Applying to the MLA Program

The graduate program accommodates persons with or without a design background and encourages applications from persons with diverse backgrounds who seek a career change. The faculty is experienced in teaching mature students and seeks a mix of student ages, backgrounds, and interests. In addition, the program offers excellent opportunities for practicing landscape architects to undertake advanced mid-career training. Students can tailor coursework to their particular needs, and the faculty will assist in maximizing the potentials of this multi-faceted university.

Candidates applying to the Master of Landscape Architecture program must apply to both the Graduate Admissions Office and the Department of Landscape Architecture by January 15 to be considered for admission the following autumn quarter.

Admission Requirements

The Graduate School requires:

1. a baccalaureate degree from an accredited United States college or university, or its equivalent in a foreign institution

2. a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better in the last 90 graded quarter hours or the last 60 graded semester hours

3. a GRE (Graduate Record Examination) test score taken within the last five years.

Admission to the Master of Landscape Architecture program is a competitive process with priority given to applicants whose apparent abilities, as determined by the Department's MLA Admission Committee, will enable them to complete the program expeditiously and with a high level of achievement.

Admissions Process

Online
The first step in the application process is to apply online to the Office of Graduate Admissions. This application will request the following documents:

• Application for Admission to the Graduate School: submit together with $75 (on-line application)
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE Test Scores. Have the test scores forwarded to the University of Washington from the testing center in which the test was originally taken. To arrange to take a GRE exam, contact the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey 08541 for forms, application, and testing dates and locations. Their telephone number is: 1-800-537-3160, e-mail at gre-info@ets.org or website: http://www.gre.org Make sure you take the GRE Exam in time for the scores to reach the UofW Graduate School and Department by January 15th.
• TOEFL Scores (for International Students).

Hardcopy
In addition to the online application, the process requires that the following items are sent directly to the Department of Landscape Architecture (note all other documents are submitted as a part of the online process):

• Statement of Purpose
• Resume or Vitae
• One official sealed copy of each transcript from any junior colleges, colleges or universities you have attended.
• GRE Scores
• TOEFL score (if International Student)
• A portfolio of work in visual arts and/or design, with a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like your portfolio returned to you.

Portfolio

The portfolio should be a collection of material indicating your creative capabilities, graphic proficiency, and aesthetic and environmental sensitivity. It could include: photographs, photostats or other reproductions of work done by the applicant. No original documents should be submitted: the Department cannot be responsible for portfolio materials.

These exhibits may be products from crafts, design studios, professional work, creative or informational writing, or any other material which indicates your professional potential. Briefly explain each exhibit with a clear indication of your contribution when the exhibit includes a team project. The portfolio must be contained within an 8 1/2" by 11" folder or binder. Do not send slides, video tapes or CD's. If you have a website, print it out and include with portfolio.

Portfolios with return postage or stamped envelopes will be returned four weeks from notification of accept/deny unless specifically requested by the applicant. All unclaimed portfolios will be retained for one calendar year.

Send application package to:

regular post:		or via express mail:
Graduate Admissions Committee Department of Landscape Architecture 348 Gould Hall, Box 355734 University of Washington Seattle, WA 98195 phone (206) 543-9240		Graduate Admissions Committee University of Washington Department of Landscape Architecture 3949 15th Street NE Seattle, WA 98195 phone (206) 543-9240

Graduate Non-matriculated: Under certain conditions, the Department may offer enrollment in its graduate courses to Graduate Non-matriculated students (GNM). The purpose of GNM enrollment is to allow qualified postbaccalaureate students to earn limited graduate credit in a particular area of need. Applicants who meet graduate admission standards may enroll as GNM students. They may apply a maximum of 12 credits earned in this status to degree requirements should they later be accepted into a graduate degree program. The Department requires the applicant to submit a one- or two-page Statement of Purpose and one Academic Letter of Support. A Graduate Non-matriculated Status Application Form must be completed, along with two sets of official transcripts from the registrars of all collegiate institutions attended, and submitted to GNM Office, Room 98 Administration, Box
351280, Seattle, Washington 98195.

Potential graduate students may also take classes as a non-matriculated
student through UofW Extension. See the Frequently Asked Questions
section of this website.

International Students: International applicants must first confirm their eligibility with the UW Graduate Admissions Office before applying to the Department of Landscape Architecture.

At the University of Washington, an international applicant is defined as:

• one who is NOT a U.S. citizen, Permanent Resident, or Immigrant;
• one who WILL require any type of visa to enter the U.S.

The following are minimum requirements for international applicants seeking admission to the Graduate Landscape Architecture program at the University of Washington. We welcome applicants from overseas. This process is not meant to discourage applicants but instead to assist you in making an informed choice about whether or not to invest the considerable expense and time required in submitting a complete application. You may receive additional information by sending an email message to intlgrad@u.washington.edu

Requirements:

• The equivalent of a 4 year U.S. bachelor's degree. This is based on the following criteria: the country's national system of education; type of institution attended; field of study; level of studies completed. Policies at other institutions may differ.
• The University of Washington requires official certification of adequate financial support from each international applicant. The total annual cost of study is $32,500.00 in U.S. funds. (This cost is subject to change without notice.) Even if a graduate program is able to offer some funding, you may need to provide a portion of these funds personally.
• Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (verbal, quantitative, analytical)
• A minimum official TOEFL score is required unless you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom OR you have earned a bachelor's or higher degree from the U.S. or one of the countries listed above.

Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements:
Please see Graduate School Memo 8: http://www.grad.washington.edu/policies/memoranda/memo08.shtml

Veterans: Veterans and children of deceased or totally disabled veterans should follow the general procedures outlined for all applicants. Applications for, and questions about, government aid should be addressed to Veterans Affairs, Office of Special Services, 460 Schmitz Hall, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195. (206) 543-6122.

Minority Students: The Department of Landscape Architecture is committed to maintaining a diverse student population. Qualified minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

Orientation and Counseling: Upon acceptance into the program, each student's educational and professional experience is carefully assessed during an initial interview. This will establish his/her placement in the program.

Housing: University residence halls, apartments, and private homes furnish attractive living accommodations for students. For housing information and application forms, students should write to the Housing Office, 301 Schmitz Hall, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195. (206) 543-4059. For off-campus rental listing service information call (206) 543-8997.