Admission to MLA Program
application requirements
Graduate study in the Master of Landscape Architecture Program typically begins in the fall semester. Beyond the Graduate School academic requirements, applicants to the graduate program in landscape architecture must submit the following:
Formal Application
Virginia Tech requires prospective graduate students to apply online.
Transcripts
Submit a digital copy with your on-line application. A hard copy will be required if you are accepted into the program. Do not send unless requested. A grade point average of at least 3.0 (4.0 scale) for the last 60 semester credit hours, or equivalent, is required. Applicants whose previous academic performance is deemed deficient (grade point average of 2.75 to 2.99) may be admitted as a “Provisional” student, as described in the University Graduate Catalog.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants are required to have three (3) letters of recommendation: at least two from college instructors and, if applicable, one from an employer or other individual knowledgeable about the candidates academic record and potential for graduate-level study. Letters from personal acquaintances are not suitable. Applicants who have been out of school for several years may request letters from employers or other persons in a position to evaluate their professional abilities and academic potential. Letters of recommendation are to be submitted by the recommender online.
Statement of Intent or Statement of Academic and Professional Goals
Candidates must submit a written statement that addresses their background as it relates to their academic and professional interest in landscape architecture, and motivation for graduate study at Virginia Tech. The statement of intent is part of the online application’s supplemental materials and a critical component of the application package. Students applying for the Advanced Standing should include this request in their statement of Academic and Professional Goals (also referred to as Statement of Purpose), as well as a description of their focused area of study and of their past educational and/or work experience related to the study of landscape architecture. Applicants should limit their responses to 1,000 words.
Personally Authored Exhibit/Portfolio
Candidates for admission to the MLA program must demonstrate an aptitude for design and/or creative works. A personally authored exhibit/portfolio of visual and written material is required. A single PDF of a candidate’s portfolio (11″ x 17″ pages or smaller, 250 dpi minimum, and 12 pages maximum), shall be uploaded as part of the on-line application. More information may be requested during the application review process. If you have any problems uploading your portfolio, please contact: lar@vt.edu for assistance.
Additional Requirements for International Candidates
The Graduate School requires official test scores TOEFL or IELTS for all international applicants. Minimum TOEFL scores for applicants to the Landscape Architecture Program are: 600 (paper-based), or 90 on the internet-based (IBT) or computer-based (CBT) tests. All sub-scores should be 20 and higher. The minimum IELTS band is 6.5. In addition, transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. All international applicants should also refer to the Virginia Tech Graduate School website concerning additional admission requirements. Note: Requirements to provide GRE test scores are currently waived.
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines for fall and spring admission are February 15th and December 1st, respectively. International students please note: the deadline for consideration for spring admission is September 1st. It is the responsibility of each candidate to ensure completed applications and supporting materials are uploaded through the on-line University Graduate School application by the posted deadlines. Applications received after posted deadlines will be considered only on a space available basis.
email: lar@vt.edu
phone: +1.540.231.6683
When all required materials are uploaded, the application is forwarded to the Graduate Committee for review and recommendation to the Graduate School. The Graduate School notifies applicants by mail after review of the Program’s recommendation regarding admission.
Interviews for prospective applicants
Faculty and students at Virginia Tech are available to talk with prospective applicants, provide tours of facilities, and answer questions about the MLA programs so that applicants may determine whether the program is appropriate to their educational goals. Although an interview is not required as part of the application process, we encourage applicants to visit us.
Candidates wishing to schedule a visit to the Blacksburg campus or a zoom interview should contact: Program chair Terry Clements, FASLA at lar@vt.edu or via telephone at +1.540.231.6683. Applicants are asked to consult the Virginia Tech calendar to avoid requesting a visit during the first and last two weeks of each semester.
frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Admission to the Master of Landscape Architecture Program