Frequently Asked Questions

You will find a diverse group of progressive people (students, faculty, and staff) who care deeply about social, economic, and environmental justice.

The faculty are experts in their fields, with graduate degrees from many institutions including: Colorado State University, Florida State University, Harvard University, Israel Institute of Technology, Kansas State University, Kansas University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Michigan State University, Oxford Brookes University, Penn State, Seoul National University, SUNY, Texas A&M University, University of California, Berkeley, University of Colorado at Denver, University of Michigan, University of Tennessee, and University of Washington.

The LARCP department is a supportive and close-knit community of faculty and students working on issues impacting the places where people live, work and play.

The department is located in our newly renovated and expanded Regnier/Seaton Complex, with studio space for all students, and close to Weigel Library, Student and Academic Services, many informal gathering spaces, and the new 20,000 square foot fabrication lab.

Kansas State University, with its enrollment of approximately 18,500 students, serves the region through innovation and commitment to its land grant mission of teaching, research, and community outreach.

In 2020 it has been recognized by Princeton Review as No. 2 for great town-gown relations; No. 2 for best quality of life; No. 7 for best athletic facilities; No. 2 for best health services; and No. 3 for happiest students. [link to: https://www.princetonreview.com/college/kansas-state-university-1023722?ceid=best-colleges]

For the second year in a row, Campus Pride lists Kansas State University among its 30 Best of the Best LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities with the highest ranking, five stars. The university is the only school in Kansas and the only Big 12 Conference school to be included in the 2018 and 2017 listings.

We offer three graduate degree programs, all STEM certified:

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
STEM CIP 03.0103 Environmental Studies

The MLA degree is a three-year on-campus first professional degree program that prepares students for employment as a landscape architect.

The highly-ranked Master of Landscape Architecture program is composed of a broad range of activities in the studio, classrooms and field study weaving together design, ecology and technology. Our students progress from foundational coursework to a final, independent project or thesis demonstrating their leadership and professional knowledge and skills.

The Master of Landscape Architecture degree is accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB).

The LAAB is the accrediting organization for landscape architectural programs. As such, the LAAB develops standards to objectively evaluate landscape architectural programs and judges whether a school’s landscape architectural program is in compliance with the accreditation standards.

The LAAB is comprised of landscape architecture practitioners and academicians, representatives from landscape architecture collateral organizations and public representatives. The collateral organizations are the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) and Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA).

Master of Regional and Community Planning (MRCP)
STEM CIP 30.3301 Sustainable Studies

The MRCP degree is a two-year on-campus degree program that prepares students for employment as a city planner.

Study in the program considers the influence of social, economic, cultural and political issues on the physical environment and policies of cities and regions. Regional & Community Planning students and faculty work to understand and improve the quality of life for people in neighborhoods, cities and regions across the world.

The Master of Regional & Community Planning degree is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB).

The Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) accredits university programs in North America leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees in planning. PAB standards are developed with input from the public and our sponsoring organizations: the American Planning Association (APA); APA’s American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP); and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP).

Master of Science in Community Development (MSCD)
STEM CIP 04.9999

The MSCD degree is a thirty-six credit hour online degree program that prepares students for employment in community development practice.

Community Development graduates actively promote positive social, economic, cultural and environmental change and engage citizens. A diverse faculty from several institutions teaches critical thinking, ethical consideration, careful planning and involvement of all stakeholders.

Yes.

The public information related to the Master of Landscape Architecture as required by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB) is at: https://apdesign.k-state.edu/larcp/la/LAAB%20Public%20Info%20doc%206.23.23.pdf

The public information related to the Master of Regional and Community Planning as required by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) is at: https://apdesign.k-state.edu/larcp/public_info/pab/PAB%20Public%20Info%20doc%20updated%2004.03.23.pdf

K-State University provides one of the most affordable high-quality educational experiences you will find. The cost is comparatively low, and there are many options to make the degree even more affordable, including Graduate Teaching Assistantships, scholarships, internships, and part-time work during the semester and during winter break and the summer.

