CertifiCate Program in
Landscape
Architecture
Where Creativity and
Outdoor Environments Merge
“ The certificate provided me with professional-level qualification for licensure.”
Gain the skills to improve the environment around you.
Many of the outdoor spaces you enjoy every day are products of
the vision and talent of landscape architects. Learn the art and
science of this profession with UC Berkeley Extension’s Certificate
Program in Landscape Architecture. The curriculum prepares you
for success in this growing field and for continued education and
professional advancement—no prior background is required. You
may also enroll in courses for personal enjoyment.
Through a wide array of courses, you express your creativity
while learning the practical applications and tools of
landscape design. Evening and weekend courses—taught by
industry professionals—enable you to keep working while
you study. In addition to developing aesthetic sensitivity and
environmental awareness, you gain a thorough knowledge
of historical precedent, establish a definable and defensible
design methodology, and learn the skills needed to enter the
profession. You learn alongside a diverse group of students
who are committed to making positive, responsible changes to
the environment.
Upon completing the Certificate Program in Landscape
Architecture, you understand the design process necessary
to work on community parks, residential gardens, campuses,
commercial plazas, streetscapes, and historic and cultural
landmarks. With a comprehensive portfolio of work, you are
prepared to pursue a career in landscape architecture and to
respond to changes in the industry.
Julia Reitan combines more than 20 years of work experience at the Sierra Club with her love of gardening and graphic design to excel in the Certificate Program in Landscape Architecture. The curriculum focus on landscape design that is environmentally sustainable allows Reitan to continue working for a better environment.
“When I discovered that the Extension building was located three blocks from the Sierra Club offices in downtown San Francisco, it seemed like fate,” Reitan says. “The certificate was meant for me! It provided professional-level qualification for licensure.
Caltrain 22nd St. Station (San Francisco) Laughing Squid Station site plan and concept montages by student Kevin Utschig in the Neighborhood Design Studio course
CertifiCate Program in
Landscape
Architecture
“Metamorphosis,” a design to revitalize the Caltrain 22nd St.
19 Required Courses, 5 Semester Units of Electives 63 Semester Units, 1,113 Hours of Instruction
required Courses: foundation
introduction to Landscape architecture LD ARCH X457
Principles and elements of Design LD ARCH X463
Spring Plants and applications LD ARCH X444
—or—
Summer Plants and applications LD ARCH X445
autumn Plants and applications LD ARCH X446
History of Landscape architecture LD ARCH X473
autoCaD for Landscape architecture: Level i LD ARCH X428
Landscape graphics i LD ARCH X458
Digital Landscape graphics LD ARCH X465
required Courses: advanced
Planting Design LD ARCH X401
Social factors in environmental Design LD ARCH X402
Construction technology i LD ARCH X404
Construction technology ii LD ARCH X405
green roof Systems LD ARCH X470
neighborhood Design Studio LD ARCH X468
Site Design Studio LD ARCH X464
Professional Practice in Landscape architecture LD ARCH X427
environmental analysis and Design Studio LD ARCH X474
Site Planning Practicum Studio LD ARCH X467
electives
Offered throughout the year, varied electives allow you to personalize the curriculum to suit your needs and interests. Choose from subjects such as cultural and historical preservation, portfolio development, landscape ecology, photography and digital visualization. You may also complete an internship to gain first-hand knowledge of landscape projects and office practices.
Visit extension.berkeley.edu/cert/land.html to see all electives.
Site plan for Dumbarton Oaks (Washington, D.C.) by student January Ruck in the Digital Landscape Graphics course
State of California–approved Curriculum
The Certificate Program in Landscape Architecture is certified in a formal process by the State of California’s Landscape Architects Technical Committee (LATC), which ensures its rigor, professionalism and adherence to state requirements. The curriculum also helps you qualify to sit for the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards’ Landscape Architect Registration Exam (LARE). Courses and instructors are reviewed regularly by UC Berkeley Extension to ensure that they meet UC Berkeley’s high academic standards.
“ I have consistently been impressed by the quality of the students. Having professionals from a wide diversity of backgrounds makes for very in-depth and relevant discussions in class.”
—Patricia Algara, Social Factors in Environmental Design instructor, co-founder and principal of BASE Landscape Architecture
“ I really enjoy our plant materials field trips with the students. They are keenly interested in this subject, and the conversation is lively.”
—Quin Ellis, Spring Plants and Applications and Autumn Plants and Applications instructor
“ The students are resourceful and astute and come from a wide range of backgrounds. It is a pleasure and a privilege to spend
Learn from industry Professionals
UC Berkeley Extension instructors are working professionals representing some of the most innovative landscape architecture firms and well-respected public agencies in the region. The instructors are dedicated to not only inspiring students with their enthusiasm and creativity but also sharing their professional experiences with their students.
Section elevation for a Prague, Czech Republic, transit proposal created by student David Sherman in the Digital Landscape Graphics course
Prerequisites for admission
The majority of foundation courses and electives in the Certificate Program in Landscape Architecture are open to all. However, most courses have prerequisites. In particular, studio courses need to be taken in the proper sequence with the required prerequisites. Please read prerequisites for each course carefully.
Curriculum requirements
The curriculum comprises 19 required courses and 5 semester units of electives for a total of 63 semester units (1,113 hours of instruction). Candidates must pay a nonrefundable certificate registration fee. All coursework must be completed within five years of registering for the certificate. However, requirements may be updated based on new developments in the field of study; we recommend completing the curriculum in a timely fashion.
You may start the Certificate Program in Landscape Architecture at any time. Enroll in courses and register at extension.berkeley.edu/cert/land.html.
Completion requirements
You must take all required courses for a letter grade, and you must earn a C or better in all courses; courses taken on a noncredit basis cannot be applied toward the certificate. A Certificate With Distinction will be awarded to those who complete the certificate with a 3.85 or higher grade point average. Most part-time students take one to three courses per term and complete the curriculum
Section of a residential garden created by student Teresa Win in the Digital Landscape Graphics course
How to register for this Professional Certificate
Prior to taking any Advanced course in the curriculum, you should register for the Certificate Program in Landscape Architecture at extension.berkeley .edu/cert/register.html. Click on the More Information button next to the certificate title to begin the registration process. Complete your student account profile if you are a new student, and pay the nonrefundable certificate registration fee.
You may enroll in individual courses without registering for the Certificate Program in Landscape Architecture.
Value of a UC Berkeley extension
Professional Certificate
As the continuing education arm of the University of California, Berkeley, UC Berkeley Extension is a respected provider of adult and professional education. A UC Berkeley Extension professional certificate is approved by a UC Berkeley academic advisory board and widely recognized as proof of the successful completion of a high-caliber, in-depth course of study.
Learn more
For additional information about the Certificate Program in Landscape Architecture, visit extension.berkeley.edu/cert/land.html, call (510) 643-4955 or email [email protected].
Schematic plans for UC Santa Cruz Infill Apartments by student Berry DeWaele in the Digital Landscape Graphics course
