MLA | Master of Landscape Architecture

As the only US-based art and design school with an accredited Master of Landscape Architecture degree program, RISD offers an exceptional opportunity to study the discipline as part of a community of makers engaged in a wide range of media and critical practices. Students and faculty in the department take a unique approach that bridges intuitive and analytical thinking, encourages hands-on research into material practices and explores opportunities for cross-disciplinary experimentation. With a deep emphasis on the practices of critical making, students use and hybridize a range of methods across artistic and design practices.

In responding to the social, cultural and ecological challenges of the 21st century, MLA candidates learn models for research and practice that reflect a commitment to humanity and the environment. Throughout the program, students explore how design can address landscapes affected by climate change, urbanization and environmental degradation as well as improve social equity and public access to open space and resources. Working closely with faculty, students acquire the design and critical thinking skills needed to address these complex issues with action-based solutions at the site and material scale.

Rhode Island School of Design is a private, nonprofit college founded in Providence, RI in 1877—making it one of the first art and design schools in the US. Approximately 2,500 students from around the world are engaged in liberal arts studies and rigorous, studio-based learning at RISD (pronounced “RIZ-dee”), where they earn bachelor’s or master’s degrees in 21 majors. Each year more than 5,800 children and adults also access our specialized studio facilities through RISD|CE courses.