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Master’s Degree Learning Goals and Assessment
Adopted May, 2016
The Graduate Program in Landscape Architecture trains Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of
Science students to an advanced level in the social, ecological, technical and artistic aspects of
the discipline. In so doing, the graduate program also meets the expectations and standards as
outlined by the professional organization (ASLA) providing specialized accreditation for the
discipline.
Learning Goal 1 for Students: Attain mastery of the essential aspects of practice and
scholarship in the field of landscape architecture
Assessment of student achievement of Goal 1:
- Grades in graduate courses
- Review by faculty of student progress with close advising and mentoring
- Comprehensive master’s project or research thesis expressing depth and breadth of
knowledge- Assessment of student’s performance by committee of graduate faculty members
- Continuation of graduate studies or placement in a professional position that requires an
understanding of the norms and practices of landscape architecture, as well as
competency in the technical aspects of performing the work associated with landscape
architecture.
Roles of the program in helping students to achieve Goal 1:
- Close advising to assure that students are being prepared in a coherent and academically rigorous way
- Effective monitoring of student progress
- Evaluations of teaching effectiveness of instructors in graduate courses
- If effectiveness is below expectations, work with instructors to improve effectiveness
- Annual review of curricular offerings, degree requirements and assessment tools
- By program faculty and graduate students
- In consultation with the office of the dean of the graduate school and/or the unit dean
Learning Goal 2 for Students: Engage in and conduct original scholarly work resulting in
a rigorous master’s thesis or final project
Assessment of graduate student achievement of Goal 2:
- Assessment of quality of Master’s thesis
- Public defense of thesis or project
- Critical reading of thesis by committee of graduate faculty members
- Submission and acceptance of peer-reviewed articles and conference papers
- Achievement of students as evidenced by continuation of graduate studies or professional placement.
Role of the program in helping graduate students to achieve Goal 2:
- Provide early introduction to research methods and opportunities for research
- Provide a colloquium for peer feedback
- Provide other opportunities to present research and receive feedback
- Provide comprehensive advising and assist in the identification of mentors
Learning Goal 3 for Students: Prepare to be professionals in the spectrum of landscape
architectural practice
Assessment of graduate student achievement of Goal 3:
- Participation in internships and other work tailored to career goals, assessed accordingly
- Collection of data on professional placement data or continuation of graduate studies
- Review by external advisory committees, both inside of and external to the academy
- Regular review of student work by practicing professional landscape architects
Role of the program in helping students achieve Goal 3:
- Host professional development and career exploration activities
- Develop internship opportunities
- Host external advisory committees
- Provision of all elements of the Landscape Architecture Body of Knowledge Task
- Force’s Required Professional Competencies in comprehensive curriculum
The Master’s of Landscape Architecture Program will regularly review the structure and
content of the program and the feedback received from assessments and surveys; as well as
submit to regular reviews from the professional accrediting agency, the Landscape Architecture
Accreditation Board (LAAB). These reviews will be used to provide the best possible
preparation to students desiring to be professional landscape architects or to advance in an
academic career.