical gardens, public parks, and urban open spaces in their design projects
Graphic/Visual Communication
- Visually communicate their ideas and proposals (perspectives, axonometrics, plans sections, and elevations)
- Successfully use a range of visual media to communicate their ideas and proposals (freehand and computer drawing, drafting, three-dimensional models, rendered presentation illustrative)
Verbal Presentation Skills
- Successfully communicate design proposals and key objectives of their projects
Professional Readiness
- Produce basic materials required for an entry-level job search
Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:
- Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
- Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
- Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
- Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
- Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
- Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
- Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
Career Opportunities
Academy of Art University offers some of the best training and hands-on experience to help accelerate your future landscape architecture career. We pride ourselves in doing an exceptional job preparing you to excel in your chosen profession. Our degree programs are designed to equip aspiring landscape architects with a comprehensive toolbox of marketable skills that lead to success in the industry.
Landscape Architect
As a landscape architect, you'll analyze, plan, design, and implement natural as well as built environments of all scales. Design and plan the restoration of disturbed natural places and systems such as stream corridors, wetlands, forested areas, and mines.
Garden Designer
As a garden designer, you'll be responsible for planting, irrigation, and some hardscape design for residences and estates, Work with other designers and staff to create a holistic vision of urban spaces in this exciting career.
Landscape Designer
Working with the landscape architect, the designer helps with planning, design, management, and stewardship of natural and built environments.
Environmental Planner
As a regional and environmental planner, you'll be responsible for land use analysis, planning, zoning, and infrastructure as well as the analysis, design, and restoration of ecological systems. Help improve our parks and recreation areas in this important and fulfilling career path.
Landscape Renderer
Landscape renderers are responsible for the creation of drawings, plans, elevations, perspectives, and axonometric to communicate design intent and the spatial experience.
Master Planner
Abstract an idea in spatial forms as a master planner. You'll envision and design large-scale communities and lead the design process from conception to final construction.
Planting Designer
Create a planting designer based on site analysis, concept, and horticultural possibilities as a planting designer. You'll use plants in a creative and sustainable way to design projects at various scales.
Urban Designer
Responsible for the design or redesign of existing urban spaces, the urban designer crafts unique and usable apices for the public. Revitalize existing amenities, or create new physical connections in this unique and inspiring career path.
Urban Strategist
As an urban strategist, you'll develop strategies to improve underutilized urban sites to improve social impact. Urban strategists and typically landscape architects, designers, or urban designers looking to create a behavioral and social impact in urban environments.
Gallery
Curriculum
Unit Requirements
Major Coursework | 12 |
Liberal Arts | 21 |
Core | 33 |
Total | 66 |
Degree Requirements
- A minimum grade of C- in all core courses, major courses, and the following courses:
- LA 107 Writing for the Multilingual Artist
or LA 108 Composition for the Artist - LA/LAN 115 The Natural World 1: The Base Layer
- LA/LAN 117 Survey of Landscape Architecture
- LA/LAN 177 Pre-Industrial Urban Open Spaces
- LA 255 College Math
- LA 271 College Algebra with Geometry
- LA/LAN 277 Post Industrial Urban Open Spaces
- LA 107 Writing for the Multilingual Artist
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
And the following general education requirements:
- 1 Written Communication: Composition
- 1 Written Communication: Critical Thinking
- 1 Employment Communications & Practices
- 1 Fundamental Math
- 1 Applied Math
- 2 History of Landscape Architecture: Pre-Industrial Urban Open Spaces
After the above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.
Curriculum
Semester 1
- FND 149: Introduction to Design Thinking (Core)
- LA 101: Freshman Symposium: Artistic Resilience (Liberal Arts)
- LAN 115: The Natural World 1: The Base Layer (Major)
- LAN 193A: Landscape Drawing & Drafting - A (Core)
Semester 2
- ARH 110: Studio 1: Conceptual Design Studio (Core)
- IAD 210: Digital Imaging (Core)
- LA 108: Composition for the Artist (Liberal Arts)
Recommended for summer - LA 255: College Math
- Liberal Arts) (Recommended for summer
- LAN 117: Survey of Landscape Architecture (Major)
- LAN 193B: Landscape Drawing & Drafting - B (Core)
Semester 3
- LA 271: College Algebra with Geometry (Liberal Arts)
- LAN 180: Plants in the Landscape 1 (Core)
- LAN 223: Digital Graphics for Landscape Architecture (Core)
- LAN 235: Site Inventory & Analysis (Core)
- LAN 250: Landscape Design Studio (Core)
Semester 4
- IAD 148: The Classical and the Contemporary (Major)
- LA 202: English Composition: Creative Persuasion & Argument (Liberal Arts)
Recommended for summer - LA 291: Designing Careers (Liberal Arts)
- LAN 177: Pre-Industrial Urban Open Spaces (Liberal Arts)
- LAN 260: Site Engineering (Core)
- LAN 277: Post Industrial Urban Open Spaces (Major)
Recommended for summer - LAN 300: Design of Urban Places Studio (Core)
Admissions
Facilities
English Language Requirements
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