Landscape Architecture (BLA)
Earn a degree in Landscape Architecture and design unique outdoor spaces that bring communities to life. Landscape Architects use their creativity and problem-solving skills to form beautiful, ecological, and meaningful places where people and nature thrive.
Why choose this program?
Students develop their design ability which is a valued skill set applicable to many career paths, and which makes our graduates stand out. Landscape architecture is a broad field that allows you to explore your own interests in plants, natural systems, people and communities, art, design, or landscape construction and management.
A series of seven studio courses form the academic core of the program. Studios let you explore a range of design problems over the course of the program, and to generate your own individual response while providing a high level of instructor guidance and feedback.
As a landscape architecture student, you'll also benefit from dedicated studio workspaces with 24/7 access, a campus landscape that acts as a living laboratory for learning, and a Fab Lab to bring your ideas to life in 3D.
The landscape program community is a welcoming and highly- engaged group. The landscape student society LANDS organizes extra-curricular activities that enrich learning and student life.
"The BLA program has helped prepare me for practice by emphasizing practical, hands-on design." – Hayden Poehl, BLA '26
Careers
Design training prepares you to solve real world problems in many different contexts. Landscape Architects work to create healthy and inspiring outdoor environments where people live, work and recreate. Landscape architects may specialize in design for urban spaces, a diversity of park types, commercial developments, or private residences.
As a graduate of this program, you will enter a field where your skills and knowledge are in demand. The (APALA) and the (CSLA) have identified a strong demand for landscape architects and their services. By earning a degree in Landscape Architecture (BLA), you can make an impact on your world.
What you will learn
The BLA program develops your ability to comprehend problems and to design and communicate innovative solutions. Learn about plants, soils, and the natural systems that give life to landscapes. Practice construction techniques and use materials to build sustainable structures. Master digital technologies to design and model your ideas. Strengthen your creative ability through seven design studios.
Sample courses
- Planting in Landscapes
- Studio I: Introduction to Design
- Visual Communications I
- Arboriculture
- Studio III: Design with Plants
- Guiding and Drainage
- Geographic Information Systems
- Studio V: Landscape Analysis
- Green Infrastructure
- Construction and Detailing
- Advanced Design Technologies
- Studio VII: Independent Project
Customize your degree
The Diploma in Landscape Horticulture and Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) offer flexible academic pathways. Students who complete the two-year horticulture diploma may continue for an added two years to earn a BLA degree, students in the BLA program may choose to graduate after two years with the diploma credential.
Students interested in architecture may complete two years of the BLA program before applying to the Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies (BEDS), a pathway that prepares graduates for professional architecture programs such as the Master of Architecture.
BLA graduates may also continue their design studies at pilipiliÂþ» in the Master of Planning program.
The BLA program equips graduates with design skills and fundamental knowledge in horticulture, construction, human and natural systems. Graduates gain the skills needed to shape healthy and sustainable outdoor spaces needed in now and in the future.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
- Minimum secondary school average: 70%.
