Landscape Design Professional Certificate

About the Program

The Landscape Design Professional Certificate Program is an intensive curriculum of 17 courses. Elective classes are held throughout the year for further development of knowledge and skills. Students experience hands-on training in woody plants and landscape design from instructors who are industry experts employed by landscape architecture firms in the Richmond area. The program provides the education necessary for beginning a career as an independent designer of small-scale landscapes.

What is the Commitment?

Students spend an average of three to nine hours per class, per week on homework. Completion of the entire program takes between three and four years. Convenient evening classes and weekend field trips are scheduled to meet the needs of working adults. A majority of classes meet at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, our partner in education.

Who Should Enroll?

The program is intended for those with an interest in a career or promotion in the industry. It is also ideal for those working in home construction or real estate who could benefit from a comprehensive study of the topic. The program is best suited for those directly associated with cooperative extension or agricultural agencies, professional landscape services, garden centers and nurseries, public and private gardens, and landscape design and civil engineering firms.

What's Included in the Program?

Entry Level Courses
There are three entry-level courses, which are open to anyone interested in studying horticulture and design. Participation in these classes is a great way to determine if the program is right for you.

• Introduction to Plants
• History of Garden Design
• Landscape Graphics

Woody Plants Core
This curriculum consists of five courses that can be taken in any sequence. Completion of the Woody Plants Core is one step in the process of receiving the Landscape Design Professional Certificate. Students study approximately 300 plants suitable for the growing environment in the Mid-Atlantic region during various seasons. Field study sessions are scheduled at local gardens and nurseries and are supplemented by lectures on horticulture, nursery and planting standards. Some students choose to complete only the Woody Plants Core curriculum. This option is ideal for landscape professionals and horticulture staff seeking to improve knowledge and proficiency in the industry. 12.9 CEUs; 1½ - 2 years minimum.

• Woody Plants for Early Spring
• Woody Plants for Late Spring
• Woody Plants for Summer
• Woody Plants for Early Fall
• Woody Plants for Late Fall

Landscape Design Core
This curriculum consists of nine courses that address landscape design principles and skills. Students learn about small-scale design applications, site engineering methods, and the creative use of plant materials. Project assignments such as site plans and construction details are required in the Landscape Design Core curriculum and are critiqued by the respective instructor. Students benefit from the successful solutions offered in these constructive sessions. Typically, students proceed through the Landscape Design Core while participating in the Woody Plants Core. 40.5 CEUs; 2 years minimum.

• Introduction to Design
• Site Analysis
• Construction Methods and Materials
• Site Engineering
• Site Design I
• Site Design II
• Planting Design I
• Planting Design II
• Comprehensive Project

Electives
A variety of special topics related to plants and landscape design are offered year round. These elective courses change each semester and may include managing a landscape business, arboriculture, soil science, rain gardens, perennials and native grasses.

What is Required to Earn the Certificate?

The Landscape Design Professional Certificate is awarded to students who complete all Entry Level and Core courses in Woody Plants and Landscape Design with an overall grade of B or better. Applicants must submit the Certificate Application and the nonrefundable fee of $75.00 prior to enrolling in Site Design I.

Certificate Completion Requirements

• Student must earn a minimum grade of C- for each course completed before proceeding to the next course.
• Student must complete the Program with an overall grade average of B or better.
• Student must submit the Certificate Completion Notification to the Program Specialist by the term's conclusion after all certificate requirements have been met.

Interested in Pursuing an Advanced Degree in Landscape Architecture?

Landscape Design Professional Certificate graduates can pursue the Master of Landscape Architecture through Virginia Tech. Candidates must make formal application to Virginia Tech in order to be considered for a one year advanced standing in the MLA program.

Please contact the University of Richmond Landscape Design Program Specialist for more details.