University of Richmond

Landscape Design Certificate Requirements

The Landscape Design Professional Certificate program includes courses in two core areas: Woody Plants and Landscape Design. To meet the certificate requirements, students must complete all entry level and core courses in both areas with an overall grade of B or better.

Students interested in pursuing the certificate must submit the Certificate ApplicationPDF and a nonrefundable application fee of $75.00 prior to enrolling in Site Design I, preferably just after completing a prerequisite class.

The program includes an intensive curriculum of 17 courses. Student must earn a minimum grade of C- for each course completed before proceeding to the next course, and complete the program with an overall grade average of B or better.

All students must meet with Program Specialist to review LDPC Program schedule and program summary.

Once all certificate requirements have been met, the student must submit the Certificate Completion NotificationPDF to the Program Specialist before the term's conclusion.

Entry-level Courses:

There are three entry-level courses, which are open to anyone interested in studying horticulture and design. Many students participate in entry-level courses in order to decide if they are ready to pursue the certificate program.

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

Woody Plants Core:

Once a student has completed the prerequisite Introduction to Plants with a passing grade, the Woody Plants Core courses may be taken in any order.

12.9 CEUs; 1½ - 2 years minimum

This curriculum consists of five courses that can be taken in any sequence. 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.

  • 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:

Once a student has completed the prerequisite Landscape Graphics with a passing grade, the Landscape Design courses should be taken in the following order.

40.5 CEUs; 2 years minimum

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.

  • Introduction to Design
  • Site Analysis
  • Construction Methods and Materials
  • Site Engineering
  • Site Design I (History of Garden Design prerequitiste)
  • 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, creating a portfolio, digital photography of the landscape, landscape lighting, arboriculture, soil science, rain gardens, perennials and native grasses, native plants and designing for sustainability.