MLA II Master in Landscape Architecture II at Harvard University

Programme overview

The two-year post-professional Master in Landscape Architecture II is for applicants who hold an undergraduate professional landscape architecture degree or equivalent. It adds emphasis on the design of the built environment at the intersection of urbanization and ecology. The MLA programme is accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board.

Faculty: Harvard Graduate School of Design | Department: Department of Landscape Architecture | Duration: 4 terms full-time in residence (2 years) | Intake: Application deadline January 5, 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cambridge, MA, United States

What you will study

A one-semester core with studio and courses in representation and theories of urbanism plus a pro-seminar on current topics in landscape architecture. The remaining three semesters are advanced studios and electives across the GSD and university, with an optional elective thesis in the final semester.

Career pathways

Prepares professionally trained candidates to advance their critical, theoretical, representational and technical skills through design. The programme is designated STEM for F-1 OPT extension eligibility.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

MLA II (programme): completed or in-progress accredited professional landscape architecture undergraduate degree such as a BSLA or BLA. Application deadline January 5, 2027 (5:00 p.m. ET); $90 non-refundable application fee. Transcripts from all prior institutions, three letters of recommendation (ideally at least two from instructors), the GSD community essay plus programme essays, and a resume/CV are required. A portfolio demonstrating ability to study at an advanced level is required. GRE is optional. International applicants submit TOEFL scores, with exemption for applicants holding a bachelor's degree with at least three years of full-time in-person study taught solely in English in Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Ghana, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom or the United States. TOEFL minimum overall score is 5.0 (preferred 5.5) on the 1-6 scale for tests from January 2026 (92 minimum, 104 preferred on the earlier 0-120 scale).

USD 64,000 a year (2026-27). GSD master's budget tuition for 2026-27 (2 semesters per academic year; the budget applies to all master's programmes except MRE); excludes health insurance, fees and living costs. Source

Harvard Business School MBA class matriculates in fall 2027 for applicants in the 2026-27 cycle.

HBS MBA (fall 2027 entry): Round 1 closes September 9, 2026 with decision December 10, 2026; Round 2 closes January 5, 2027 with decision March 25, 2027; 2+2 Round closes April 28, 2027 with decision June 30, 2027.

HKS master's programmes: admission application deadline is December 1, 2026 at 12 p.m. ET; financial aid application deadline is January 15, 2027; decisions in mid-March.

GSD MArch, MLA, MUP, MAUD, MLAUD, MRE, DDes, MDes and MDE applications close January 5, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

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