Program Detail
Creativity, critical thinking, and research are core pillars of landscape architecture—a dynamic profession dedicated to the thoughtful design, planning and stewardship of our natural and built environments. At Clemson University’s Richard A. McMahan School of Architecture, we offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees in this unique and impactful discipline. Our programs prepare future landscape architects to shape resilient, inclusive, and inspiring places through a blend of design innovation, ecological knowledge and applied research.
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
Master of Landscape Architecture
Minor in Landscape Architecture
Program Information
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Demographics
Gender Undergraduate Graduate Female 55.2% 55% Male 44.8% 45% Race/Ethnicity Undergraduate Graduate American Indian 0% 0% Black 4.8% 10% Asian or Pacific Islander 3.2%
0% Hispanic 5.6% 0% Caucasian 79.2% 75% Other 7.2% 15% Residency Undergraduate Graduate In-State 74.4% 60% Out-of-State 25.6% 40% Origin Undergraduate Graduate Domestic 100% 90% International 0% 10% Updated June 27, 2025
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Degree Statistics
Degrees Awarded
The BLA and MLA promgrams have awarded the following number of degrees over the past five years:
Degree Level 2023-2024 2022-2023 2021-2022 2020-2021 2019-2020 BLA 23 19 20 13 25 MLA 7 0 9 3 5 Graduation Statistics
Graduation Rates BLA MLA Graduated within regular timeframe 90.9% 50% Updated June 27, 2025
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Graduate Employment Statistics
BLA (Bachelor of Landscape Architecture)
Of the total number of students graduating with the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from Clemson University, approximately ninety percent secure entry-level positions within six months of graduation.
MLA (Mater of Landscape Architecture)
Of the total number of students graduating with the Master of Landscape Architecture degree from Clemson University, approximately ninety percent secure entry-level positions within one year of graduation.
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Costs of Attendance
Undergraduate
SC ResidentUndergraduate
Out-of-State
ResidentGraduate SC
Resident
Premier
ProgramGraduate
Out-of-State
Resident
Premier
ProgramTuition & Fees $15,554 $39,448 $12,646 $24,798 Room/Board OR Living Expenses (Grad) $12,871 $12,872 $14,752 $14,752 Book/Supplies $1,436 $1,436 $1,080 $1,080 Personal/transportation expenses $5,410 $5,410 $4,204 $4,204 Loan Fee $66 $66 $156 $156 Total $35,338 $59,282 $32,838 $44,990 Supplies
All first year BLA and MLA students are asked to purchase a list of tools and supplies. The supply list will be provided to the students during the summer and prior to starting their program. Estimated cost is between $300 and $ 400.Students are asked to purchase a laptop for use throughout their time at Clemson University prior to the beginning of their first semester. Clemson Computing & Information Technology recommends the Lenovo Thinkpad P16 ($3,749). For more information on recommended laptops, please visit the CCIT Recommended Laptop webpage.
Required Semester Abroad
All BLA students are required to spend one semester studying abroad as part of their academic program. Students who choose to study in Charleston will pay Clemson University tuition and fees based on their residency status (in-state or out-of-state).Students who study abroad in Barcelona or Genoa will pay Study Abroad tuition and fees as determined by Clemson University. In addition to tuition, these students are required to pay a program fee to Clemson, which covers housing, health insurance, Field Studies, and additional program-related expenses. Please note that students are also responsible for the cost of airfare, meals, and personal travel expenses.
For more cost of attendance information please visit the Clemson University Tuition and Fee Calculator.
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Faculty Information
Faculty Composition
- 7 Full-time tenure or tenure track faculty
- 3 Full-time non-tenure faculty
Studio faculty:student ratio
- BLA - 1:13
- MLA - 1:8
Accreditation in Landscape Architecture
Accreditation is a voluntary, rigorous process of peer review that evaluates academic programs based not only on externally mandated standards but also on their own stated missions and educational goals. In the field of landscape architecture, this process is overseen by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB)—the official accrediting body for professional degree programs in the United States. LAAB establishes standards that ensure consistency, quality and relevance across professional landscape architecture programs. The accreditation process involves a comprehensive self-study conducted by the academic program, followed by an independent review by LAAB evaluators who assess whether the program meets both its internal objectives and the minimum standards for professional education in the discipline.
At Clemson University, the undergraduate and graduate programs in Landscape Architecture—housed within the School of Architecture, College of Architecture, Art and Construction—are fully accredited by LAAB. This recognition affirms our commitment to delivering high-quality, forward-thinking education that prepares students for professional practice and leadership in the field.
Clemson University offers the following LAAB-accredited degree programs in Landscape Architecture:
- Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) – 124 credit hours
- Master of Landscape Architecture (First Professional MLA) – 3-year program, 81 credit hours
(Designed for students without a prior degree in design) - Master of Landscape Architecture (Second Professional MLA) – 2-year program, 42 credit hours
(Designed for students with an accredited undergraduate degree in landscape architecture)
Next accreditation visit for all programs: 2030
