Admission Information
Undergraduate Admission
Be sure to read the College of Agriculture and Life Science's checklist for admissions.
Graduate Admission Information
Applying to Graduate Programs in Landscape Architecture
Detailed instructions are found on the Graduate School Website
Graduate School Checklist: http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/admin/admissions/gschecklist.html
Graduate School Requirements http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/admin/admissions/requirements.html
Graduate School information on International Student Expenses http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/admin/admissions/financialinfo.html
Application deadlines are February 1 (for Fall Semester consideration) and October 1 (for Spring Semester).
Mailing Address for Application Materials:
Graduate Program Committee
Department of Landscape Architecture
Room 1 Agriculture Hall
1450 Linden Drive
University of Wisconsin
Madison, WI 53706
Send the following to the Department:
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Official transcripts or academic records from each institution attended (one set)
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GRE scores
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TOEFL Scores for International Applicants
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Three letters of recommendation (instructions here)
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Letter of Intent
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Portfolio, or other sample of work (can include research reports, student papers, and/or other creative work) in, if possible, an 8-1/2x11" format.
NOTE: Wisconsin legislation requires that a $45 fee accompany each application to the Graduate School.
Admission Procedures And Academic Polices
To be considered for admission to the Department of Landscape Architecture, the applicant must hold a bachelor's degree from a college or university recognized by the Graduate School of the University of Wisconsin. (Students who are still pursuing their bachelor's degree at the time of application may be admitted with the provision that they satisfy all undergraduate degree requirements before they enroll as graduate students).
The initial screening and recommendation of candidates for admission is undertaken by the Department of Landscape Architecture's Graduate Program Committee. Final admission is determined by the University of Wisconsin Graduate School; however, no student is admitted in the absence of a favorable recommendation by the Department. Several factors are considered and evaluated: grade point average, Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, realistic goals and objectives, letters of recommendation, previous work or other experience, and meshing of student-faculty interests. If applicants are concerned about any of the admission requirements, we encourage you to contact Janet Silbernagel, or any of the program faculty.
Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must provide official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB). An admitted applicant whose TOEFL (paper-based) test score is below 580; TOEFL computer-based test (CBT) score below 237; or MELAB below 82 must take an English assessment test upon arrival. You must then register for any recommended English as a Second Language (ESL) course(s) in the first semester you are enrolled.
Note: Department/Program requirements may be higher than the minimum scores stated above.
Although all requirements are important, it must be stressed that the student demonstrate a realistic understanding of the program and an idea of how her/his objectives can be met within the framework of the Department and University. It is imperative, therefore, that the student's Letter of Intent spells out, in one or two pages, her/his basic interests and objectives of a program of study in landscape architecture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Letters of recommendation from past advisors or employment supervisors can also help explain how past experiences have prepared students for the graduate program in Landscape Architecture. Presenting samples of work in a portfolio, whether they be artistic pieces or research reports will further help the Graduate Program Committee determine how this graduate program could advance one’s academic endeavors.
A student's grade point average, though generally not the primary consideration, is an important consideration in making admissions decisions. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is necessary for non-probationary admission.
Students with a 2.5-2.99 average may be admitted on a probationary basis if they have other qualifications: notable work experience, graduate level work as a special student at some university, a progressive improvement in undergraduate work from freshman to senior year, and/or demonstrable creativity or ability in an area not normally evaluated by the grade point average. If a student is admitted on a probationary basis s/he can be removed from such status after successfully completing nine credits of graduate work with a B average or better. If a student's overall grade point average as an undergraduate is under 2.5, admission generally cannot be considered until the student has successfully completed one or two semesters of graduate level work as a special student. Admission, however, cannot be guaranteed even after satisfying this requirement.
GRE scores are required, but there is not a minimum cutoff for admission. These scores will be considered along with all other elements in the application package. GRE scores will also be considered when fellowship awards may be available.
There is no predetermined number of students to be admitted to the program each year. The Department's policy is to remain flexible, with the number of new admissions determined by the availability of faculty members to serve as advisors and thesis committee members. Application for Fall Semester is encouraged, although a few students may be admitted for Spring Semester. By beginning a program during the Fall Semester, a student benefits by establishing early contacts with a larger number of entering students and s/he can follow sequential course offerings. Some students may choose to enter in the summer; in terms of graduate program requirements, they are considered to have entered the following Fall Semester.
Your admission is only valid for the semester indicated on your letter of admission from the Graduate School. You can change your application to a new semester, if that semester is an adjacent semester. You can only request a change of session one time without a new application form or application fee. The department will consider your application again. You are not guaranteed admission for the new semester. To begin this process, contact the Graduate School or your intended department.
To be considered for a semester that is not an adjacent semester from when you originally applied, you must start over with a new application and new application fee. You can do this online, at the Graduate School website, www.wisc.edu/grad.
Students who wish to re-enter the program after 1 or more semesters must request permission to re-enter the Department from the Graduate Program Committee. The decision to permit re-entry will be based on the student's individual circumstances and may be contingent on newly applied requirements and standards in effect at the time of re-entry. Click here for the most up to date re-entry rules
For more background consult the Graduate School website.
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