The School of Landscape Architecture, in conjunction with the School of Architecture, offers two paths to the Dual Degree M.Arch/MLA, which earns the graduate both the NAAB-accredited professional Master of Architecture degree and the LAAB- accredited professional Master of Landscape Architecture. These paths are distinguished by the length of study required and level of study.
The 3G M.Arch/MLA Dual Degree program is for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field other than architecture. Typically, four academic years plus one summer in length, the 3G M.Arch/MLA program is designed to accommodate students who come from a variety of backgrounds, including those with no previous formal study in architecture. This academic plan culminates in either a written- or design-based Master of Architecture Project (MAP).
This program requires 137 credit hours of graduate coursework.
Learning objectives for the 3G M.Arch/ MLA Dual Degree:
- Graduating students must demonstrate the ability to build abstract relationships and understand the impact of architectural design based on research and analysis of multiple theoretical, social, political, economic, cultural and environmental contexts.
- Graduating students will be able to demonstrate that they have the basic knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to enter the profession and to become licensed architects.
- Graduating students must demonstrate a comprehension of the technical aspects of design, systems and materials, and be able to apply that comprehension in their coursework.
- Graduating students must have an understanding of the architect’s role in managing and advocating for legal, ethical, and critical action for the good of the client, society and the public.
The 2G M.Arch/MLA Dual Degree is a professional dual degree program for students with a 4-year pre-professional bachelor’s degree in architecture. Typically three academic years in length, the 2G M.Arch/MLA program is designed to accommodate students who have completed a 4-year Bachelor of Architecture program at a university that is NAAB-accredited. This academic plan culminates in either a written/design Master of Architecture Project (MAP). This program requires 94 credit hours of graduate coursework.
As many undergraduate programs are unique, each prospective student’s records will be reviewed, and the student will be advised of any NAAB required coursework that needs to be included as part of their individual graduate studies to ensure that the student has completed all required areas of study upon graduation.
Learning objectives for the 2G M.Arch/MLA Dual Degree
- Graduating students must demonstrate the ability to build abstract relationships and understand the impact of architectural design based on research and analysis of multiple theoretical, social, political, economic, cultural and environmental contexts.
- Graduating students will be able to demonstrate that they have the basic knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to enter the profession and to become licensed architects.
- Graduating students must demonstrate a comprehension of the technical aspects of design, systems and materials, and be able to apply that comprehension in their coursework.
- Graduating students must have an understanding of the architect’s role in managing and advocating for legal, ethical, and critical action for the good of the client, society and the public.
Admission
Applications are accepted for summer semester only (fall semester if admitted to the M.Arch 2G track, see below). Applicants for the dual M.Arch/MLA program must make separate applications to and be accepted by the Schools of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Students should indicate on both applications the intent to pursue the dual M.Arch/MLA program. Students accepted for both the MLA and M.Arch degree programs will be assigned to an advisor from each School. These advisors will be responsible for course approval and supervision of the students’ progress through the dual program.
The following must be submitted by all applicants directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
- A completed online Graduate Application for Admission. Visit their website at http://graduateadmissions.utk.edu/req.shtml for the online application process.
- The general portion scores of the Graduate Record Examination. Applicants should take the GRE at least six weeks in advance of application for admission.
- For applicants whose native language is not English, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
In addition to meeting the Graduate School’s minimum requirements, the following specific admission requirements must be submitted and met in the Master of Landscape Architecture program:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required or the international equivalent. International applicants must have an equivalent four-year degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- An essay addressing intent and expectations for study in the program.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Applicants with a prior design degree must submit a portfolio showcasing a range of design work. Applicants without prior formal design training or experience have the option to submit a portfolio, but it is not a requirement.
- Candidates with a GPA less than 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission when evidence of exceptional promise is identified.
- A personal onsite interview is desirable but not mandatory.
- The general portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is recommended but not required. Applicants choosing to take the test should take the GRE at least one semester in advance of application for admission.
- Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take and pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Recommended overall TOEFL scores are a minimum of 92 or submit scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), minimum score of 6.5.
After the priority MArch/MLA application deadline of February 1, applications by United States citizens and permanent residents will still be considered as space allows. Additional information is required and different application dates are established by Graduate and International Admissions for international students. Students are encouraged to contact Jason Young (Jason.young@utk.edu), Director of the School of Architecture or Gale Fulton (gfulton@utk.edu), Director of the School of Landscape Architecture, with any questions.
Requirements
The 3G M.Arch/MLA Dual Degree
This degree requires 137 graduate credit hours:
- 54 credit hours in a required sequence of Design courses, called studio.
- 5 credit hours in Representation courses.
- 20 credit hours in History, Theory and Research
- 3 credit hours in Disciplinary Discourse courses.
- 25 credit hours in Materials & Tectonics, Technology and Professional Practice courses.
- 12 credit hours in Living Systems
- 15 credit hours in Architecture or Landscape Architecture Approved Elective Courses.
- 3 credit hours of Landscape Architecture Practicum
The 3G M.Arch/MLA Dual Degree culminates in a rigorous final project that combines research and design or research and writing in a comprehensive proposal. Work on this project begins in ARCH 529 MAP Seminar. In this course, it is the student’s responsibility to identify their particular area of study and the motivation for work. Students are also expected to become familiar with current discourse including key buildings, landscapes and texts. Students are also expected to formulate a thesis and/or critical position and establish strategies for the in-depth study of the topic.
Students may elect to complete the project as a self-directed Thesis project. In the Thesis Studio students work independently with a self-selected committee of faculty advisors who oversee the work and certify its completion.
A typical program is completed in the following schedule:
Summer Year 1
Fall Year 1
Spring Year 1
May Semester Year 1
Fall Year 2
Spring Year 2
Summer
Fall Year 3
Spring Year 3
Fall Year 4
Spring Year 4
Total credit hours = 137
1 LAR 561 can occur in Summer of Second or Third Year. The internship report must be completed before the end of the semester of registration.
The 2G M.Arch/MLA Dual Degree
This degree requires 94 graduate credit hours:
- 36 credit hours in a required sequence of Design courses, called studio.
- 12 credit hours in History, Theory and Research courses.
- 3 credit hours in Disciplinary Discourse courses.
- 13 credit hours in Materials & Tectonics, Technology and Professional Practice courses.
- 12 credit hours in Living Systems
- 15 credit hours in Architecture or Landscape Architecture Approved Elective Courses.
- 3 credit hours of Landscape Architecture Practicum.
The 2G M.Arch/MLA Dual Degree culminates in a rigorous final project that combines research and design or research and writing in a comprehensive proposal. Work on this project begins in ARCH 529 MAP Seminar. In this course, it is the student’s responsibility to identify their particular area of study and the motivation for work. Students are also expected to become familiar with current discourse including key buildings, landscapes and texts. Students are also expected to formulate a thesis and/or critical position and establish strategies for the in-depth study of the topic.
Students may elect to complete the project as a self-directed Thesis project. In the Thesis Studio students work independently with a self-selected committee of faculty advisors who oversee the work and certify its completion.
The dual degree candidate must satisfy the curriculum and graduation requirements of the dual degree curriculum path. Students withdrawing from the dual degree program before completing both degrees will not receive credit toward graduation in either degree program for courses taken in the other degree program, except as such courses qualify for credit without regard to the dual degree program. The M.Arch and the MLA degrees will be awarded upon successful completion of the requirements of the dual program.
A typical program is completed in the following schedule:
Fall Year 1
Spring Year 1
Summer
LAR 561 - Practicum for Landscape Architecture 1 (3)
Fall Year 2
Spring Year 2
Fall Year 3
Spring Year 3
Total credit hours = 94
1 LAR 561 can occur in Summer of First or Second Year. The internship report must be completed before the end of the semester of registration.
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