University of Chicago

What you'll study

The programme blends design studios, historical and theoretical study, and technical coursework to prepare students to think across scales from planting plans to metropolitan infrastructure. Core work typically includes sequential design studios that emphasise site analysis, landscape composition, and construction detailing; courses in plant ecology, soils and hydrology; materials and methods for landscape construction; and digital design and representation (CAD, GIS, and parametrically informed modelling).

Students also take courses in urban history and theory, planning and public policy, environmental systems, and research methods. Typical modules and subject areas include:

• Design Studio: site-responsive landscape and urban design, collaborative projects, and a final capstone or thesis studio
• Landscape Technology: grading and drainage, materials, sustainable stormwater management, and construction documentation
• Ecology and Planting Design: native planting, ecological restoration, and plant-soil-water relationships
• Digital Tools and Analysis: GIS, environmental modelling, CAD/BIM, and digital fabrication techniques
• Urban Planning and Policy: land use, transportation planning, housing policy, and community engagement methods
• History and Theory: architectural and landscape histories, cultural landscapes, and critical theory of urbanism
• Electives and Interdisciplinary Work: opportunities to study public policy, economics, anthropology or environmental science to broaden practice-relevant knowledge

Entry requirements

Admissions to the undergraduate programme are competitive and seek students with evidence of academic ability across the liberal arts as well as aptitude for visual and spatial thinking. Typical expectations include strong secondary school qualifications (for example A‑levels, IB, or equivalent) with preparation in relevant areas such as mathematics, environmental science or art/design.

Applicants are normally encouraged to submit a portfolio that demonstrates design thinking, drawing, model work, or other creative problem‑solving. Other supporting materials commonly requested include a personal statement explaining interest in landscape and planning, teacher or counsellor recommendations, and any relevant extracurricular or work experience in community projects, environmental organisations, or design studios.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with a combination of critical thinking, design skills and technical knowledge valued across public, private and non‑profit sectors. Common career paths include:

• Landscape design and landscape architecture (note: professional licensure typically requires further accredited postgraduate study and certification where applicable)
• Urban and regional planning roles in municipal government, regional agencies and planning consultancies
• Urban design and site planning in architectural and multidisciplinary design firms
• Environmental consultancy and ecological restoration practices
• Project management, community engagement and policy analysis in non‑profits and governmental organisations
• Further academic study or research in landscape architecture, urban studies, environmental science or public policy

Why study at University of Chicago

The University of Chicago’s undergraduate culture emphasises rigorous inquiry across disciplines, making it well suited for students who want to integrate design practice with history, policy and environmental science. The programme benefits from the university’s strong urban scholarship and research centres that focus on cities, environment and public policy, offering opportunities to engage with faculty working at those intersections.

Students gain from Chicago’s position as a major urban laboratory: proximity to significant built and designed landscapes, leading architecture and planning firms, and a rich tradition of architectural criticism and practice in the city. The College’s flexible curriculum and emphasis on writing and critical analysis help graduates communicate design ideas clearly to clients, agencies and communities, while studio practice and internship connections provide practical experience and professional networking opportunities.