The Department of Landscape Architecture offers two undergraduate degrees designed to prepare you for a career in shaping the environment: the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design and Sustainability (BA EDS).
These programs provide project-based learning to help you create sustainable, healthy spaces that support both the environment and the communities that live in them. You’ll graduate ready to make a positive impact in your field and in the world around you.
Pursuing a different degree? You can either double major in BA EDS or you can choose to add a minor in Urban Ecological Design to complement your studies.
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA)
The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) emphasizes urban ecological design, with other areas of focus such as design as activism. It is a STEM-designated degree designed to prepare students for exciting careers in landscape architecture and related design and planning fields. The program combines lectures, technical training, and hands-on design studio work to develop your skills in design thinking, ecological awareness, social justice, and human and environmental health.
What you’ll learn:
- Foundations of landscape architecture, including history, theory, and professional practice
- Practical design skills through studio projects like urban site design and environmental planning, planting design, cultural landscapes, and a design-build capstone
- Understanding of natural systems such as ecology, soils, geology, and horticulture
- Communication skills—both visual and written—including developing proficiency in digital design software
Program highlights:
- Strong focus on creativity, teamwork, and real-world applications
- Practicum opportunities for hands-on experience in public agencies or private firms (often leading to job offers!)
- Flexible pathway for students with prior coursework or degrees to enter the three-year program
- Independent research and exploration driven by personal interests is strongly encouraged
This degree leads to professional licensure as a Landscape Architect.
Interested? Contact Academic Adviser Jennie Li at jencyli@uw.edu.
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design and Sustainability (BA EDS)
The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design and Sustainability (BA EDS) is an interdisciplinary degree designed to prepare students for meaningful careers focused on climate action, sustainable design, and community engagement. The program blends lectures and project-based learning to develop skills in spatial thinking, environmental stewardship, social impact, and effective communication.
Students pursuing another degree also have the option of double majoring with this program, making it a flexible pathway to expand their academic and professional opportunities.
What you’ll learn:
- Foundations of environmental design, including sustainability principles, social equity, and climate resilience
- Practical skills through project-based learning focused on community-centered design, ecological systems, and sustainable solutions
- Understanding of natural and built environments, including ecology, urban systems, and environmental science
- Communication skills—both visual and written—including developing proficiency in digital design software
Program highlights:
- Emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem solving
- Opportunities for community-engaged projects that provide practical experience
- Flexible course options that allow students to tailor their studies to their interests
- Independent research and interdisciplinary exploration are strongly encouraged
- Curriculum accommodates students interested in double-majoring and minors
This degree prepares students to make a positive impact in careers related to environmental design, planning, policy, and sustainability.
Interested? Contact Academic Adviser Jennie Li at jencyli@uw.edu.
Urban Ecological Design Minor
The Urban Ecological Design Minor offers students a flexible, interdisciplinary introduction to designing functional and engaging spaces that connect site, landscape, and people. It focuses on key themes like design as activism, ecological infrastructure, ecological learning, health, and social and environmental justice.
Students interested in declaring the Urban Ecological Design Minor should contact their major adviser. For other questions about the Minor, please contact Academic Adviser Jennie Li at jencyli@uw.edu.