Major in Landscape Architecture (BLA)
Landscape architecture involves applying functional and aesthetic principles to the planning, design, preservation, and management of the land. In response to social and environmental problems related to public health, welfare and safety, landscape architects combine and coordinate skills and understanding of the arts, ecology, sciences, planning, engineering, and human behavior to arrange spaces and amenities while preserving and/or restoring natural systems within the landscape for use and enjoyment. Ball State University’s undergraduate program in landscape architecture is fully accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects and has been a nationally ranked program in the USA for over a decade.
Admissions Standards
A minimum grade-point average of 2.75 in the College of Architecture and Planning first-year course is required of all undergraduate students applying to the BLA program (or declaring an LA major). For transfer students who do not enroll in CAP courses, a minimum grade-point average of 2.75 must be earned in all prior course equivalents to the CAP first year courses.
Portfolio Requirements: All students requesting admission into the department must submit a portfolio of work and meet the minimum grade point average. The portfolio must include examples of work from all design studios and design communication courses, and a statement of purpose. Other creative work may be included.
Retention Standards
If a student earns below a C- in any required studio, engineering, or plants course, the student must retake that course. After the first D+ or below, the student must contact their academic advisor immediately following the receipt of final grades from the university. The academic advisor will work with the student to create a plan for moving toward successful completion of the curriculum. If a student receives a second D+ or below for the same course, this will initiate a departmental process that will determine whether the student is retained or dismissed from the program.
121 credits
Required Courses
| ARCH 100 | Introduction to Architecture | 2 |
| CAP 101 | Environmental Design, Communications, and Planning 1 | 4 |
| CAP 102 | Environmental Design, Communications, and Planning 2 | 4 |
| CAP 161 | Design Communications Media 1 | 2 |
| LA 100 | Introduction to Landscape Architecture | 2 |
| LA 201 | Site Design | 4 |
| LA 202 | Park and Open Space Design | 4 |
| LA 211 | Landscape Architectural Engineering 1 | 4 |
| LA 214 | Field Studies | 1 |
| LA 220 | Landscape Architecture History - Ancient to Mid-19th Century | 3 |
| LA 221 | Landscape Architecture History - Mid-19th Century to Recent Past | 3 |
| LA 270 | Environmental Systems | 3 |
| LA 280 | Computer Applications in Landscape Architecture | 3 |
| LA 301 | Housing and Community Design | 5 |
| LA 302 | Planting Design | 5 |
| LA 312 | Landscape Architectural Engineering 2 | 4 |
| LA 313 | Landscape Architectural Engineering 3 | 4 |
| LA 341 | Landscape Plants 1 | 4 |
| LA 369 | Landscape Architecture Internship | 0-1 |
| LA 401 | Regional Landscape Design | 6 |
| LA 403 | Urban Design | 6 |
| LA 404 | Landscape Architecture Comprehensive Project | 6 |
| LA 414 | Landscape Architectural Engineering 4 | 3 |
| LA 451 | Landscape Architecture Research | 3 |
| LA 460 | Professional Practice | 3 |
| PLAN 100 | Introduction to Urban Planning and Development | 2 |
| LA 281 | Hand Graphics in Landscape Architecture | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 94 |
Department Electives (9 credits required)
Any selection of departmental electives will fulfill this requirement. 9 credit hours are required.
3 credits from
Directed electives or minor (15 credits required)
Directed Electives Selection
If choosing the directed electives route, select directed electives from courses in the following categories: natural science, social science, business, art/design. Specifically, choose one 200 level or above course from each category plus one from any category (to total 15 credits), or complete a minor of your choosing. Consult with your academic advisor for direction.
Minor Selection
If choosing the minor route, select a minor to complete. If the selected minor has less than 15 credit hours required, supplement the hours with directed electives to meet the requirement. Consult with your academic advisor for direction.
Total Credit Hours: 121