Jun 08, 2025  
2025-2026 University Catalog 
    
2025-2026 University Catalog

Landscape Architecture, B.S.: 120 units


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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 4782W  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: 0-11 units


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

Graduation Requirements: 9 units


American Institutions: 6 units


The CSU requires all students complete coursework in US History, US Government, and California and local Government. At CPP, this is a 2-course requirement: American Institutions Part A - US History and American Institutions Part B - US and California Government. Part A can be satisfied through the completion of coursework both inside and outside of GE, while Part B can be satisfied through the completion of GE Area 4B or by select courses in 4C. If students satisfy these requirements through GE or have satisfied this requirement at a previous institution, Unrestricted Electives may increase by 6 units.

University Writing Requirement (UWR): 3 units


Students must complete a minimum of 3-units of a writing-intensive course or courses with a grade of C or higher. Students are eligible to take their UWR when they have completed 60 semester units. Writing-intensive courses are marked with a “W” in the catalog.

General Education Requirements: 43 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 1. English Communication (9 units)


1A. English Communication (3)
1B. Critical Thinking (3)
1C. Oral Communication (3)

Area 2. Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (3 units)


Area 3. Arts and Humanities (9 units)


3A. Arts (3)
3B. Humanities (3)
3C. Upper Division Arts or Humanities (3)

Area 4. Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 units)


4A. Social and Behavioral Sciences (3)
4B. Social and Behavioral Sciences - American and California Government (3)
4C. Upper Division Social and Behavioral Sciences (3)

Area 5. Physical and Biological Sciences (10 units)


5A. Physical Science (3)
5B. Biological Science (3)
5C. Laboratory (1)
5D. Upper Division Scientific Inquiry or Quantitative Reasoning (3)

Area 6. Ethnic Studies (3 units)


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