Landscape Architecture is a Bachelor Degree program (100% Online) offered by Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. The program takes 120 units to complete, with a total tuition of $163,920.
Program Overview
The School of Landscape Architecture BFA program focuses on the development of flexible design processes for landscape and urban design, an understanding of ecological systems, sustainable practices and use of materials, site planning, and advanced drafting and rendering techniques. By graduation, each student will have a portfolio that reflects his or her unique creative vision within this rapidly expanding and evolving profession.
Our courses are designed to help you build a strong portfolio that showcases a wide range of skills such as sketching, digital graphics, design, research, analysis, and synthesis. Our curriculum teaches you to address what matters most: the scarcity of green open space, the inequity of food access, and the urgent need for healing environments. Whether you’re with us on campus or online, you’ll develop strategies to confront climate change head-on. From bioswales to wetlands to retention ponds to green corridors, you’ll design systems that serve both ecology and equity.
What sets this Program apart
In the Academy’s school of Landscape Architecture, you’ll train at the intersection of art and science, where living systems meet designed form and innovation builds on legacy.
We teach the skills needed to resolve contemporary design challenges large and small—from urban plazas and parklets to tidal marshes and bike trails.
Led by practicing professionals in our STEM-designated school, you’ll gain fluency in responsive design, site planning, and advanced rendering.
You’ll work on solutions for climate change, improving the quality of urban life, protecting natural environments, and creating
With a focus on ecology, site engineering, planting design, sustainability, and construction documentation, you’ll graduate with a portfolio that demonstrates you are prepared to lead.
Online Learning Program. [img data-src="https://bpiqpjsgebtv-u1573.pressidiumcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/LAN-609-Tsai-Yumeng-2000px-768x768.jpg"]
Admission Requirements and Process
Academy of Art University maintains an inclusive admissions policy for all undergraduate programs. Previous experience with art and design is not required for admission, and students of all skill levels are encouraged to apply. Academy of Art University requires undergraduate applicants to have a high school diploma from an accredited or state-approved high school, or its equivalent. The university does not require or administer an ability-to-benefit examination for admission.
State authorization for online education.
Online education providers are required to seek authorization by many U.S. states and territories to enroll their residents and those physically located in their jurisdictions. Academy of Art University restricts enrollment for applicants in and from areas where online programs are not approved. Current and prospective students are encouraged to consult the university’s State Authorization for Distance Education Status Table to determine whether the Academy is authorized to offer their degree programs in the state where they will be located while taking online courses.
General Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalentAcademy of Art University requires undergraduate applicants to have a high school diploma from an accredited or state-approved high school, or its equivalent.
- Proof of secondary school completionSubmit an official or unofficial high school transcript indicating graduation or GED documentation, a transcript showing a conferred Associate or Bachelor’s degree, a signed Home…
- Application and feeComplete the undergraduate application and pay the $50 non-refundable application fee, which is required to process an application.
- Transcript deadlineTranscripts and/or diplomas must be received by the start of the student’s first semester at Academy of Art University.
- No portfolio requiredPrevious experience with art and design is not required for admission, and students of all skill levels are encouraged to apply.
- Transfer creditTransfer evaluation transcripts must be submitted by the end of the student’s first semester; coursework presented for transfer must be completed with a letter grade of "C" or…
Application Process
- 1Meet with an Admissions SpecialistSchedule a meeting with one of our admissions specialists. They’ll guide you to the school and program that best fits your goals and help you navigate the application process.
- 2Apply for admissionComplete the undergraduate application and pay the $50 non-refundable application fee. Provide your social security number on your admissions application so your financial aid can be processed.
- 3Submit proof of high school completionSend your high school transcript, GED documentation or other accepted proof of secondary school completion; it must be received by the start of your first semester.
- 4File the FAFSAComplete the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov and use Academy of Art University’s Federal School ID Number: 007531.FAFSA Code for San Francisco Campus: 007531
- 5Complete your financial aid planMeet with Student Financial Services to review your financial options, then accept or decline your financial aid awards in the Student Portal.
Program Schedule
Start dates. Spring 2027 semester starts 2/3/2027 (application deadline 1/25/2027); Summer 2027 starts 6/21/2027 (deadline 6/14/2027); Fall 2027 starts 9/8/2027 (deadline 8/30/2027).
Undergraduate students must carry a minimum study load of 12 units per semester to be considered as full-time students. Students are expected to attend summer semesters to meet their scheduled completion date.
