If you are passionate about nature and like working outdoors, then a career in landscape design and architecture might be perfect for you. Various reputed institutes of higher learning in the US offer exciting degree programs in landscaping that can give you a good start in the field.
The coming years present a bright outlook for most professionals in this line of work. For example, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment opportunities for Urban and Regional Planners to grow by 11% (about 4,200 new jobs) between 2018 and 2028.
Therefore, if you feel that working in the landscaping industry is your true calling, then read on. This piece contains valuable information on top degree programs and occupations in the sector.
What Are Landscaping Programs?
Landscaping Programs are aimed at individuals desirous of becoming landscape design professionals. Over the course of a degree, they are taught different aspects of the field such as designing parks, sustainable land development, etc. Working with engineers and architects is also a major part of the job for landscape design specialists.
What Can You Do With a Landscaping Program?
A degree in Landscaping Design and Architecture will enable you to find work as an Urban and Regional Planner, Soil Technologist, Irrigation Designer, Landscape Architect, Grounds Maintenance Worker, Landscape Preservation Analyst, Sustainable Design Consultant, Pesticide Sprayer, Landscape Contractor, etc.
In the next section, you can access information about salary and career prospects for some of these roles. All the data has been taken from the latest public records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Urban and Regional Planners
Urban and Regional Planners devise sustainable programs for land usage to create vibrant communities, manage population growth, and rejuvenating towns/cities/counties.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $74,350 | 11% | $77,750 | California | 7,980 |
| District of Columbia | $109,370 |
Landscape Architects
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $69,360 | 4% | $73,970 | California | 2,510 |
| California | $90,940 |
Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other
Grounds Maintenance Workers tend to grounds within houses, parks, businesses, and urban infrastructure. Their job is to ensure the health, attractiveness, and orderliness of these spaces for a pleasant outdoor environment.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $32,090 | 6% | $37,870 | California | 3,270 |
| Wisconsin | $58,990 |
What to Expect from a Landscaping Program?
While studying for a degree in Landscaping Architecture and Design, you will be taught about Soil Conservation, Natural Resource Management, Economic Crop Plants, Landscape Materials, Weed Biology, Irrigation Design, Soil Science Fundamentals, Ecology, Computerized Landscape Drafting, Urban Planning and Development, Design Methods and Theory, Architectural Research Methods, etc.
How to Select a Landscaping Program?
While picking a Landscaping degree to pursue, you need to first confirm its accreditation status. Once that is done, the other things that should influence your decision include program cost, course contents, available specializations, location of the campus, public transport routes (to and from the campus), residential facilities (for schools out of town/city/county/state), career outlook, etc.
Landscaping Program Admission Requirements
The criteria for entry usually depends on the level of a degree program as well as the conditions put forth by a specific school. Generally, however, Bachelor’s programs accept candidates holding a High School Diploma or GED (General Educational Development) Certificate. Most schools also require applicants’ SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or ACT (American College Testing) scores.
Associate degrees have somewhat similar admission requirements. On the other hand, you will need to maintain an acceptable undergraduate GPA (based on the threshold established by a particular school) among other things to gain access to a Master’s program.