Landscape Architecture Minor

Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus

This minor is designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of the role landscape architecture plays in the planning, conceptualization, and design of the natural and built environment. The program is structured to expose students to issues facing our society on global and local levels while reinforcing concepts of sustainability. From the perspective of landscape architecture, students will have the opportunity to either explore a variety of environmental issues or examine a specific topic area in greater depth. They will gain a clearer understanding of the interdisciplinary contributions, and leadership role that landscape architects take in addressing societal and environmental concerns.

Program Learning Objectives

1. Identify the role of landscape architects and their contributions to addressing environmental and social challenges on various scales.
2. Relate community needs to the planning and design process of landscape architects.
3. Recognize cultural contexts of diverse communities, integrating local histories and values to landscape architecture design.
4. Summarize the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse disciplines, developing comprehensive design solutions.
5. Examine sustainable practices that are responsible for the management of natural resources in the design process.
6. Identify the technical, graphic, and communication skills necessary to implement designs effectively.

Minor Requirements and Curriculum

• At least half of the units must be from upper-division courses (3000-4000 level).
• At least half of the units must be taken at Cal Poly (in residence).
• No more than one-third of the units will be taken with credit-no credit grading (CR/NC), not counting courses with mandatory CR/NC. Departments may further limit CR/NC grading if desired.
• A minimum 2.0 GPA is required in all units counted for completion of the minor.