Graduates of the at are the 7th most hired from in the US. Almost all landscape architect would-bes have found employment after completing their Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) degree or Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degrees, both of which are nationally accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Last year, 96% of graduates were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation. The year before, the department had a full 100% employment rate. From historic preservation to residential and commercial design and development, these graduates would go on to roles in a wide range of fields – and becoming the field’s next generation of leaders.
2018 graduate Ngoc Ho is one of them. Originally from Hanoi, Vietnam, she is now an Associate Landscape Designer at the internationally known landscape architecture firm , contributing to projects that leave a lasting influence on communities worldwide. “My (MLA) from Iowa State has equipped me with the skills to tackle complex challenges, collaborate across disciplines, and adapt to diverse design needs, preparing me to help EDSA thrive in new markets and make a meaningful impact!” she says.
From Iowa State to some of the world’s biggest projects
Ho first learned about EDSA at the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) conference in Chicago. “I was inspired by their focus on creating meaningful, impactful spaces,” she says. With six decades of practice and expertise across multiple industries and geographies, the firm’s portfolio is a compilation of some of the best use of the world’s landscapes. The firm was behind , , , and so much more.
The department prepares you to join the teams in charge of projects of such calibre. To Ho, it was her MLA’s emphasis on teamwork, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the balance between aesthetic, functional, and technical aspects of landscape design, that trained her to solve the challenges of and thrive in a world-renowned firm like EDSA.
“One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on at EDSA was a large-scale planning project for a new urban development in the Middle East,” Ho says. “It allowed us to be creative and innovative while also requiring precision and clear communication across teams.”

Thanks to the Department of Landscape Architecture-EDSA relationship, graduates can access employment opportunities to work at the firm. Source: Iowa State vlog
At EDSA, Ho works closely with Doug Smith, the firm’s president who is also an Iowa State vlog graduate.
“Working with Doug has been an incredibly valuable experience,” Ho says. “His mentorship, attention to detail, and thoughtful guidance have had a lasting impact on me. He not only taught us how to make informed design decisions and communicate effectively but also fostered a strong work ethic and a supportive, fun atmosphere in every project. Through hands-on experience across various scales, Doug influenced how we approach our work, helping us grow as professionals and produce designs we’re proud of.”
Thanks to the Department of Landscape Architecture-EDSA relationship, graduates can follow in Ho’s footsteps and seize opportunities to work in one of the most impactful firms today. Unlike those from other universities, Iowa State students “EDSA has developed a strong recruiting connection with the landscape architecture programme and as a result, we’ve had several ISU summer interns and full-time hires,” Smith says. “We find that Iowa State students have a solid foundation in the fundamentals of the design process and problem-solving.”

The Department of Landscape Architecture offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Source: Iowa State vlog
Iowa State’s career-readying programmes
The MLA degree, an accredited STEM-designated three-year professional programme, provides the knowledge and skills required for licensure as a landscape architect. With areas of concentration such as , its unique curriculum and flexible approach will allow you to explore your interests and find your own path in landscape architecture.
The (BLA) degree, on the other hand, is a five-year programme that brings classes outside through travelling and off-campus studios, as well as learning design through community engagement. The travelling is where you spend most of your fall bachelor’s degree as you explore the savanna landscape region extending from Canada to Texas for six weeks in a group with faculty members. This outdoor curriculum lets you learn first-hand about the many different elements of landscape architecture while engaging in active learning, collaboration, and problem-solving.
In recent years, the profession has been moving to the forefront of conversation around challenges related to climate change, carbon neutrality, nature-based solutions, green infrastructure, resilient landscapes, and more. These changes set BLA and MLA graduates to be in greater demand and play a bigger role in shaping the future.
Looking back at the department’s impact on their careers, graduates like Ho and Smith are confident future students will be equipped to meet these challenges with confidence and competence. “As a leading landscape architecture programme, Iowa State will also evolve its curriculum, as it has in the past, to prepare its graduates to address these critical issues,” says Smith.
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