Our online programs offer immersive classroom experiences both in real time and on demand.
- February 03rd, 2027
- June 21st, 2027
- September 08th, 2027
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition. Undergraduate tuition for Fall 2026–Summer 2027 is $1,366 per unit for domestic students ($1,682 per unit for international students); tuition is the same for both on-campus and online classes. This 120-unit program’s tuition is $163,920 for domestic students.
Fees.
- Application Fee: $50 (one-time, nonrefundable)
- Registration Fee: $50 per semester (nonrefundable after the cancellation period)
- Enrollment Fee: $95 for first-term domestic students, charged in lieu of the $50 registration fee ($100 for international students)
- Student Activity Fee: $30 per semester, on-site only; waived for students taking all courses online
- Student Tuition Recovery Fund: $0
- Course fees vary by course; fees may be different for on-campus sections and online sections
- Materials/Supplies: $545 average per semester
Estimated total program cost for a full-time, onsite, domestic student (effective fall semester 2026): application fee $50, enrollment fee $95, registration fees $550, student activity fees $360, estimated course fees $3,689–$9,466, for an estimated $168,664–$174,441 due for the entire program.
Payment options. Academy of Art offers many different ways to help you structure your payments, including interest-free installment plans and pre-payment options. The installment plan enables students to pay their tuition in four separate payments during Fall and Spring and two separate payments for Summer.
Financial aid. Aid available to undergraduates includes Cal Grants for eligible California residents, Pell Grants (eligible undergraduate students, first AA/BA/BS/BFA, and eligible education certificate candidates), FSEOG, Federal Work Study, Direct Stafford Loans and Direct Parent PLUS Loans. Complete the FAFSA using Academy of Art University’s Federal School ID Number: 007531.
Military and veterans. The Academy processes the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), the Yellow Ribbon Program, Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapters 30 and 1606), Veteran Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31), DEA (Chapter 35), Military Tuition Assistance and MyCAA.
Net Price Calculator. Estimate your cost with the Academy of Art University Net Price Calculator: https://npc.collegeboard.org/student/app/academyart
Living expenses. The cost of attendance budget includes the costs of tuition and fees, books, supplies, monthly allowances for room and board, transportation to and from school, and personal expenses such as clothes. Estimates of (Monthly) Living Expenses, 2026-2027:
- Food & Housing: $1,393 (student living with parents); $2,729 (student not living with parents); $4,133 (student living on campus, avg.)
- Personal Expenses: $507; $634; $441
- Transportation: $134; $184; $154
Federal student loan debt. From the program’s School Performance Fact Sheet:
- Most recent three year cohort default rate, as reported by the United States Department of Education: 2023: 0%; 2024: 0%.
- The percentage of enrolled students in 2023/2024 receiving federal student loans to pay for this program: 2023: 50%; 2024: 62%.
- The percentage of graduates in 2023/2024 who took out federal student loans to pay for this program: 2023: 50%; 2024: 0%.
- The average amount of federal student loan debt of 2023/2024 graduates who took out federal student loans at this institution: 2023: $14,395; 2024: $14,864.
Curriculum
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree – Core Classes.
This program is available online.
Unit Requirements.
- Core: 18 units
- Sophomore Portfolio: 3 units
- Senior Portfolio: 3 units
- Major: 45 units
- Electives: 9 units
- Liberal Arts: 42 units
- Total: 120 units
BFA Landscape Architecture Degree Requirements.
- Minimum grade of C- in all core courses, major courses, and the following courses:
- LA 115 Natural Systems in the Landscape
- LA 117 Survey of Landscape Architecture
- LA 255 College Math
- LA 271 College Algebra with Geometry
- Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
- 3 History of the Built Environment courses
- 1 Art & Design Communication course
- 1 Written Communication: Critical Thinking course
- 1 Fundamental Math course
- 1 Applied Math course
- 1 Ecological Systems course
- 1 History of Landscape Architecture course
- 1 Historical Awareness course
- 1 Cultural Ideas & Influences course
- 1 Architecture Employment Communications & Practices course
- After above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.
Program Learning Outcomes.
Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
DESIGN PROPOSALS
- Design beautiful and functional outdoor environments of all scales that respond to specific user/client needs and programmatic requirements
- Produce defensible planning and design solutions that reflect knowledge of the cultural, historical, ecological and climatic factors of a given site
RESEARCH AND DESIGN PROCESS
- Conduct a thorough observation and analysis and/or a post-occupancy evaluation of a site in order to determine how people use space
- Work effectively with the natural forms, processes and elements of an indigenous landscape during the entire planning and design process
- Apply the basic principles and elements of design to landscape architecture planning and design proposals
- Explore sufficient concepts and alternative proposals as part of the planning and design process
NATURAL SYSTEMS
- Identify the indigenous components and processes found on any site (soil types, individual plant species, plant communities, wildlife, climatic conditions, and hydrology) and determine the resultant planning and design opportunities and constraints
- Effectively use trees, shrubs, grasses, annuals, perennials and bulbs in their planting designs in order to provide year-round seasonal beauty and function
TECHNICAL SYSTEMS AND MATERIALS
- Design technically accurate and ecologically sensitive grading and drainage plans
- Select materials that will enhance the aesthetic and ecological qualities of a given site as well as provide for the programmatic requirements of the client and/or user group
- Develop construction details that solve structural, functional, aesthetic/environmental issues
- Recognize the design opportunities and limitations of building and construction codes
HISTORICAL PRECEDENT
- Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of historical precedents, including cultural and geographic forces that have shaped major historical gardens, public parks and urban open spaces in their design projects
GRAPHIC/VISUAL COMMUNICATION
- Visually communicate their ideas and proposals (perspectives, axonometrics, plans sections and elevations)
- Successfully use a range of visual media to communicate their ideas and proposals (freehand and computer drawing, drafting, three dimensional models, rendered presentation illustratives)
VERBAL PRESENTATION SKILLS
- Successfully communicate design proposals and key objectives of their projects
- Articulate rationale for design decisions throughout the design process
PROFESSIONAL READINESS
- Produce a professional portfolio demonstrating their skills and design process
- Collaborate effectively with other members of a project team
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
At our
STEM-designated
School of Landscape Architecture, you’ll design living systems that fight climate change, heal communities, and reimagine urban life. From plazas to wetlands, your portfolio will showcase the skills and vision to lead where art, science, and environment collide.
Critical thinking and process-driven design methods will help you successfully transition to the profession. Our courses are designed to help you build a strong portfolio that showcases a wide range of skills such as sketching, digital graphics, design, research, analysis, and synthesis. You will gain knowledge in ecology, site engineering, planting design, sustainability, construction documents, professional practices, and more. Possible careers include:
- Landscape Architect
- Garden Designer
- Landscape Designer
- Environmental Planner
- Landscape Renderer
- Master Planner
- Planting Designer
- Urban Designer
- Urban Strategist
Program performance. From the program’s School Performance Fact Sheet filed with the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (calendar years 2023 & 2024, revised November 25, 2025):
- On-Time Completion Rate: 2023: 13% (2 of 15 students available for graduation); 2024: 0% (0 of 27 students available for graduation).
- Placement Rate % Employed in the Field: 2023: 0% (0 of 2 graduates available for employment); 2024: 0% (0 of 0 graduates available for employment).
- License Examination Passage Rates: Not Applicable.
Graduation and retention rates (university-wide).
- 2026 Graduation Rates: Of the 437 students who entered the University during the fall 2019 semester as first-time, full-time freshmen in either the Bachelor, Associate, or Certificate programs, 146 or 33% completed the entire program within 150% of the normal time.
- Retention Rates – 2024 Cohort: All full-time first-time undergraduate students (134) in Fall 2024 re-enrolled in Fall 2025: 56%.
Professional licensure.
Our degree programs in Landscape Architecture (AA, BFA, MA, and MFA) are not accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) and do not meet the educational prerequisites for professional licensure in many US states and territories. Those seeking professional licensure will need to obtain pre-approval before starting the exam process.
What to expect as a Academy of Art University student
You’ll learn to design spaces with empathy and intention that improve mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing and improve the quality of urban life. You’ll gain the skills needed to resolve contemporary design challenges large and small—from urban plazas and parklets to tidal marshes and bike trails. You will work on projects designed to meet extraordinary challenges like the lack of green open spaces and access to fresh foods in urban areas.
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Academy of Art University is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), currently on warning; its accredited status continues during the Warning period.
Approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the San Francisco Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Percentages are of total fall enrollment. 910 students whose race or ethnicity was not reported are included in that total but shown as no category, so the figures above come to 83.4% rather than 100%.
Testimonials
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