MLA vs. MUP, or dual degree??

[English Ivy]

Hi All,

I have been visiting this forum for awhile now and decided to register. I have found loads of useful information regarding the fields of urban planning/landscape architecture. Although, I have been interested in pursuing an MLA, I have also begun to consider the possibility of pursuing an MUP with an emphasis on Land Use and Design. I am very interested in design and environmental issues. However, I'm not sure if I should pursue a dual degree program, or just one of them? Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[CosmicMojo]

If you want to design with a private firm, the MLA will leave you better prepared. You need the MLA if you want to get certified as a landscape architect (CLA or RLA, depending on your state). Being able to stamp drawings is critical to advancement. Look at ads in your area (or where you want to work after school)--most will say "must be certified."

If you want to work for a public entity in more of a administrative capacity, the MURP will be fine.

[bdaleray]

I agree with CosmicMojo - the critical difference is the ability to get licensed - graduating from an accredited MLA program will make it infinitely easier. In the same vein, having an accredited planning degree makes it easier to get certified as a planner (AICP). So, in that sense, it depends on what you want to do. Do you want to design, or write?

What's your background? Let me know a little bit more about your experience, and I'm happy to offer what guidance I can.

BTW, I'm a landscape architect (VA CLA), and I think that a MLA is a pretty good degree to prepare a person working in the built environment. I have worked for most of my career in that grey area between planning and landscape architecture...

[English Ivy]

If you want to design with a private firm, the MLA will leave you better prepared. You need the MLA if you want to get certified as a landscape architect (CLA or RLA, depending on your state). Being able to stamp drawings is critical to advancement. Look at ads in your area (or where you want to work after school)--most will say "must be certified."

If you want to work for a public entity in more of a administrative capacity, the MURP will be fine.

Hi CosmicMojo,

Thanks for replying to my post. Since I know that I am more interested in becoming a licensed landscape architect, I will pursue an MLA instead. Thanks again for clarifying the differences.

English Ivy

[English Ivy]

I agree with CosmicMojo - the critical difference is the ability to get licensed - graduating from an accredited MLA program will make it infinitely easier. In the same vein, having an accredited planning degree makes it easier to get certified as a planner (AICP). So, in that sense, it depends on what you want to do. Do you want to design, or write?

What's your background? Let me know a little bit more about your experience, and I'm happy to offer what guidance I can.

BTW, I'm a landscape architect (VA CLA), and I think that a MLA is a pretty good degree to prepare a person working in the built environment. I have worked for most of my career in that grey area between planning and landscape architecture...

Hi bdaleray,

Thanks for responding to my post. In response to your question, I am mainly interested in design. I have a BS in Health Administration and consider myself an artist. The only formal design background that I have is an architecture design course that I completed in college and I attended a specialized art high school in NYC. I currently work for the environmental division of a large insurance brokerage firm, and I practice art on my own time. I am interested in various environmental issues and healthcare design.

Since you're a practicing CLA, could you give me some idea of the current job market, and any suggestions for applying to an MLA program (ie. personal statement, portfolio, etc.)?

Thanks,

English Ivy

[CosmicMojo]

The only formal design background that I have is an architecture design course that I completed in college and I attended a specialized art high school in NYC. I currently work for the environmental division of a large insurance brokerage firm, and I practice art on my own time. I am interested in various environmental issues and healthcare design.

It sounds like you'd make a great landscape architect because you are creative AND technical.
I have a BLA and recommend the study highly, it's very interesting, creative, professional, and diverse. go for it!

[bdaleray]

Hi Ivy -

From my experience, the job market right now is great, and is expected to stay that way. There is growing demand for the services of LA's, but the number of graduates that schools are producing is staying level (for many reasons) - it stands to reason that growing demand & static supply will further increase the opportunity and perhaps wages.

Given your interest, I think landscape architecture might be a good fit for you. There's a growing realization of the impact the designed environment on people's health, and a number of LA's are specializing in healing gardens and other health-related issues.

As to getting into school, I can't really help you much on advice - I went into my BLA straight from high school, and my entrance into an MLA program was heavily weighted by my BLA, 10 years of experience, and license. Your best bet would be to visit several MLA programs and talk to the faculty and students. See the Amer. Soc. of Landscape Arch's website - www.asla.org - for the best listing of accredited MLA programs.

In NY, Cornell has a great reputation, but SUNY @ Syracuse has an accredited MLA program as well.

Again, I'm happy to answer any questions.

Brian

Hi bdaleray,

Thanks for responding to my post. In response to your question, I am mainly interested in design. I have a BS in Health Administration and consider myself an artist. The only formal design background that I have is an architecture design course that I completed in college and I attended a specialized art high school in NYC. I currently work for the environmental division of a large insurance brokerage firm, and I practice art on my own time. I am interested in various environmental issues and healthcare design.

Since you're a practicing CLA, could you give me some idea of the current job market, and any suggestions for applying to an MLA program (ie. personal statement, portfolio, etc.)?

Thanks,

English Ivy

[English Ivy]

It sounds like you'd make a great landscape architect because you are creative AND technical.
I have a BLA and recommend the study highly, it's very interesting, creative, professional, and diverse. go for it!

Hi CosmicMojo,

Thanks for the encouragement! I'm going for it!!

English Ivy

[English Ivy]

Hi Ivy -

From my experience, the job market right now is great, and is expected to stay that way. There is growing demand for the services of LA's, but the number of graduates that schools are producing is staying level (for many reasons) - it stands to reason that growing demand & static supply will further increase the opportunity and perhaps wages.

Given your interest, I think landscape architecture might be a good fit for you. There's a growing realization of the impact the designed environment on people's health, and a number of LA's are specializing in healing gardens and other health-related issues.

As to getting into school, I can't really help you much on advice - I went into my BLA straight from high school, and my entrance into an MLA program was heavily weighted by my BLA, 10 years of experience, and license. Your best bet would be to visit several MLA programs and talk to the faculty and students. See the Amer. Soc. of Landscape Arch's website - www.asla.org - for the best listing of accredited MLA programs.

In NY, Cornell has a great reputation, but SUNY @ Syracuse has an accredited MLA program as well.

Again, I'm happy to answer any questions.

Brian

Hi Brian,

Thanks again for your response. I have actually read some articles on healing/therapeutic gardens and would like to further explore that area of specialization, and maybe incorporate it into my future MLA studies.

English Ivy

[CosmicMojo]

I have actually read some articles on healing/therapeutic gardens and would like to further explore that area of specialization, and maybe incorporate it into my future MLA studies.
English Ivy

There's a physical therapy facility in my city that has a meditation circle garden; really cool.