Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning
The Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning master’s program at Pennsylvania University is crafted for students seeking to integrate design principles with strategic regional development. In this full-time, one-year program, students explore the connection between ecological systems, cultural heritage, and contemporary planning needs. The curriculum emphasizes landscape design, urban infrastructure, and land-use frameworks, offering a rich blend of studio practice and analytical coursework. Learners are encouraged to develop projects that respond to real-world planning challenges, using both traditional and digital tools to design sustainable and inclusive environments.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration and community-based research, students gain a deeper understanding of how landscape architecture can shape urban and rural spaces. The program empowers future planners and designers to approach spatial challenges holistically, considering environmental, political, and social dynamics. With access to advanced facilities, GIS labs, and expert faculty, graduates leave the program equipped with the knowledge to innovate in regional planning and contribute to a resilient and livable built environment.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning
- Degree Type: S. Master
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 11 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Landscape Architecture
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in Landscape Systems and Planning
- Principles of Landscape Architecture
- Urban Infrastructure and Ecological Systems
- Site Analysis and Environmental Planning
- GIS and Mapping for Regional Development
Semester 2 – Applied Design and Regional Integration
- Regional Planning Studio
- Land Use Policy and Governance
- Sustainable Design Strategies
- Final Design Project and Portfolio Review
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are well-prepared to enter diverse roles across the design and planning sectors. They may work in urban planning departments, landscape architecture firms, regional development agencies, or environmental consultancies. Their skill set is suitable for positions such as landscape planner, urban design strategist, or GIS analyst, especially in public infrastructure projects and ecological restoration. With a growing demand for sustainable spatial strategies, professionals trained in both design and policy aspects are highly sought after in regional governments, environmental NGOs, and international planning initiatives.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers a dynamic fusion of design thinking, planning theory, and real-world application—all condensed into an intensive one-year format. For students eager to quickly develop professional expertise, it delivers a highly structured, project-based experience that aligns with global priorities like sustainability, climate resilience, and equity in design. Faculty with both academic and field experience guide students in understanding complex spatial systems and in shaping meaningful interventions. The university’s connections with local and regional planning bodies further enrich the learning journey, allowing students to engage directly with stakeholders and contribute to impactful design projects that matter.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
