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K-State Today

November 16, 2015

Professionals rank landscape architecture program top in the nation

Submitted by Courtney Boman

The landscape architecture program in the College of Architecture, Planning & Design is ranked one of the top Master of Landscape Architecture programs in the nation by DesignIntelligence for the 12th year in a row, continuing the program's long-standing top ranking with the publication since it began in 2005.

"Our program provides students the opportunity to enter the university as a freshman and graduate with a master's degree in five years,” said Stephanie Rolley, head of the department of landscape architecture and regional & community planning. "The program is the only one of its kind among the top-ranked graduate landscape architecture programs."

K-State's landscape architecture program was ranked No. 1 in the Midwest region and No. 6 in the country. The program also received recognition for specific foci in its curriculum. It was ranked No. 1 strongest in construction methods and materials education and No. 5 in crossdisciplinary teamwork.

The rankings are derived by asking firms to consider their hiring experiences in the past five years and to name the schools whose graduates have been best prepared for success in the profession. This year, 2,237 U.S. firms and organizations employing architecture, design, and landscape architecture professionals participated in the research.

"The real takeaway from the DesignIntelligence rankings of our graduate program in landscape architecture is that it consistently appears as one of the top programs in the nation,” said Tim de Noble, dean of the College of Architecture, Planning & Design. "While surveys reflect opinion and can fluctuate based on participation, this program has the facts to back up these lofty perceptions, as evidenced by constant accolades for faculty and students’ performances in vetted competitions, grants and awards at the national level."

As part of the survey, deans and chairs of architecture schools were also surveyed. That group identified the K-State landscape architecture program as one of the most admired programs in the United States.

"Companies seek our students out for their professional skills and advanced knowledge," Rolley said. "The DesignIntelligence rankings confirm the value employers see in a K-State landscape architecture degree. The exceptional quality of our degree reflects the combined strength of our supportive alumni, dedicated students and excellent teaching, research and creative activities."

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