The program is the first new professional landscape architecture degree in Alberta.
July 25, 2018
Alberta's first Master of Landscape Architecture receives accreditation
New UCalgary degree creates opportunities for designers seeking to tackle complex urban and regional challenges
Students in the new Master of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Calgary learn abou
Faculty of Environmental Design
The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) has granted the new Master of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Environmental Design full accreditation for a three-year term. The program is the first new professional landscape architecture degree in Canada since 1980 and the first program in Alberta.
“The mission of the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council (LAAC) is to evaluate, advocate for and advance the quality of education in Canadian landscape architecture programs,” says council chair Heather Cram. “The LAAC is delighted that the University of Calgary has achieved just this, by developing a program that will encourage experimentation and innovation in our profession.”
The accreditation means the program meets the CSLA's required standards for professional practice in landscape architecture. The accreditation process involves periodic program reviews by visiting review teams appointed by LAAC. Program self‐assessment, teaching faculty credentials, and student course work are reviewed to promote continual program and student experience improvement.
The Master of Landscape Architecture is a three‐year program that takes students through specialized courses dealing with design theory, environmental and land‐use issues, and the use of landscape construction technologies in preparation for students to become future leaders in the landscape architecture profession
“This is a big day for the university and Alberta’s design and construction industries,” says Dean John L. Brown, “as we now offer accredited degrees in all three major design professions — architecture, planning, and landscape architecture.
"I would like to acknowledge the substantial efforts of Dr. Beverly Sandalack, associate dean academic (landscape + planning), along with the faculty, staff and students who contributed to the successful achievement of this important milestone,” Dr. Brown adds.
The Faculty of Environmental Design now offers three professional graduate degrees — architecture, landscape architecture, and planning — and two research degrees in environmental design. A distinctive interdisciplinary educational approach cultivates strong industry partnerships well‐suited to practice in this complex, urbanizing world.
As the voice of the profession in Canada, the CSLA advocates for its members on issues such as urban design, urban renewal, sustainable development, climate change and cultural heritage.