Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

Internships

All Landscape Architecture majors have the opportunity to gain professional experience through our internship course, LAR 477, an optional component of their degree program that generally takes place during the summer after your 4th and/or 6th semester (Fall or Spring semester internships are also allowed).

Course Description

LAR 477: Landscape Architecture Internship (1-6 credits): Directed work experience program at landscape architecture offices, contracting firms and related industries. (Practicum) Pre-requisite: permission of instructor.

Benefits

  • Hands-on professional experience in a non-classroom setting, intended to broaden your formal educational experience, and improver your chances when competing for jobs after graduation.
  • Integration of academic theories and methods with practical real-world experience will aid you in selecting courses, and build your confidence.
  • An opportunity to work with professionals and evaluate your own career goals and objectives more critically.
  • Tailored to meet your individual needs, the broad range of available opportunities allows you to pursue personal interests and gain direct experience in design, planning and construction.
  • You are encouraged to establish contacts with potential employers, alumni, and with off-campus professionals who can mentor and provide recommendations for placement.

Guidelines

  • You can only receive academic credit for pre-planned internship programs tailored to your individual program needs. You cannot receive academic credit for experience obtained prior to registration in the landscape architecture program. Credit is given for internships that will enhance your education experience.
  • You must have a landscape architecture faculty member as an advisor who will oversee and administer your internship program.
  • The internship program is available to you only if you have finished your sophomore studio year, and maintained a minimum 2.5 GPA. You are encouraged to complete an internship prior to your final semester.
  • You can register for up to 3 credits per summer internship: 12 full-time work weeks in an approved program for 35 hours per week minimum will be considered the equivalent of 3 credit hours.
  • Internships are graded on a pass/fail basis. Your faculty advisor will assign grades after:
    1. a Internship Employer Evaluation is received from your employer
    2. you have submitted a minimum 3 – 5 page report, and
    3. you have prepared, submitted, and given a PowerPoint presentation of your work experience to the faculty advisor and other student interns. (The report and presentation are due during the fall semester in October. The actual dates will be established by the internship advisor.)
  • No credit will be granted to a student working as a self-employed individual, in a related family business or in a position for which prior approval was not sought or granted. While lawn maintenance opportunities may be beneficial, they are not acceptable as internships in landscape architecture.

Application Process

  • Complete the Internship Application form and Internship Memorandum of Agreement.
  • You will be responsible for contacting prospective employers who are willing to participate in the program. Faculty advisors may assist you in finding potential cooperators, but the ultimate responsibility is yours.
  • Upon securing the internship, you will complete the Memorandum of Agreement with your employer indicating goals and objectives and submit it to your advisor for approval.
  • Please note that the Memorandum of Agreement will be signed by you, the cooperating employer, and the faculty advisor.
  • Your Internship Application, along with the Memorandum of Agreement, must be filed with the faculty advisor at least 14 days prior to beginning the internship. If the paperwork is not submitted within this period of time, you may petition your advisor to waive the requirement. You cannot be given credit for an internship after the fact, or when you return to school in the fall.
  • Note: Internships are recommended for summer; however, one may be scheduled during the fall or spring semester.