What is it?
The joint master's degree in landscape architecture (LA) and city and regional planning (CRP) is a professionally accredited degree intended for students with an interest in both planning and design issues. For example, a landscape architecture student interested in the social, political, and economic context in which design occurs, or a planning student who wishes to establish a deeper concentration in physical design and planning than the existing planning curriculum can provide, are ideal candidates for the dual degree program. The joint degree prepares students for work in such diverse areas as physical planning, environmental analysis, community development, and urban design, skills which are highly sought after in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Students apply for admission to the joint degree either before or after applying to Cornell but need to be admitted to both programs separately.
Joint Degree Requirements
Each student forms an advisory committee of at least two members, with one member from both CRP and LA. The advisory committee assists the student in all aspects of the program, from course selection to completing a final exit project or thesis. Faculty associated with the concentration in land use and environmental planning in CRP may be of particular interest to students looking for advisers.
Students must fulfill the course requirements as specified in the core curriculum for each program. This includes the required minimum credit hours in LA and CRP.
For candidates in the first professional degree program in LA, a minimum of 120 total credit hours is required for the joint degree. Candidates need a minimum of 5 residence units in LA and 3 residence units in CRP for a total of at least 8 residence units for the joint degree. In most instances, it is expected that four years will constitute the normal period in residence at Cornell.
For candidates in the advanced degree program in LA, a minimum of 90 total credit hours is required for the joint degree. Candidates need a minimum of three residence units in LA and 3 residence units in CRP for a total of at least 6 residence units for the joint degree. In most instances, it is expected that three years will constitute the normal period in residence at Cornell.
More Information
Students interested in the joint degree program are encouraged to read the websites of both departments. A sample curriculum for the joint degree with the first professional degree program is available online (see link below). Students from planning may also be interested in the one-year master of professional studies, a research degree available in landscape architecture.
Joint degree adviser for CRP:
Stephan Schmidt
Vallingby, Sweden, a new town, was used as a case study for Professor Ann Forsyth's book on model communities.
