<p>I am currently attending UGA and I have been told that Landscape Architecture is the right Major for me. I am very interested in "green" technology and sustainability. I would like to design/build structures such as homes, schools, buildings, etc. using green and sustainable methods. Do you believe this is the correct major for me? Thank you for any comments or suggestions</p>
<p>Landscape architecture is a nice field and generally focused on sustainable issues. However if your focus is on designing ‘homes, schools, buildings, etc.’ then you need to study architecture. Landscape architects are trained to design landscapes, master plans, and even some urban design, but they are neither trained nor licensed to design buildings. Unfortunately I don’t think you have the option of studying architecture at UGA.</p>
<p>rick</p>
<p>“I would like to design/build structures such as homes, schools, buildings, etc. using green and sustainable methods”…</p>
<p>Well, you will get a great education in sustainability and ecology issues in UGA’s BLA program learning how to design the areas/landscape around the buildings, homes, etc., but the actual buildings and homes? Like rick12 said, no. That’s an arch major.</p>
<p>The good news is, though, you are at a fantastic school for an undergraduate program in Landscape Architecture. One of the best actually. It may do you well to look into the required course descriptions of that major to see if you like what you see before you take the plunge. You will get the classes in sustainability related topics, but just not in a structural sense. Is that going to suit your interests? I am thinking that whomever advised you about this is trying to get you to major in something as close to what you want as they can being UGA doesn’t offer architecture. But you need to know that they are quite different areas.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for the comment. So does this sound like a good idea?: Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture at UGA, then go for my Master’s in Architecture. This way I would have the environmental planning background and the professional certification to build. Would my time in graduate school be shorter if I had LA as my Undergrad degree as opposed to something random like Economics, English, or Chemistry? Thank you.</p>
<p>I would say it is a good plan, but only if you are interested in the subject matter. If other subjects like Econ or English interest you more, then go for that. Many successful practicing architects have undergrad degrees in subjects totally unrelated to architecture.</p>
<p>It will take you four more years to get the BLA (assuming you have just finished your freshman year) . UGA’s School of Environment and Design also requires a summer internship btw 4th and 5th years for their BLA candidates. I don’t know if you can shorten the time to get a M.Arch degree by having a BLA. Maybe someone (rick12?) knows the answer to that question. My suggestion would be to email a few dept chairs at schools who have Arch grad programs you are interested in and ask them your question directly. </p>
<p>Landscape arch is a very intense major, just like architecture. Many, many, many hours in the studio and a lot of hard work. If this subject is something you really like, it will be worth it. But, if there are other subjects that you enjoy, and ultimately you plan on going to grad school anyway to get your architecture degree, you may want to look into going down path rather than the BLA-MArch route. </p>
<p>In looking at UGA’s website I did see this one bit of info of interest about scholarships for undeclared students wanting to go into LA.</p>
<p>[CED</a> | Degrees & Programs | Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) | Undeclared Scholarships](<a href=“http://www.ced.uga.edu/index.php/degree/detail/undeclared_scholarships/]CED”>http://www.ced.uga.edu/index.php/degree/detail/undeclared_scholarships/)</p>
<p>Again, best of luck as you sort this all out!</p>
<p>KanKsmom has given you good suggestions. But to answer your last question; if I were at UGA, didn’t want to transfer, and wanted to become an architect at some point, would I major in Landscape Architecture? Yes, I think I would because I would try to find a related creative studio based major. I think it would be good preparation for architecture and there is a good chance that you may fall in love with it and not go back for your MArch. Even if you decide to go back I would work a couple of years for a landscape architect to make some money and get some real world experience.</p>
<p>I don’t know if you can reduce the amount of time for an MArch. My experience is that each school seems to have a fair amount of leeway in determining who needs 3.5 years and who needs 2 years so you are just going to have to approach each individual school. However I would begin by assuming that you will need 3.5 years and go from there.</p>
<p>rick</p>
<p>Wow! Thank you all for the info and advice! I am still not sure exactly what I am going to do, but I will surely take your pints into account! Thank you!</p>