What can you do with a Landscape Architecture degree?

First, some facts. Of the Landscape Architecture graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 195 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 79%, Landscape Architecture graduates have a much higher likelihood (+12%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 79%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 29% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Landscape Architecture graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Landscape Architecture graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 50%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2010 from Michigan State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Frontend Developer
Printwell Inc.
May 2013 - Present
The role of Frontend Developer at Printwell Inc. may use some general design and aesthetic skills that can be loosely associated with landscape architecture, but it does not directly apply the core qualifications or specific knowledge from the degree in Landscape Architecture.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Landscape Architecture degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


Through my analysis of various LinkedIn profiles of graduates who studied Landscape Architecture, a clear pattern emerges in the types of jobs they tend to pursue post-graduation. A significant number of these graduates find their way into roles that directly align with the principles of Landscape Architecture. Positions such as Landscape Designer, Landscape Architect, and Project Manager dominate the lists, showcasing a strong correlation between their degree and their professional paths. By utilizing the skills and knowledge obtained during their studies, these graduates effectively contribute to the construction and design of outdoor environments, which is the core focus of their education.

However, it's important to note that not every job listed demonstrates a clear connection to Landscape Architecture. Many profiles feature roles that appear only tenuously related, such as positions in business management, sales, or even education. For example, some individuals hold jobs like Project Managers in landscaping firms, which can involve overarching management responsibilities, but may not always engage with the specific design aspects of their degree. On the other hand, roles such as Project Designer or Landscape Architect are predominantly aligned with the principles learned during their studies. It's a mixed bag, where a solid portion of graduates are actively applying their educational expertise, while some have diverged into less relevant fields.

In conclusion, while there is a notable emphasis on jobs that are relevant to Landscape Architecture among recent graduates, a significant fraction of them end up in positions that don't fully utilize the skills learned during their studies. This disparity raises questions about the direct applicability of Landscape Architecture education to diverse career paths and implies a need for students to seek internships or positions that align more closely with their degree from the onset of their careers. Overall, the data suggests that while many graduates find success in fields directly related to their studies, some may struggle to fully utilize their academic credentials in the job market.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Landscape Architecture graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Landscape Architecture graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When we look at the career trajectories of graduates in Landscape Architecture, it’s interesting to see the diverse paths they take right after graduation and how those paths develop over the years. Generally speaking, many graduates tend to start their careers with internships or entry-level positions related to landscape design or architecture. For instance, graduates like those from Louisiana State University in 2013 often began their careers with internships, such as the one at Windrush Gardens, before moving on to roles like a Landscape Designer. Those initial positions often set the stage for a more specialized role later on, perhaps at engineering or landscape architecture firms, suggesting that they’re carving out careers that are relevant to their degree.

Looking a few years down the line, say about five years after graduation, we see a substantial number of these professionals stepping into more significant roles, like project managers or licensed landscape architects. For example, the graduate from SUNY-ESF, who started out as a designer, quickly advanced to a Landscape Architect at NYSDOT within just a few years. This trend of climbing the ladder is a positive indicator that those who immerse themselves in industry-relevant work usually find their way up the ranks in similar fields. On the other hand, some graduates take longer and might shift to roles that are not directly tied to landscape architecture, which indicates that the market might not always align perfectly with their degrees.

However, it's also worth noting that not every graduate continues along a straight path of progression in landscape architecture. Some individuals end up in seemingly unrelated fields, such as retail management or administrative roles, particularly visible among graduates from institutions like the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Their early jobs, such as server roles, show a disconnect from their degree, raising questions about the job market and career alignment for some Landscape Architecture graduates. Despite this, many others eventually return to the industry, suggesting that while the journey might not be linear, there’s still room for revitalization and relevance to their studies.

Overall, while many graduates from Landscape Architecture programs do find rewarding careers closely related to their field, there is a mixed bag of experiences. Some secure positions that allow for growth and specialization within the industry, while others may find themselves exploring various job sectors before settling down in a career that feels right. This variability in career trajectories reflects the broader landscape of today's job market, where flexibility and adaptability can also lead to fulfilling outcomes, regardless of the initial path taken.

How hard is a Landscape Architecture degree?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and skills. It combines a lot of different subjects, like design, ecology, and even some engineering, so you’ll be doing everything from sketching and model-making to learning about plants and site planning. If you love being creative and have a passion for the environment, it can be super rewarding, but be prepared for long hours and some tough projects, especially since you’re usually balancing coursework with studio work. It’s definitely on the harder side compared to some other degrees, but if you’re into it, you might find the challenge exciting rather than overwhelming!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Landscape Architecture.

Do Landscape Architecture graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at the job trajectories of these Landscape Architecture graduates, it seems that financial success varies quite a bit. Some individuals, like the one who went from being a Senior Landscape Architect to Director of Urban Design, likely made a decent income given their progression and leadership roles. Others, especially those in more entry-level or part-time positions, might still be in the early stages of their career, meaning they haven't yet hit the higher salary brackets. Overall, while many have found solid jobs in the field, their financial success heavily depends on their roles and the locations of their jobs.

On the other hand, some graduates have focused their careers on diverse positions, such as project management or entrepreneurship, which tend to offer higher earning potential over time. For the most part, it looks like if they stay in the field and move into higher-level positions, they could be making good money eventually. The reality is, it's not a straight path, and those who are flexible and willing to adapt seem to do better financially.

What buzzwords do Landscape Architecture graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Landscape Architecture. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Landscape Architecture?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Landscape Architecture (ordered by the average relevance score of their Landscape Architecture graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 84 10
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona 79 10