SEAS Product Knowledge

Explain the MLA Program. What two paths are available?

Master of Landscape Architecture is one of the few programs in the world that employ ecological principles in environmentally responsible designs. Two programs are offered: a 3-year accredited program for students without prior knowledge in landscape architecture or a 2-year option for those who are earning a second landscape architecture degree.

Course Sampling for MLA

Ecological site design, Place and Environment/Making Space Studios, and Planting Design & Materials and Methods

General description of the Master of Science program

Program features field-based learning, applied professional training, the use of scientific knowledge to inform management decisions, and practical, effective approaches to behavior change.

Common Core: foundation in ecological science, environmental governance, and integrated assessment

Custom Path: 7 specializations (Behavior Education and Communication, Ecosystem Science and Management, Environmental Justice, Environmental Policy and Planning, Geospatial Data Sciences, Sustainability and Development, and Sustainable Systems)

Capstone finish: group project, practicum, or thesis

Give a brief description of the Behavior, Education, and Communication specialization.

Working with people in their everyday lived experiences

Discovering how to motivate and enable individuals, neighborhoods, and groups to seek out more sustainable life patterns

Employing qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods

Using small experiments, community programming, and social engagement strategies to influence human behavior and empower diverse communities to pursue long-term sustainability

Curriculum for BEC

Studies human behavior and environmental decision-making, emphasizing effective communication, motivational strategies to encourage sustainable behaviors, and stakeholder collaboration to resolve environmental conflicts.

Types of career paths for BEC

Environmental advocate, communicator, K-12 or non-formal educator, an environmental engagement, outreach, or sustainability manager, a conservation behavior specialist, or an environmental dispute resolution specialist.

What is BEC?

Behavior, Education, and Communication

What is ESM?

Ecosystem Science and Management

Give a brief description of the Ecosystem, Science, and Management specialization

Explores natural ecosystem functions, biodiversity distribution, and human environmental impacts through classroom and field-based learning. Develops technical and quantitative skills to solve complex environmental management challenges, including climate change, habitat loss, and species extinction.

Curriculum for ESM

Conservation Biology

Ecology of Fishes

Forest Ecology and Management

Wildlife Ecology and Management

Types of Careers for ESM

Biologist

Conservation worker

Water Quality Specialist

Areas of focus for ESM

Landscape ecology

Global change biology

Quantitative methods in environmental science

Conservation GIS

Ecosystem science and management

Ecological Engineering

Decision-making and risk analysis

What is EJ?

Environmental Justice

Course Sampling for EJ

Energy Justice

Indigenous Sustainability and Environmental Justice

The Science and Practice of Social Change

Environmental Racism, Health and Pathways for Justice

Power Building and Community Organizing for Social Justice

General Description for EJ

by recognizing the interconnectedness of societal and biophysical factors, they advance both sustainability and human rights

Career Paths for EJ

Educators

Grassroots organizers

Environmental managers

Consultants

Journalists

Advocates

Course Sampling for EPP

Environmental Policy, Politics, and Organizations

Energy Markets and Energy Politics

Modeling for Landscape Planning

Negotiating Skills in Environmental Dispute Resolution

General Description for EPP

focuses on building the professional skills to design and implement effective policies and plans while considering the human and institutional behaviors that underlie environmental problems

Career Paths for EPP

Policy analysis

Advocates

Planners

Program Managers

What is EPP?

Environmental Policy and Planning

Course Sampling for GDS

Remote sensing of environment

Environmental Spatial Data Analysis

GIS and Natural Resources Application

Intro to Python for Geospatial Data Sciences

General Description for GDS

prepares students to use advanced data science and geographical information systems (GIS) to solve environmental problems learning to analyze complex data and apply it to real world challenges in resource management and sustainability.

Career Paths for GDS

Communications editors

Development coordinators

Education specialists

Program managers

What is GDS?

Geospatial Data Sciences

Course Sampling of SUSDEV

Environmental Governance: from local to global

Conservation and Development

Program Evaluation for Environment and Sustainability

Sustainable International Development

General Description of SUSDEV

addresses the join challenges of sustainability and development from local communities to global systems. Students will learn to analyze trade-offs, drive social change, and support sustainable transitions

Career Paths for SUSDEV

Sustainability managers

Consultants

Data Scientist

What is SUSDEV?

Sustainability and Development

Course sampling of SUSSYS

Environmental Systems Analysis

Industrial Ecology

Deep Decarbonization

Sustainable Urban Systems

General Description of SUSSYS

Focus on systems thinking, ecological principles and technology to create solutions for global challenges like energy, water, and mobility. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and real world impact

Career Paths for SUSSYS

Product developers

Consultants

Sustainability planners

What is SUSSYS

Sustainable Systems

Deadline for Ph.D applications for fall 2027

12/1/2026

Priority funding deadline for master’s applications

12/15/2026

Final funding consideration deadline for master’s applications

1/14/2027

Application deadline for international master’s applicants

4/1/2027

Application deadline for domestic master’s applicants

4/30/2027

Application fee for domestic applicants

$0

How many references do MS & MLA applications need?

Just one academic reference. A professional letter is acceptable if the most recent degree was earned before 2024. They can add additional references if they would like

What is an Academic Statement of Purpose?

chance for applicant to introduce themselves to SEAS and what they hope to get out of attending

What is a personal statement?

Who the applicant is and how this has shaped why they want to attend SEAS

What is something that MLA applicants can add to their application?

A portfolio to showcase any relevant design work