May 12, 2024  
2023-2024 University Catalog 
    
2023-2024 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Landscape Architecture, B.S.: 120 units


Offered by: College of Environmental Design, Landscape Architecture Department

The Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA) is a 120-unit professional degree preparing students for careers in Landscape Architects and allied disciplines. The BSLA curriculum includes study of the elements and principles of art, design and planning processes, environmental analysis, graphic and visual communication, plants and planting design, construction methods and sustainability, professional practice, and environmental history and theory. Our learn-by-doing education uses learning formats including, but not limited to lectures, seminars, studios, frequent jury reviews, discussion, and field trips. The program prepares students to be socially proactive, environmentally responsible, technically strong and sophisticated designers. Cal Poly Pomona’s BSLA degree is nationally accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board, and approved by the Council of Landscape Architecture Registration Boards as fulfilling part of the qualification requirements for professional licensure in all 50 states.

Coursework in the College of Environmental Design requires using a computer that meets departmental specifications. Specialized software and devices may also be needed. Information specific to each department is available on the department’s website or from the department office. Students are responsible for their own purchases. All applicants should check requirements in advance to assure a successful start.

All landscape architecture students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average in all major required and major elective courses.

Major Electives: 15 units


The department offers a variety of electives each semester.

Landscape Architecture History Electives: 6 units


Students are required to take a minimum of six (6) units from the following list of landscape architecture history electives. Students planning on studying abroad are encouraged to discuss history options with their major advisor.

Note(s):


LA 4872  is only offered as part of Landscape Architecture study abroad programs. Select LA 4990  and LA 4872  topics may be used as a Landscape Architecture History Elective - contact your BSLA Faculty Advisor.

Landscape Architecture Electives: 9 units


Students are required to take a minimum of nine (9) units of approved major electives. Students may select from the list below or from the department approved courses. Students are encouraged to consult with their major advisor to consider approving minor program courses and/or courses related to major but not on department approved list.

Note(s):


LA 4990  may be taken more than once for elective credit. LA 4782  may be repeated once for elective credit upon completion of major core course requirement. Landscape Architecture History course may be taken for elective credit once the required history elective requirements are met. LA 5782  and LA 5990  require permission of the instructor.

International Study Abroad Course Options


Study abroad options are open to upper division BSLA students in the Spring of the 3rd year, summer, or Fall of the 4th year in the BSLA Program. Students studying abroad are required to take all the core courses and electives that are part of the study abroad program. Students are encouraged to discuss course options for the various abroad programs with their major advisor. Study abroad course options may include the following courses:

Unrestricted Electives: 0-12 units


Select a sufficient number of courses so that the total from “Major Required”, “Major Electives”, “GE”, and “Unrestricted Electives” is at least 120 units.

General Education Requirements: 48 units


Students should view their Degree Progress Report (DPR) for information regarding their General Education requirements. Unless specific GE courses are required for their major, please refer to the list of approved courses in the General Education Program in the University Catalog, https://catalog.cpp.edu. When viewing the catalog, students should select the catalog year associated with the GE requirements listed in their Degree Progress Report.

Area A. English Language Communication and Critical Thinking (9 units)


At least 3 units from each sub-area
1. Oral Communication
2. Written Communication
3. Critical Thinking

Area B. Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (12 units)


At least 3 units from each sub-area
1. Physical Sciences
2. Life Sciences
3. Laboratory Activity
4. Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning
5. Science and Technology Synthesis

Area C. Arts and Humanities (12 units)


At least 3 units from each sub-area and 3 additional units from sub-areas 1 and/or 2
1. Visual and Performing Arts
2. Literature, Modern Languages, Philosophy and Civilization
3. Arts and Humanities Synthesis

Area D. Social Sciences (9 units)


At least 3 units from each sub-area
1. U.S. History and American Ideals
2. U.S. Constitution and California Government
4. Social Science Synthesis

Area E. Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (3 units)


Area F. Ethnic Studies (3 units)


 

For an alternative and interdisciplinary way to complete some of their GE requirements, students may choose the Interdisciplinary General Education program, see below. 

Interdisciplinary General Education: 18 units


An alternate pattern for partial fulfillment of GE Areas A, C, and D available for students is the Interdisciplinary General Education (IGE) program.  Students should see an advisor for specific GE coursework required by their major.  Please refer to the University Catalog General Education Program section for additional information.

How IGE fulfills General Education Requirements:

Year Completion of IGE Courses Satisfies GE Requirements
First IGE 1100 IGE 1200   A2 and C2
Second/Third  IGE 2150 IGE 2250   D1 and C2
Second/Third IGE 2350  C1
Third IGE 3100  C3 or D4

American Institutions: 6 units


Courses that satisfy this requirement may also satisfy GE Areas D1 and D2.

Graduation Writing Test


The Graduation Writing Test (GWT) is suspended until Fall 2025. Students entering Cal Poly Pomona before Fall 2025 are not required to take the Graduation Writing Test.