Landscape Architect One Of 50 Best Careers

The easiest route for students is a bachelor of landscape architecture or a bachelor of science in landscape architecture. If you choose to pursue an advanced degree, the master of landscape architecture would take about two years. With an undergrad degree in an unrelated field, the master's program takes about three years. Note that nearly every state requires landscape architects to be licensed. You'll generally need a degree and a few years interning under a licensed landscape architect, and you'll have to pass a registration exam.

Employment of landscape architects is expected to jump 20 percent between 2008 and 2018?EUR??,,????'?????<

Add a growing population and increasing concerns about land use, resources, and sustainability, and you have a recipe that requires landscape architects.

Upward mobility:
With experience, landscape architects will have a broad range of opportunities. Next steps might involve striking out on your own or becoming a project manager. You might consider a related occupation, such as environmental planner or landscape consultant. Over time, you might gain partnership in a landscape architecture firm.

Activity level:
Variable. You'll spend plenty of time in your office, working on site designs and working out details, often in meetings. Particularly if you're just starting out, most of your time may be spent at a computer. Ultimately, it's not a desk job. There will also be time spent at the construction site, often at various points during the project.

Stress level:
Reasonable. The hours are pretty regular. If you work for yourself, you may find the days are longer and more difficult as you build a clientele.

Education and preparation:
The easiest route for students is a bachelor of landscape architecture or a bachelor of science in landscape architecture. If you choose to pursue an advanced degree, the master of landscape architecture would take about two years. With an undergrad degree in an unrelated field, the master's program takes about three years. Note that nearly every state requires landscape architects to be licensed. You'll generally need a degree and a few years interning under a licensed landscape architect, and you'll have to pass a registration exam. [Use U.S. News's rankings to find the Best College for you.]

Money:
Median pay for landscape architects is $58,960. The highest-paid 10 percent earn north of $97,370, while the lowest-paid 10 percent can pull in less than $36,500. Those figures do not account for the 21 percent of landscape architects who are self-employed.

Source: U.S. News and World Report