Degrees Offered

Associate of Science (AS) in Horticulture

The Associate of Science (AS) in Horticulture degree program at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University offers a two-year curriculum in either general horticulture or horticulture business, and provides an overview of best practices. With a focus on field-based and hands-on teaching and learning, students take courses in horticultural science, landscape plant material, as well as propagation and management techniques that prepare them for a variety of careers in horticulture. Some required courses are only available at the Ambler Campus, while other major course requirements are only available at Ambler Campus.

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Horticulture

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Horticulture degree program at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University offers a broad, four-year, ecologically-based curriculum that includes courses in science, plant identification, production and maintenance—all of which help prepare students to launch a variety of professional careers related to the sustainable green industry and public horticulture.

The curriculum is built around a strong scientific foundation and includes field-based and hands-on research, teaching and learning that deepens students’ knowledge of the natural and cultivated world. The gardens, labs, classrooms and greenhouse at Temple’s expansive, suburban Ambler Campus serve as a home base for coursework, experimentation and applied research. Horticulture students have the opportunity to collaborate with landscape architecture students on projects, including an annual design-build project that culminates in an exhibit for the Philadelphia Flower Show. Some required courses are only available at the Ambler Campus, while other major course requirements are only available at Ambler Campus.

Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA)

The Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA) at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University is a four-year, ecologically-based, Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB)-accredited degree program that integrates art, culture, ecology and horticulture in the design of open space. It prepares students for the Landscape Architecture Registration Examination (LARE) licensure, as well as entry into the landscape architecture profession.

The BSLA is offered with three curricular options: (1) a standard curriculum with choices for elective courses, (2) a horticulture concentration and (3) an architecture foundations option. Regardless of the pathway they choose, BSLA students explore a broad range of current topics in sustainable land use planning and design as well as land and bio-diversity conservation, in addition to climate change and social justice issues. They are guided by a faculty committed to one-on-one mentorship, and who are engaged in landscape architecture and multi-disciplinary built environment practice and innovative research.

The curriculum is structured around sustainable design studios and horticulture courses, and is supplemented by coursework in general studies, landscape history and theory, engineering and construction technology and professional practice. Students learn and hone skills in research, writing, drawing, model-making and digital processes in their studio courses. A major focus of the third year is a collaborative design-build experience culminating in an exhibit for the Philadelphia Flower Show in the spring semester. Students are encouraged to participate in summer and semester-long internships, which are supported by a cohort of active landscape architecture alumni and professionals in the region. Some required courses are only available at the Ambler Campus, while other major course requirements are only available at Ambler Campus.

Tyler’s BSLA is accredited by LAAB and received a full six-year term of re-accreditation in 2016. 

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Minors and Certificates (Undergraduate)

Minor in Ecological Planning and Design
The Minor in Ecological Planning and Design at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture offers students from across Temple University an opportunity to deepen their understanding of ecological planning and design. The minor focuses on planning and development that is compatible with natural resources and processes, as well as consideration of the social, political and economic factors needed to create lifelong contributions to the sustainability of communities.

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Minor in Sustainable Food Systems
The Minor in Sustainable Food Systems at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture offers students from across Temple University an opportunity to investigate the complexities of food systems through an interdisciplinary approach that includes horticulture, planning and public health. The minor focuses on the relationship of farmland preservation, food production practices and supply alternatives that improve local economies, reduce energy consumption, lower environmental impact and ensure widespread access to affordable and healthy food. 

requirement 

Minor in Environmental Horticulture
The Minor in Environmental Horticulture at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture offers students from across Temple University an opportunity to learn about horticultural concepts related to the science and practice of protecting, restoring and managing existing and natural landscape resources. 

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Minor in Landscape Studies
The Minor in Landscape Studies at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture offers students from across Temple University an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the relationship between the natural and human-made environment. 

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Certificate in Landscape Plants
The Certificate in Landscape Plants at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture provides students from across Temple University with an opportunity to understand the fundamentals of horticulture through hands-on learning. The certificate focuses on plant types, names and usage for a background in gardening and landscape design. 

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Certificate in Perennial Garden Design
The Certificate in Perennial Garden Design at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture provides students from across Temple University with an opportunity to understand the fundamentals of horticulture and planting design. The certificate focuses on plant identification, cultural conditions and the appropriate use of plants and planting design. 

requirement

Certificate in Environmental Sustainability
The Certificate in Environmental Sustainability at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture provides students from across Temple University with an opportunity to gain the fundamental knowledge to evaluate environmental problems and to understand ecologically- and economically-sound solutions. Students will learn to understand and transform environmental needs, policy issues and research into best practices for sustainability. 

requirement

Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
The Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture provides students from across Temple University with an opportunity to investigate the complexities of food systems through an interdisciplinary approach that includes horticulture, planning and public health. The certificate focuses on the relationship of farmland preservation, food production practices and supply alternatives that improve local economies, reduce energy consumption, lower environmental impact and ensure widespread access to affordable and healthy food. 

requirement

Certificate in Horticultural Therapy
The Certificate in Horticultural Therapy at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture provides students from across Temple University with an opportunity to address best practices in the field of horticultural therapy. The certificate’s course content meets the Horticulture requirements of the American Horticultural Therapy Association for registration as a horticultural therapist. 

requirement

The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLArch)

The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLArch) at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University is a Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB)-accredited degree program that emphasizes ecological landscape restoration—one of a few to offer this concentration among LAAB-accredited programs. The MLArch program is committed to excellence in ecologically-based design education, accomplishes the objectives for entry into the profession of landscape architecture and is aligned with the goals of the Society for Ecological Restoration. 

The MLArch curriculum integrates landscape restoration with landscape architecture in order to educate students in the preservation and transformation of natural and built environments into aesthetically beautiful and resilient places. Students apply scientific knowledge of landscape restoration, native plant communities and local ecosystems to transform vacant lots, brownfields and suburban sprawl into creatively-designed parks, campuses, gardens and neighborhoods. 

Mentored closely by a faculty of leaders in ecologically-based design, practice and research, students address a broad range of urgent issues facing landscapes around the world, including habitat restoration, environmental ethics, social justice and climate change. The curriculum structure is modular—addressing particular ecosystems and related field knowledge and design methods—and integrates science, research, design and field experiences. Some required courses are only available at the Ambler Campus, while other major course requirements are only available at Ambler Campus.

Tyler MLArch graduates have broad career options, including work in public and private landscape architecture practice, multidisciplinary built environment firms, nonprofit organizations and environmental agencies. They are leaders who integrate ecosystem science and innovative design principles to create, preserve, and restore degraded landscapes, plan for land and bio-diversity conservation, design resilient communities and advance professional practice to prepare for and respond to the climate crisis. 

Tyler’s MLArch is a professional program that prepares students for internships, the successful completion of the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE) licensing examination and the practice of landscape architecture and ecological restoration.

The program received a full six-year term of re-accreditation in 2019, having garnered initial accreditation in 2013. 

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