The School of Landscape Architecture offers two paths to the Dual Degree Master of Landscape Architecture—Master of Architecture (MLA—MArch), which earns the graduate both the LAAB-accredited professional Master of Landscape Architecture  and the NAAB-accredited professional Master of Architecture  degree. These paths are distinguished by the length of study required and are determined by the student’s baccalaureate education.  

Options Available

Thesis
Project

Campus Code

Knoxville Campus

Admissions Standards/Procedures

Applications are accepted for summer semester only (fall semester if admitted to the MArch 2G track, see below). Applicants for the dual MLA—MArch program must make separate applications to and be accepted by the Schools of Landscape Architecture and Architecture. Students should indicate on both applications the intent to pursue the dual MLA—MArch program. Students accepted for both the MLA and MArch degree programs will be assigned 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 the website 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 to the Graduate Program in Architecture:
  • An essay addressing the applicant’s intent and expectations for study in the program.
  • A portfolio illustrating evidence of visual creativity and/or graphic capabilities.
  • Three letters of recommendation.

A minimum 3.00 undergraduate GPA, minimum 3.25 graduate GPA, minimum GRE scores: 147 QV and 3.0 analytical. Standardized test scores can be weighted differently in the admissions process depending on an applicant’s strengths.

After the MArch 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.

Academic Standards

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 MLA and the MArch degrees will be awarded upon successful completion of the requirements of the dual program.

MLA—MArch 3G Dual Degree, Thesis or Project

For students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than architecture. Typically, four academic years plus one summer in length, the MLA—MArch 3G 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).

• Learning objectives for the MLA—MArch 3G 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.

Credit Hours Required

137 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

• 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 courses.
• 3 credit hours in Disciplinary Discourse courses, including ARCH 529.
• 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

Additional Course Requirements

• The MLA—MArch 3G 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.

Non-Course Requirements

• 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.

Additional Information

• A typical program is completed in the following schedule:
  • SUMMER YEAR 1
    • ARCH 538  (3 credit hours)
    • ARCH 518  (2 credit hours)
    • ARCH 501  (2 credit hours)
  • FALL YEAR 1
    • ARCH 541  (6 credit hours)
    • LAR 521  (3 credit hours)
    • ARCH 511  (3 credit hours)
    • ARCH 557  (4 credit hours)
  • SPRING YEAR 1
    • LAR 552  (6 credit hours)
    • ARCH 512  (3 credit hours)
    • ARCH 558  (4 credit hours)
    • Approved elective (3 credit hours) chosen in consultation with the Graduate Studies Chair and/or Director of the School of Landscape Architecture
  • MAY SEMESTER YEAR 1
    • ARCH 543  (3 credit hours)
  • FALL YEAR 2
    • LAR 554  (6 credit hours)
    • LAR 583  (3 credit hours)
    • LAR 571  (4 credit hours)
    • PLSC 501  (3 credit hours) or PLSC 421  (3 credit hours)
  • SPRING YEAR 2
    • Arch 58X (6 credit hours)
    • LAR 582  (3 credit hours)
    • LAR 572  (3 credit hours)
    • Architecture (ARCH) or Landscape Architecture (LAR) approved elective (3 credit hours)
  • SUMMER
    • LAR 561 ¹ (3 credit hours)
  • FALL YEAR 3
    • LAR 555  (6 credit hours)
    • ARCH 513  (3 credit hours)
    • ARCH 559  (4 credit hours)
    • Architecture (ARCH) or Landscape Architecture (LAR) approved elective (3 credit hours)
  • SPRING YEAR 3
    • ARCH 572  (6 credit hours)
    • LAR 584  (3 credit hours)
    • ARCH 560  (3 credit hours)
    • GEOL 590  (3 credit hours) 
  • FALL YEAR 4
    • ARCH 58X (6 credit hours)
    • ARCH 529  (3 credit hours)
    • LAR 534  (3 credit hours)
    • Architecture (ARCH) approved elective (3 credit hours)
  • SPRING YEAR 4
    • LAR 500  (6 credit hours)
    • ARCH 562  (3 credit hours)
    • LAR 535   (3 credit hours)
    • Landscape Architecture (LAR) approved elective (3 credit hours)
• Total graduate credit hours = 137
• ¹LAR 561  can occur in Summer of Second or Third Year. The internship report must be completed before the end of the semester of registration.

MLA—MArch 2G Dual Degree, Thesis or Project

Learning objectives for the MLA—MArch 2G 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.

Credit Hours Required

94 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

• 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, including ARCH 529 .
• 13 credit hours in Materials & Tectonics, Technology and Professional Practice courses.
• 12 credit hours in Living Systems
• 15 credit hours in Architecture (ARCH) or Landscape Architecture (LAR) Approved Elective Courses.
• 3 credit hours of Landscape Architecture Practicum.

Additional Course Requirements

• The MLA—MArch 2G 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.

Non-Course Requirements

• 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.

Additional Information

• A typical program is completed in the following schedule:
  • FALL YEAR 1
    • Architecture 58X (6 credit hours)
    • LAR 585  (3 credit hours)
    • LAR 571  (4 credit hours)
    • PLSC 501  (3 credit hours) or PLSC 421  (3 credit hours)
  • SPRING YEAR 1
    • LAR 554  (6 credit hours)
    • LAR 582  (3 credit hours)
    • LAR 572  (3 credit hours)
    • Approved elective (3 credit hours) chosen in consultation with the Graduate Studies Chair and/or Director of the School of Landscape Architecture
  • SUMMER
    • LAR 561 ¹ (3 credit hours)
  • FALL YEAR 2
    • LAR 555  (6 credit hours)
    • ARCH 513  (3 credit hours) 
    • GEOL 590  (3 credit hours) 
    • Architecture (ARCH) approved elective (3 credit hours)
  • SPRING YEAR 2
    • ARCH 572  (6 credit hours)
    • LAR 584  (3 credit hours)
    • ARCH 560  (3 credit hours)
    • Architecture (ARCH) approved elective (3 credit hours)
  • FALL YEAR 3
    • ARCH 58X (6 credit hours)
    • ARCH 529  (3 credit hours)
    • LAR 534  (3 credit hours)
    • Architecture (ARCH) approved elective (3 credit hours)
  • SPRING YEAR 3
    • ARCH 598  or LAR 500  (6 credit hours)
    • ARCH 562  (3 credit hours) 
    • LAR 532  (3 credit hours)
    • Landscape Architecture (LAR) approved elective (3 credit hours)
• Total graduate credit hours = 94
• ¹LAR 561  can occur in Summer of First or Second Year. The internship report must be completed before the end of the semester of registration.