The University of Minnesota’s Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program has earned full accreditation, establishing a newly recognized undergraduate pathway to professional licensure. This milestone marks a major step forward for the College of Design, alongside the renewed accreditation of its Master of Landscape Architecture program.
The College of Design at the University of Minnesota is proud to announce that its Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) program has earned full accreditation, and its Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program has received renewed accreditation from the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB). Together, these milestones reflect the strength of the College’s landscape architecture programs and establish a fully accredited pathway to becoming a licensed landscape architect at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The six-year accreditation, valid through 2031, confirms that graduates are completing degrees that meet national professional standards and are eligible to pursue licensure through the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE).
This marks the reestablishment of a fully accredited BLA program at the college, building on a legacy of accreditation held from 1977 to 1995. It represents the culmination of more than a decade of work to reimagine and advance the undergraduate degree, once again offering students a direct, accredited route into the profession beginning at the undergraduate level.
“This accreditation is a proud moment for the College of Design,” said Dean Prasad Boradkar. “It reflects our commitment to excellence in design education and highlights the strength of our undergraduate offerings, as well as the professional pathways available to our students. It underscores the vital role that landscape architecture plays in shaping sustainable, resilient, and equitable environments.”
Joe Favour, Acting Department Head of the Department of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Interior Design, added, “Earning LAAB accreditation for the BLA program represents years of planning, collaboration, and dedication. It creates an important pathway to professional practice for our undergraduate students. This opens up opportunities for a broader group of people in our state and region to become landscape architects in a shorter time frame.”
The faculty would like to thank all the students, staff, and alumni who participated in the accreditation review, as well as our professional community in Minnesota, for supporting our students through scholarships, internships, and professional mentoring.
