A diversity of professional career opportunities are available to those who wish to serve as designers and stewards of the land. Landscape designers create outdoor spaces in which people live, work, and play. Design activities range from residential and commercial properties to community facilities to regional landscapes. People attracted to landscape design have a wide range of interests including concern for the environment, biological science, art and architecture horticulture, and public service.
Preparation For the Major
Students interested in landscape design should follow a high school program which will prepare them for college level study. Additional courses in art, the natural sciences, architectural drafting, and computer science are helpful but not mandatory. Summer work experience in a construction trade or a landscape nursery is especially beneficial.
Landscape Design degree
A bachelor of science degree with a major in landscape design is offered at SDSU. Some students opt to supplement the landscape design major with a second major in a related field. A second major can be useful if the student desires more specialization or has a specific employment opportunity in mind. A second major typically adds at least one year to the graduation process.
Landscape Design Curriculum
The College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences and the university course requirements provide a broad base of knowledge upon which the landscape design curriculum is built. Landscape design courses focus on the he major functional subject areas of the profession including the following:
Landscape design courses are supplemented by technical support courses in horticulture, art,
engineering, biology, and other areas. Technical support courses and electives are very important
because they add breadth to the curriculum, and they also allow the student to specialize in
subject areas of special interest.
Landscape design classes are generally taught in a studio setting which emphasized group interaction and allows a great deal of one-on-one interaction between the instructor and student. Studios are located in the Northern Plains Biostress Laboratory, and computers and a blueprint machine are conveniently available for student use. Computer technology is integrated into the classroom and all students are expected to become proficient in a variety of computer applications.
Classroom instruction emphasizes realistic problem solving by using real problems and clients. Opportunities for hands-on training in landscape construction and installation are limited, therefore, students are expected to utilize their summers to get this type of practical experience.
Student Activities
The student chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects meets regularly and is active in many campus issues and activities. All landscape design majors are encouraged and expected to participate in the student chapter. Students also participate in educational programs and field trips sponsored by the department and various trade groups and associations. Landscape design students are eligible for scholarships and internships available at SDSU and at the state and national level. Students are encouraged to seek recognition for their efforts at all levels.
Career Opportunities
Entry-level career opportunities exist across the country in a variety of employment situations. Landscape design graduates work a wide variety of jobs including: designers, sales people, and installation supervisors in landscape nurseries and garden centers; golf course construction, maintenance and management; designers and planners for federal, state, and local government agencies; and similar positions with private consulting firms. Students greatly enhance their career opportunities by focusing course work on targeted job types, and more importantly by getting as much relevant work experience as possible. the landscape design program also prepares students for graduate work in landscape architecture and related fields.
More Information
For more information, contact the Department of Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape and Parks, Northern Plains Biostress Laboratory, Box 2140A, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007. Call (605) 688-4712 or fax us at (605) 688-4452.