Students who wish to be considered for a change of major to Landscape Architecture must submit a portfolio for review by the faculty of the Department of Landscape Architecture. The following is a complete description of requirements for the portfolio submission.
Students receiving a favorable consideration from the faculty review committee must have the minimum university academic requirements to officially process the change of major or transfer. In all cases students selected via this process must understand that the program requires four years of landscape architectural design in order to complete the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture professional degree program. Students entering at the second-year level will need to take, as overloads, certain classes normally taken in first-year. Classes taken to fulfill other programs at Penn State or elsewhere will be individually evaluated for their ability to substitute for classes in the Penn State BLA curriculum. It is not possible to accelerate by taking make-up work during the Summer Session or by scheduling two design courses in a single semester.
PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
For Consideration for Entrance to the Department of Landscape Architecture
To be considered for admission to the program in Landscape Architecture, a candidate is required to submit a portfolio, which exhibits the candidate's experience, talents, skills, creativity and interest in landscape architecture.
Portfolio Content: What is included in a Portfolio?
The portfolio may include anything which demonstrates the candidate’s creative potential as a landscape architecture student. It can include examples of design, drawing and construction, as well as fine arts and crafts. We require the submission to be as flat work or in digital format but it may include drawings, sketches, paintings, or photography; and photographs of models, ceramics, sculpture, woodworkings, crafts, etc. It may also include non-visual media such as creative writing and music. Submit only materials that most effectively express your potential for creative expression. Examples of architectural and technical drafting, either hand-drawn or digital, may be included but are not encouraged and do not constitute adequate material for evaluation.
Portfolio Format: How should the Portfolio be structured?
• The Portfolio: The work must be presented in a portfolio, looseleaf binder or bound format no larger than 9 x 12 inches (8 1/2 x 11 sheet size). These are available at any art, office or photographic supply store as well as on-line. It may also be submitted digitally (see details below).
• Title Sheet: Please include a title/cover sheet at the front of the portfolio, which contains your name, address and your PSU ID number. You might also include a brief summary of your background, experience, and interests
• Essays: 500-word essays are required on each of the following topics:
- The academic program in landscape architecture provides a foundation of knowledge that will enable you to address environmental and social problems both large and small. What is it about landscape architecture that interests you? What have you done already in this area?
- The Department offers a rich, active learning environment. The teaching program includes studio work, seminars and research, work with communities and others, and independent study. How would you use these opportunities to get the most out of your University experience? Describe any opportunities for independent study that you have had in the past.
• Examples of creative expression: The committee will consider a maximum of ten to twelve examples of creative work; additional materials will not be reviewed. We discourage the inclusion of originals in case of damage or loss. Photographic reproductions (prints or photocopies) are recommended, and required if the originals are larger than the 8 ½ x 11 size limitation.
• Labels: Each item in the portfolio should be clearly and concisely labeled and identified. This labeling should include an identification of the project, the medium used, the approximate size of the original, the approximate date when accomplished and a short explanation of the creative work. If the work was done as a part of a class, please identify the class and the intent of the assignment. If any project was a group or cooperative effort, please clearly identify your specific role and the scope of your contribution to the work.
• Digital submissions: Must include all the elements of the portfolio as described above. Compact discs must be readable by current Macintosh or Windows computers and must be appropriately labeled and packaged. Applicants may choose to submit digital work via the Internet but to do so must provide a single URL address for the portfolio and clearly identify the ten to twelve artworks for review. Electronic submissions are accepted in the following formats: PDF, JPEG, GIF, WAV, MOV, SWF, PICT, and DOC. To facilitate the viewing of digital files, please ensure that your files are modestly sized
What is not accepted?
• Any portfolio larger than 9 x 12 inches will not be accepted.
• Unidentified CD-ROMs will not be accepted.
• Drawings or blue prints contained in drawing tubes will not be accepted. Photograph or scan all work.
• Actual 3-dimensional work, such as models, sculpture or constructions, will not be accepted. They should be photographed.
Portfolio Evaluation: What makes a strong portfolio?
• Variety: An effective portfolio demonstrates a variety of interests, abilities and skills. A portfolio that is well rounded, with a diversity of media and project types is stronger than one which is dominated by just one type of work. Try to achieve a balance.
• Quantity: We will review ten to twelve works. Fewer examples of work will not provide an accurate view of your experience and skills. However, do not "pad" the portfolio with more than twelve items, we will not review additional works. Select only your best examples of creative expression.
• An Interest in Landscape Architecture: Your work should demonstrate an interest in the natural and built environment. An entire portfolio of skillful portraits does not necessarily reflect your interests and desire to study landscape architecture.
• Organization and Order: Make sure the portfolio possesses a clear organization in which projects are thoughtfully grouped and arranged thematically. Give special attention to the sequence of the work.
• Clarity, Neatness and Effective Presentation: Your potential as a landscape architecture student will be shown through the care with which the portfolio is assembled and presented. Attention should be paid to the design and composition of the portfolio itself.
• Good Photographs and Reproductions: Quality work is often handicapped by poor reproductions, which make the projects difficult to see, appreciate and evaluate. Insure that your work is clearly and accurately represented. Try not to compromise your efforts with poor lighting, fuzzy focus or extraneous images in the background.
Procedure and Schedule: What is the deadline and when will I know the results?
• Portfolios will be received in the Department of Landscape Architecture between January 1 and February 15 each year.
• No portfolios will be accepted after the February 15 deadline.
• The portfolios will be evaluated by a committee of faculty members from the Department of Landscape Architecture. Recommendations from the Committee will be forwarded to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the College of Arts and Architecture.
• The quality of the portfolio and essays will be the main determinant in the decision; however, space available in the program will determine the actual number of students who will be offered admission.
• Students who have submitted portfolios will be notified of the decision in writing by April 1.
• Students who are accepted will enter the program in the following Fall.
Mailing Information: Where do I send the Portfolio and how do I get it back?
• Portfolios should be sent to:
Talent and Transfer Review Committee
Department of Landscape Architecture
121 Stuckeman Family Building
University Park, PA 16802
• When mailing the portfolio, please include a prepaid UPS (United Parcel Service) envelope/package in order for us to return the portfolio to you or, you may provide a phone contact and we will notify you when you may pick up your portfolio.
If you do not include the prepaid UPS envelope/package, we are not responsible for keeping your portfolio and it will be discarded.
Any Questions?
If you have any questions regarding the portfolio submission, please feel free to contact the Department of Landscape Architecture at 814-865-9511. We look forward to seeing your work. Good Luck!
2/08
Back to change of major information
| 
