For the first time in the school's history, the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, the flagship school of the University of Hawai'i System, will offer a master's degree in landscape architecture (MLA) beginning in the fall semester of 2018.

Students enrolled in the MLA program will acquire knowledge on facets of contemporary landscape architecture with a focus on sustainable design practices in subtropical, Hawaiian and Asia Pacific environments.

The curriculum was accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board and is the first such program in the state's history. It is open to enrollment by any applicant with a bachelor's degree in any field of study.

"Hawaiʻi, with its rich natural and cultural history and manifold environmental and social challenges, provides a unique place of learning and opportunity for cutting-edge landscape architectural research, teaching and practice," said Judith Stilgenbauer, MLA program director.

The announcement of the new program elicited quite the response on the school's website, as posted comments, from different people, display their jubilation regarding the incorporation of this degree to the school's curriculum.

Anyone wanting more information on the MLA degree at the college are urged to contact Judith Stilgenbauer at jstilg@hawaii.edu or visit www.hawaii.edu.