MLA Program Admissions

The MLA application process is comprised of two basic steps: (1) a general UHM Graduate Division application and (2) submission of MLA-specific supplemental application materials.

General admissions procedures for the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program follow Graduate Division policy (https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/prospective-students). Applicants for admission to the MLA must hold, or expect to hold prior to matriculation, a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or an equivalent degree from a recognized non-U.S. institution of higher education.

To be eligible, a first-professional MLA I track applicant must hold a four-year bachelor’s degree with a major in any field of study. A first-professional MLA I AP track applicant must hold a professional degree in architecture (BArch, MArch, DArch) or a four-year pre-professional bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, architecture, or environmental design. Additionally, a strong design portfolio is required for an MLA I AP applicant to be granted advanced standing of up to two semesters. A post-professional MLA II track applicant must hold an accredited professional degree in landscape architecture (BLA, BSLA).

All applicants to the MLA program need to demonstrate a GPA of 3.0 or above for undergraduate course work and for any post-baccalaureate or graduate course work. Minimum TOEFL score for international MLA applicants: 61 (internet) or 500 (paper); or minimum IELTS score for international MLA applicants: 6.00 for the overall band test results.

Eligible applicants might qualify for reduced tuition rates through WICHE/WRGP (https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/wiche-program).

Application step 1: Prospective MLA students seeking admission to the program are required to submit a general UHM Graduate Division application by the stated deadline (https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/submitting-your-application).

Application step 2: In addition, MLA applicants need to submit the following supplemental materials required by the program: statement of interest, resume, portfolio, and three letters of recommendation. The MLA “Supplemental Information for Admission” form details the required information, formats, and submission procedures (MLA Supplemental Material Form).

MLA application deadline: Admissions to the MLA program (all degree tracks) will be fall semester only, with a January 1 preferred application deadline.

For additional MLA program admissions or application info, please contact:

Judith Stilgenbauer, ASLA
Professor & Director of the Master of Landscape Architecture Program
jstilg@hawaii.edu