Effective immediately, the Master of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Michigan will become a STEM-designated degree program. This is a change in the delegation from an arts-based degree, to a scientific one, as STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

The university made this change to the program's designation "Because of its highly interdisciplinary focus and its focus on ecological design linked firmly to science."

This change will allow international graduates to apply for the Department of Homeland Security's optional practical training extension program. This program allows international STEM students to extend their residency in America for 24 months after receiving their STEM degree in order to practice their profession.

What do you think about the change? Should landscape architecture be more aligned with STEM programs, meaning more heavily focused on technology and math, or with the arts, focusing on aesthetics and theory? Let us know in the comment section down below and you may be quoted in an upcoming issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News!