Prospective Students

Information for First-time Freshmen

It is recommended that students take Advanced Placement (AP) tests while in high school. A counselor or advisor should be able to tell you whether there is a testing opportunity at your school or in your geographic area. Students who obtain AP credit for certain support and general education courses needed to fulfill Landscape Architecture degree requirements may be able to take a reduced unit load for one or more semesters and still complete the program in the prescribed time - which can be a great benefit, since landscape architecture is a very demanding program. Learn more about AP test credit from the Office of the Registrar.

Information for Transfer Students

Review the Transfer Selection Criteria for Landscape Architecture to determine courses required for admission to the program. Use ASSIST to research which California Community Colleges offer the courses that match the selection criteria. ASSIST recognizes official course articulations between Cal Poly and the California Community College System. LA major courses may take two or more community college courses to cover course content.

It is also possible for transfer students to receive credit for select landscape architecture major courses through a portfolio review. Begin by reviewing LA course descriptions and compare them with coursework you have successfully completed at a Community College. Once you are fully admitted, contact landscapearchitecture@calpoly.edu to request a portfolio review with the Department Head or a faculty advisor. Be prepared to show copies of course syllabi, adequate examples of your work (original documents, not photos), and your transcript.