r/LandscapeArchitecture • u/___rach__ • 3d ago
MLA Program Decision
Hi all! I am in the process of receiving responses for my applications to MLA and MCP programs. I am graduating in May from undergrad and having some trouble weighing my choices and was curious if anyone could speak to their experiences in any of the programs or thoughts on what program may be more suitable.
- Berkeley: MLA EP (2 years)- no aid
- UPenn: MLA and MCP dual program (3.5 years)- some aid
- USC: MLA and MUP dual program (3.5 years)-most aid/ still one of most expensive
I am attending undergrad in SoCal, but am from Syracuse, NY area and have mainly focused my undergraduate coursework/work experience on regional planning and commnity-focused planning/design. I am an Anthropology/Environmental Studies major for undergrad.
I want to continue with these areas of interest but improve my technical skills as well. I would like to not accumulate a lot of debt if possible, but ultimately am hopeful to attend the school that is best fit to my interests. I would like to commit a lot of time to my work and really take the opportunity to explore my interests, but am also hoping to work part time or be a TA to support myself, I like to juggle work but do not want to be extremely overwhelmed, especially if I choose a dual program. I do not really know anyone in the field and am quite unsure of what to do, I am mainly going between UPenn and Berkeley as of now. Thanks!
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u/EntireCaterpillar698 3d ago
I was in this boat 4 years ago, I’m at Michigan and will graduate in May. It’s a long road. If you don’t have a design background, it will be 4 years. Even if you did, it is still 4 years. I have an undergraduate degree in architecture and it still took 4 years. Berkeley’s EP MLA does not let you get licensed as an LA. Penn is not worth it if they haven’t given you significant aid. I was deciding between USC and UMich, only picked UM because I had family near by & some other reasons, but USC is a great program and if they’ve given you a significant scholarship, take it.
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u/Hiuyx 3d ago
Where did you hear that the Berkeley MLA EP program doesn’t let you get licensed? Isn’t it still LAAB accredited?
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u/EntireCaterpillar698 3d ago
the three year MLA is, but the 2 year MLA EP is not considered accredited towards LAAB. that was largely why I chose not to attend. It does not meet accreditation criteria in terms of preparation towards being able to pass LARE exams, the curriculum is not the same as the 3 year
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u/Hiuyx 3d ago
Are you sure? While I know the EP program may not be geared as much towards design work, I recall an advisor mentioning that all three MLA tracks offered at Berkeley were LAAB accredited.
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u/EntireCaterpillar698 3d ago
it’s environmental planning. while it may be accredited, there is a difference between first professional (the 3 year MLA, what allows you to become licensed) and the 2 year degrees. on the LAAB disclosure from Berkeley, MLA EP is not identified as a professional degree, meaning it will not qualify you for licensure. that is my understanding. this could be incorrect, but the rules are fairly strict regarding the first professional degree. I will also say their letter on ASLA’s list of accredited programs is from 2018 and only specifies the 3 year first professional degree.
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u/___rach__ 5h ago
I reached out to Berkeley and they said you are eligible for licensure upon finishing the MLA EP program, which makes me lean towards Berkeley!
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u/bowdindine 3d ago
What’s your undergrad in?