Landscape Design
College of Professional Studies
Program Overview
The Landscape Design graduate certificate or master's degree program is ideally suited for landscape professionals seeking to upgrade skills, individuals who want to become professional landscape designers, amateurs with an interest in the art of garden design, institutional horticultural staff, nursery employees and garden-design writers. Courses are geared to small-scale landscape design applications with emphasis on sound design principles, good site engineering methods and creative use of plant materials.
The part-time graduate certificate program offers classes evenings and Saturday mornings for five eight-week terms during the calendar year.
- 18 courses, 28 credits required (includes two introductory courses)
- Studio design courses meet one evening per week at the K Street Center for Professional Education in Washington, D.C. or at GW's Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn, VA
- Plants classes meet at the U.S. National Arboretum and other local public gardens on weekdays or Saturday mornings
The 43-credit master of professional studies degree in Landscape Design combines the Landscape Design graduate certificate program with the 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Landscapes. Students acquire an understanding of best practices in landscape conservation and sustainability, adapted to the small scale landscape.
These programs are highly successful with a strong reputation in the regional industry. Area landscape-design firms, plant nurseries and contractors frequently seek out GW graduates. Graduates often go on to pursue advanced degrees in landscape architecture. The program enjoys a unique partnership with local architecture programs such as Virginia Tech (Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center) allowing Landscape Design graduate certificate graduates favorable opportunities for transfer.
Admission Requirements
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Admission deadlines: |
Fall – April 1 |
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Recommendations required: |
Graduate Certificate: none required |
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Prior academic records: |
Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission. Transcripts from institutions outside the United States must be accompanied by an official transcript evaluation from an accredited independent evaluating agency. Please be sure you request a detailed evaluation that includes all course titles, credit hours, grade-point average (GPA), United States degree equivalency, and date of degree conferral. View a list of acceptable foreign credential evaluation services. |
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Statement of purpose: |
In an essay of 250-500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in this field and describe your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also, discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, as well as any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form. |
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Additional requirements: |
A resumé and successful completion of the following GW courses or equivalent: PSLD 100 and PSLD 102 |
Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:
College of Professional Studies – Office of Admission
The George Washington University
805 21st Street, NW, Suite 301
Washington, DC 20052
Contact for questions:
CPS Office of Admissions
applycps@gwu.edu ~ 703.299.6782 (phone) ~ 703.299.4144 (fax)
9 am – 5:30 pm EST, Monday through Friday
