Robert L. Ryan
Sandi Potyrala, Graduate Secretary.
A growing number of students have recognized the overlap between policy and design and have seen the importance of a strong link between the process and product of land development. The dual degree option in Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning combines the design and analysis of urban and rural landscapes with a concern for the social, political, regulatory and economic factors that shape those landscapes. This option, which normally requires one less year of study than doing the degrees one after the other, confers two separate degrees upon completion. The versatility which results from the blending of these two related fields can be a valuable asset for the student. Public agencies, such as the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and private consulting firms, e.g. EDAW, Inc. have preferred employing those students who have the dual skills this option offers.
It is anticipated that most students interested in the dual degree program will identify their interest before beginning graduate study. However, for those who decide to apply for the second degree after beginning an initial course of study, we encourage you to investigate the option as early as possible. An early decision may alleviate scheduling conflicts between the required courses of both programs.
The student will be expected to complete the required courses of both degrees with the exception of being able to waive one regional planning studio and one course in research methods (RP 693A or LA 652). Electives will be selected by the students with guidance from their advisors according to a clearly defined direction of study. In Regional Planning, dual degree students are not required to select an area of concentration.
Students who choose the dual degree option are expected to complete 78 credit hours. These can be roughly divided between landscape architecture and regional planning courses.Students must complete a thesis or project in each area of study. They may substitute the three-course option, a series of three rigorous, linked, courses, for a thesis or project, but only in one of the two programs
Students entering the dual degree program without preparatory landscape architecture studies will take those prerequisite courses which make them eligible to enter our current second year Landscape Architecture Program. These credits generally do not count toward the 78 credit hours. Detailed guidelines about specific exceptions to this rule are available from the Program Director.
Candidates for the dual degree will be required to spend a minimum of three years in the program. In special circumstances this requirement may be modified with the approval of the dual degree program administrator and the program directors.
