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Landscape Architecture (B.L.A.)

  • Location IconBrookings Main Campus

Energetic. Creative. Passionate. Professional. You can make a difference.

Landscape architecture is a challenging field that offers many diverse career paths. Landscape architects analyze, plan, design, manage and nurture the built and natural environments. Landscape architects have a significant impact on communities and quality of life, designing parks, campuses, streetscapes, trails, plazas and other projects that help define a community. Cultural and scientific knowledge is applied to the use and arrangement of natural and man-made elements with concern for resource conservation, stewardship, and the environment. Graduates work in a wide variety of areas in the industry, as designers and planners in public and private practice, and as environmental designers and managers.

Is it for you?

This program will be a good fit if you:

  • Enjoy the outdoors.
  • Like to draw.
  • Are interested in the natural environment.
  • Are creative and imaginative.
  • Enjoy working with your hands.

Career Opportunities

  • Landscape architect
  • Landscape contractor
  • Community and urban planner
  • Landscape construction manager
  • Landscape artist

Recent Employers

  • Confluence Landscape Architecture
  • James Valley Nursery and Landscape
  • State of South Dakota Conservation Forestry
  • United States Forestry Service
  • Kerry’s Landscaping

Internship Opportunities

  • TerraSite Design- Rapid City
  • Confluence- Sioux Falls
  • Studio Outside- Dallas, Texas
  • Vireo- Omaha, Nebraska
  • Ayers Saint Gross- Baltimore, Maryland

Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?

If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices. 

In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.