Landscape Architecture at Iowa State University

The department of landscape architecture has a distinguished history at Iowa State University. The first course in landscape architecture, then known as landscape gardening, was offered in 1871 and taught by the first president of Iowa State, Adonijah S. Welch. The first degree in landscape architecture was awarded in 1914, making this one of the oldest programs in North America.

In 1978, the department of landscape architecture became part of the new College of Design and, together with the departments of architecture, art and design, and community and regional planning, forms a unique and innovative interdisciplinary environment. The curriculum is accredited by the American Society of Landscape Architects and provides the education which, combined with experience, is necessary for professional registration.  

The Faculty

The department's 15 faculty members come from diverse community and international backgrounds. They include authorities on plant material, residential and commercial design, geographic information systems (GIS), outdoor learning environments, community planning and development, ecosystem restoration, historic preservation, and design history and theory. Faculty members hold advanced degrees from prestigious universities and have won numerous honors and awards for their academic and professional accomplishments.