Some people love working with nature. Experienced landscape designers, also called landscape architects, are handsomely compensated to do what they love. With proper education and licensing, individuals with mid-level experience can earn can earn $38,000 to $ $42,000 annually, according to Fastcashneeded.com. Requirements vary state to state, but there are some general ones. Most jurisdictions require not only a degree, but specific certification as well.
Education Requirement
This field generally requires a bachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture or design. Select a program accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board or the American Society of Landscape Architects. A bachelor's program takes four or five years to finish. Earning your Master's of Landscape Architecture, which takes three years of full-time study to complete, is another way to qualify if you have a four-year degree in an unrelated field. With a bachelor's degree in the field, your MLA generally takes two years.
Types of Courses
Courses for this field include surveying, landscape design and construction, landscape ecology, site design, and urban and regional planning. Courses such as history of landscape architecture, plant and soil science, geology, general management and professional practice are also offered. Students complete actual design projects for real-life experience.
Internship
Summer internships are not usually required, though many employers find they provide needed experience. Completing an internship allows you hone your skills and gain a day-to-day understanding of the business operations such as win clients and meet their needs, work within a budget and generate fees.
State Licensing
Most states require a license to work, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (See References 3) Licensing is based on the LARE, or Landscape Architect Registration Examination.
LARE Specifics
The LARE is administered in two portions, multiple choice and a graphic section, according to Testprepreview.com. (See References 2). A degree from an accredited program plus one to four years' experience under a licensed landscape architect's supervision is required to qualify to test. These standards vary in different states. Most offer alternative paths to qualify to take the LARE. Some jurisdictions require individuals pass a state examination to qualify to test.
State Variations
Since the process varies state to state, it can be hard to transfer registration to another jurisdiction. Provided you meet the educational requirements, you can obtain a certificate which can help gain a reciprocal license, which is one a licensed designer in one state can apply for to qualify to work in another state.
Entry-level Positions
Entry-level positions may be as an apprentice or intern. The duties for these jobs vary depending on the size of the employer's firm. Some assist with the design of a project while others do not. If a work order is used, it must be signed by the licensed architect who takes legal responsibility for the work in states requiring licensing. After becoming licensed, a designer can generally carry the work through all stages.
Additonal Requirements
Some states require continuing education to maintain licensing. Usually, the completion of workshops, university courses or self-study courses as well as other classes are required. The federal government does not require licensing, but to work for them you need either a bachelor's or master's degree. (See References 3)
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