November 1, Deadline for receipt of paper or on-line applications by the graduate school for spring admission.
December 15, all application materials must be received from international applicants to be processed for the following fall matriculation. Visit here for more information.
July 1: Deadline for receipt of paper or on-line applications by the graduate school for fall admission.
Q: Can I apply electronically?
A: Yes. The online application may be found here. In addition, the following supporting information must be mailed directly to the Department of Landscape Architecture: one official transcript from all schools attended since high school, and two letters of recommendation.
Q: Can I still use a paper application?
A: Yes. However, we highly recommend that all applicants use the electronic version, as it is more efficient and you, the applicant, can keep track of your status online through a PIN number given to you when you apply.
Q. Who should take the TOEFL exam?
A: We recommend that all international students whose degrees are from non-English speaking countries (Canada, England, Ireland, South Africa, Australia are waived) take the TOEFL. The TOEFL or IELTS exam facilitates the visa process. Our International Office must also certify your proficiency in English. A TOEFL or IELTS score is the preferred way to do this.
Q: Does the department accept transfer students from other departments?
A: A maximum of 9 s.h of transfer graduate coursework, taken at an accredited institution prior to matriculation and completed with a grade of B or higher, may be accepted toward the M.L.Arch. degree. All courses need to be approved by the Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture.
Q: Can I apply for admission for the summer semester?
A: No, we only formally admit students for either the fall and or spring semesters.
Q: What factors are taken into account when evaluating my application?
A: We consider prior academic performance, other professional experience, GRE scores, and overall potential to successfully pursue graduate study in our department. Experience and potential are evaluated largely through the letters of recommendation and the statement of purpose. Foreign students from non-English speaking countries must also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.
Q: When do I need to formally accept or decline an offer of admission?
A: Since we review applications as they are received, we are somewhat flexible. But if you have applied early into the process and you have been given an admission offer, we ask that you give us an answer by May 1 for fall. Linda Palmarozza will send you a form with the details and dates that you will need to fill out once you have been formally admitted.
Q: I do not meet the Graduate School’s academic criteria. Would I still be able to take classes as a non- matriculated (non-degree) student?
A: Yes, you may take graduate classes as a Non-degree seeking (non-matriculated) student. You need to speak with Linda Palmarozza at 267-468-8181 or mlarch@temple.edu. She will provide you with the correct forms and guidance on this matter. As a non-degree seeking (non-matriculated) student, you will be allowed to take up to 9 semester hours of graduate coursework that could be transferred into the M.L.Arch. Program. If you complete 9 s.h. as a Non-degree seeking (non-matriculated) student with at least a 3.25 cumulative GPA, you may be considered for a waiver of GRE scores. In order for the department to consider waiving GRE scores and admitting you as a degree student, you must apply officially. If you decide to take one or two courses as a Non-degree seeking (non-matriculated) student and then apply, you still would need to submit the application materials and valid GRE scores.
Q: What are the career opportunities?
A: US Dept. of Labor and ASLA call for more trained landscape architects: The US Department of Labor cited landscape architecture as a top growth profession through 2016, projecting a needed increase of 16 percent. U.S. News & World Report identified it as one of the best careers for 2008. Further, it stated that “a smart specialty within the profession is ecosystem restoration...” The median range for landscape architects is $42,720-$73,240, and landscape architects now command higher starting salaries than architects. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Council on Education stated in 2007 that “Considerably more attention will need to be given to creating new programs if we are to produce graduates at the rate deemed necessary to meet demand (ASLA Council on Education White Paper on Growing the Profession, April 2007).”
For information on licensure and professional practice as a landscape architect, go to www.asla.org.
