Difference between B.L.Arch and B.S.L.Arch

[Benjamin M Canales]

I still don’t quite know what the difference is BUT a BSLA can be an accredited degree allowing you to become licensed on the same track as a BLA. See link Below: 

https://www.asla.org/FAQAnswer.aspx?CategoryTitle=%20About%20Becoming%20a%20Landscape%20Architect&Category=3154

[J. Robert (Bob) Wainner]

Back when I was trying to determine WHICH University LA Program I felt was best for me…I was choosing between LSU and Texas A&M.  Well, LSU was “out of state”….more expensive and a 5 year LA program.  Texas A&M was (in state) and a 4 yr. LA Program (B.S.L.A.).

Even IF LSU had been the SAME $$$ as A&M……I still would have gone with Texas A&M.  I just didn’t feel that spending (5) yrs. studying Landscape Architecture was a plus…..still don’t. Though, it seems most LA programs these days have gone to a (5) yr. program.

University LA programs provide “the basics”……you really LEARN when you get out into the REAL world……and go to work for an LA firm.  

I still question WHY some LAs go after an MLA (after they earn their undergraduate LA degree)…..unless they have their heart set on becoming a University Professor.  Personally, I wouldn’t want to have to put up with a Universities red tape, regs, requirements that you get published, etc.  I may be wrong, but, I really don’t believe LA firms offer a higher annual salary to new hires who have both an LA undergraduate degree & an MLA.  I’m thinking, if you felt you needed a Master’s Degree after you earned an undergraduate LA degree…it might be better to go for an MBA.

Though, late in my LA career…..I think it would be interesting to be a “guest lecturer” at a University that had an LA program.

[Bridger DeMars]

To add to your thought… I am not sure whether getting an MLA helped me with my job search out of college, but I’m glad I did it. At U of Idaho an MLA was an extra 1.5 years and I learned more in that year and a half than I did as an undergraduate. It gave me a chance to work for a year side by side building architects and I learned a lot of technical and graphic skills I did not have just working in LA studio classes. Plus, a semester of just thesis work allowed me to focus on a climate outside of the northwest, a focus I wanted to pursue and three months of tightening design, graphics and written language. Sure, it was expensive and I’ll be paying for it for awhile but I came out much better for it professionally I think.

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