The Tennessee Higher Education Commission approved for a Master in Landscape Architecture (MLA) program at the University of Tennessee allowing students that want to further their degree in landscape architecture to not have to leave the state. 

The program will be offered by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources as well as the College of Architecture and Design.   

We have realized the need to educate landscape architects in Tennessee for years and, finally, we have made it happen.  Tracy Moir-McClean, UT architecture professor and Interim coordinator of the MLA program

The program will offer three degrees:  the Master of Science in Landscape Architecture, the Master of Landscape Architecture professional degree, and the Master of Arts in Landscape Architecture.   

The Master of Science in Landscape and the Master of Arts in Landscape Architecture are for those who are not pursuing a license or to be a registered professional, but want to conduct research in landscape architecture.  The Master of Landscape Architecture professional degree allows the person to gain their license

"We have realized the need to educate landscape architects in Tennessee for years and, finally, we have made it happen," says UT architecture professor, Tracy Moir-McClean, Interim coordinator of the MLA program.

Moir-McClean says that the program is applying for candidacy with the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB).  This allows the program to progress towards earning its accreditation.  Students graduating before the university has been accredited will have the recognition that they graduated from an accredited school.

Classes will begin in the Fall 2008, and the deadline for students to apply is February 1, 2008.