MSLA Landscape Architecture at University of Cincinnati

Entry requirements

Application materials must be received prior to January 10th to assure first consideration for a financial award from the School of Planning. Our assistantships and financial awards are merit-based and extremely competitive. The School of Planning will accept applications not requesting financial consideration up to August 1 of each year to begin studies at the end of that month. Completion of the UC Graduate Admissions Application that requires a non-refundable $65 application fee ($70 for international applicants) 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale at most recently attended academic institution Unofficial transcript(s) from all colleges/universities attended Applicants from outside the U.S. are required to have test scores higher than the following minimums for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 84-85 (internet-based), 223 (computer-based), or 563 (paper-based). Other acceptable scores include above a 6.5 overall band score on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or above a 54 on the Pearson (PTE). All applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a video to the application website that responds to the question supplied in the video portal of the application A professional resumé, which may also include a link to a digital portfolio (see below). The resume should list education history, work experience descriptions and history, licensure or other professional credentials, skill levels in computer software, reliable contact information, and unique or significant abilities and interests. The resume may also include a link to a digital portfolio but this must not be substituted for the separate submission of a digital portfolio (see below). Applicants are required to submit a digital portfolio which includes writing samples (see below) and design work. In addition to writing and design abilities, the portfolio should display an expression of interests, travel, experiences, creative work, accomplishments, and prior education that demonstrates an affinity with further study in landscape architecture and the MSLA curriculum. If possible, the applicant should provide material in the portfolio that indicates relevance to the applicant’s MSLA Track 1 or MSLA Track 2 selection. Applicants may upload an e-portfolio no larger than 2 MB into the online University Application. Alternatively, applicants may upload a PDF that includes a link to portfolios larger than 2MB. We do not accept hard copies of portfolios. Writing Sample: Applicants should submit a single pdf of at least one complete paper prepared for an academic course requirement. The selected paper(s) should demonstrate high standards for scholarly writing that include abstract(s), logical frameworks and sequences of thought, credible and ethical documentation, the relevance of sources, critical assessment of data and sources, literature review, and conclusion. If possible, the applicant should provide a writing sample(s) that indicate relevance to the MSLA applicant’s Track 1 or 2 selection. Interest Statement for the MSLA (1200 words total, maximum): The applicant should describe (in 1000 words, maximum) their broader goals within the professional discipline of landscape architecture, and why pursuing our Post Professional MSLA degree is the right path toward those goals. The applicant should describe significant academic accomplishments and experiences and their suitability for the curriculum of our MSLA program. In addition to this, the applicant should indicate (in 200 words, maximum) which MSLA Track they are applying for and their scholarship interests and goals relative to that Track. We welcome dialogue with applicants to help them select the appropriate Track. Please contact the MSLA program director to discuss the Track options before completing your application. Letter of Interest for Graduate Assistantship: Graduate Assistantships are awarded based on merit and availability of funds. MSLA Graduate Assistants will work with faculty on research and scholarly work for dissemination and course development. The Graduate Assistantship is considered an important learning experience as well as recognition and support for developing the applicant’s skills and abilities. This letter of interest should describe the applicant’s experience in scholarship and teaching. Three Letters of Recommendation: Letters on professional letterhead from persons familiar with your potential to complete professional graduate study are required. Because the MSLA degree requires the completion of a scholarly, evidence-based design and a thesis or thesis project, the letters must convey the applicant’s capacity for inquiry, critical thinking, writing, and other aspects of scholarly work that are particular to the applicant’s chosen Track and scholarly interest area. If the applicant is applying for Graduate Assistantship support, at least one recommendation should address the applicant’s competence or potential abilities to contribute to research and teaching. Letters of recommendation must be submitted directly by references into the application online.