Online Associate Programs In Landscape Design

The field of landscape architecture involves the design, planning, and creation of natural environments. After earning a landscape architecture associate degree online, graduates often have a variety of professional opportunities or could continue working toward a bachelor’s degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects construction and extraction occupations to grow 10% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the national average for all occupations. This industry growth leads to increased demand for landscape architects.

This guide covers the benefits of earning a landscape architecture associate degree online. The following sections explore the skills learners develop, typical program requirements, and scholarship opportunities. Earning an online degree can be a convenient option for students with personal and professional responsibilities.

Students in two-year landscape architecture programs generally take courses in plant life, design, and the natural sciences. Curricula vary by school, but most programs require classes in biology, plant life, water flow, ecology, site design, surveying, drafting, and construction. Some of the top landscape architecture programs also include urban and regional planning coursework.

Along with landscape architecture coursework, students complete general education courses in areas including English composition, public speaking, mathematics, and computer science.

While earning a landscape architecture associate degree online, students gain skills in communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Students also develop technical skills related to the field and prepare to pursue four-year and graduate degrees.

Most two-year programs require coursework in communication skills. Landscape architects must communicate clearly with drafters, coworkers, and clients, both in writing and verbally.

Problem-solving is a major part of the design process. Landscape architects must be able to adapt their designs to accommodate unanticipated challenges.

Landscape architects also need critical thinking and decision-making abilities to identify needed changes and determine the appropriate courses of action. These professionals must read the landscape, interpret the wishes of the client, and find the best way to implement solutions.

Students in associate programs in the field should become comfortable with landscape architecture technology, including geographic information systems, GPS, and design software.

Most online associate degrees in landscape architecture take two years to complete. Programs typically require 60 credits, though some schools require as many as 68. Full-time students generally take an average of 15 credits per semester.

Many factors can impact degree completion time, including enrollment status. Full-time students graduate more quickly than part-time learners who take fewer credits per semester.

Other factors that affect completion time include the availability of required classes and accelerated courses. Many accredited schools do not offer all classes every semester. Some colleges offer six- or eight-week terms, which allow learners to earn credits more quickly. Graduating in less time can sometimes reduce overall tuition costs.

Landscape architecture students gain skills in art, design, and biology. After earning an associate degree in landscape architecture online, graduates often pursue careers in forestry, soil science, hydrology, and geology. Fields that require related skills also include architecture, drafting, and interior decorating.

After earning a landscape architecture associate degree online, many graduates pursue careers in the gardening, landscaping, and design industries. These professionals often start their own companies. Many landscape architects visit sites, assess the terrain, and work in an office to draw up plans using a drafting program. Other architects not only create the blueprint but also implement the plans, moving earth and planting gardens.

Some graduates find landscape architecture jobs with corporations, architectural agencies, schools, or hospitals. Landscape architects can also work in the public sector. The table below shows the median annual salaries of common careers for graduates of landscape architecture programs.

Source: BLS

Many scholarships are reserved for landscape architecture students. Learners can apply for grants and awards based on financial need or merit.

Graduates who have earned a landscape architecture associate degree online can qualify for positions in the field and can pursue further education. Completing the first two years of studies at a community college can help learners reduce the overall cost of their education. Many associate degree-holders transfer to a four-year program. Professionals with a bachelor’s typically earn higher salaries than those with a two-year degree.

Individuals with a bachelor’s degree are often more competitive candidates for landscape architecture jobs and positions in related industries. Associate students who plan to transfer to a four-year program should research their college’s transfer agreements and the requirements of the four-year institution they plan to attend. Consulting with an academic advisor early in the process can simplify the transition into a bachelor’s program.

Earning an associate degree in landscape architecture can lead to positions in a variety of industries. A two-year degree in the field can prepare learners to pursue further education in forestry, horticulture, and environmental science.

Professional organizations unite like-minded individuals. Joining an organization in the field allows students and professionals to network, share information, learn about the latest news and research, discover job opportunities, and pursue continuing education.