Landscape Architecture at Cal Poly
Department Information
Office hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm
Office location: Dexter building, room 251
Email: landscapearchitecture@calpoly.edu
Phone: 805-756-1319
The Landscape Architecture Department at Cal Poly is one of five programs within the College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED) and offers the following Academic Programs:
- Landscape Architecture (BLA)
- Landscape Architecture Minor
- Contact the LA Minor Coordinator, Aaron Liggett, for advising
- Sustainable Environments Minor
- Contact the Sustainable Environments Minor Coordinator, Joseph Ragsdale, for advising
The landscape architecture program at Cal Poly was established in fall of 1972, celebrating its first graduating students in 1974. As of 2026, the program has graduated roughly 1100 students, with more than 90% finding full-time employment or pursuing graduate study after completing their BLA degree.
Celebrating 50 Years
Cal Poly's Landscape Architecture program celebrated its 50th year in 2022. If you would like a copy of the commemorative book edited by Professor Christine Edstrom O'Hara, please email landscapearchitecture@calpoly.edu and include your mailing address. Copies are free (while supplies last) with a suggested donation of $10.00 to the Landscape Architecture Fund for Excellence.
The landscape architecture program is one of only two five-year degree programs at Cal Poly (along with Architecture), and is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB). It has repeatedly been ranked as one of the top undergraduate programs in the nation, and students benefit from:
- Faculty with diverse expertise from all facets of the profession
- Curriculum integrating design theory, ecology, sustainability, digital representation, and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Engaging with real sites and clients while addressing contemporary issues facing natural and urban environments
- Emphasis on understanding systems in the process of site, community, urban and regional design & planning
- Preparation as leaders and integrators of information from allied disciplines in the arts, technology, and social sciences.
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