Our department offers high value for a high-quality education. For example, the MLA program’s peers include Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell. Comparing tuition costs, K-State is 45% lower (almost half of the cost) than the average annual tuition at those three institutions.

The estimated cost of attendance for domestic students can be found at: https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/cost/manhattan-campus-costs/graduate.html

The estimated cost of attendance for international students can be found at: https://www.k-state.edu/grad/admissions/application-process/international/estimates.html

To qualify for in-state tuition you need to be a Kansas resident.

See the K-State University's Basic Requirements and Residency FAQ: https://www.k-state.edu/undergradadmit/inandoutstatetution.html

See the Kansas Board of Regents’ Residency FAQ: https://www.kansasregents.org/students/residency_faq

Currently both the MLA and MRCP programs are on-campus only.

However, two classes in these programs, PLAN115 Introduction to City Planning is available online, offering opportunities to explore the discipline and initiate study at Kansas State.

Only the MS Community Development program is offered online.

K-State offers two paths to the same master’s degree.

The non-baccalaureate (NB) program is a 5-year course of study for high school graduates leading to a MLA or MRCP degree. There is no bachelor’s degree.

The post-baccalaureate (PB) program is a 2- or 3-year course of study for traditional graduate students with a bachelor’s degree.

Landscape Architecture. Applicants with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from an accredited U.S. university can complete the MLA degree in two years. All others, even those with a design background (e.g. Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Environmental Design, etc.) should expect a three-year period, though you are welcome to request waivers for classes that you think you have already completed.

Regional and Community Planning. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree from K-State with a minor in planning can complete the 2-year degree in 1.5 years and begin in January (spring semester). All others should expect a 2-year period, though you are welcome to request waivers for classes that you think you have already completed.

Landscape Architecture. During the three-year program, you would take 87-credit hours of classes. See the MLA Curriculum Guide for more information. Master’s Report option and Master’s Thesis option.

Regional and Community Planning. During the two-year program, you would take 46-credit hours of classes. See the MRCP Master’s Report Curriculum Guide for more information.

Community Development. See https://online.k-state.edu/programs/community-development-masters/ for more information about the program and curriculum.

All admitted students to the MLA and MRCP programs are required to purchase a computer that meets department specifications. Integration of computer technology is central to our college and is supported by college and university software and network resources. Please see, Purchasing a PC, to view an example of this requirement. Please note that if you are admitted, your requirements will reflect the specifications required when you begin your studies.

You may request waivers after you have been offered admission in the program and officially accepted. Waivers are usually applied for late summer or early fall.

Read the course descriptions very carefully to see if it duplicates a class you have taken. You may request the syllabus if that would help.

For each class you are requesting a waiver, assemble a package that includes:

• a cover letter

• the complete syllabus, schedule, and assignments of the class you have taken and are proposing as a substitute

• examples of the work you completed for your class

• a copy of your transcript with the grade you received for this class

Send the package to the academic advisor, Catherine Caffera <caffera@ksu.edu> and she will forward it to the professor who is teaching the class. It is the instructor who will make the decision whether the required class can be waived. Some instructors may request an additional test-out exam.

Yes! We’d be happy to have you visit. We will arrange conversations with MLA or RCP faculty and students; you can sit in on classes; and we’d love to show you our new building.

Visiting during the semester is best, but if that is not possible, we can make other arrangements.

We hope you can come. Please contact the Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Anne Beamish, abeamish@ksu.edu, to schedule a visit.

You will need:

• A 3.0 grade point average or higher on a 4.0 scale or GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of coursework.

• K-State Graduate School application

• Application fee: Domestic $65, International $75 (Unfortunately we do not offer admission waivers for international students, and only under very limited circumstances to domestic students.)

• Statement of intent: Statement of intent should be addressed to LARCP Faculty. Provide a two- or three-page statement describing why you want to study landscape architecture or regional & community planning and why you are interested in Kansas State. Be specific about how our program can help you achieve your professional goals and any particular focus areas you hope to pursue. This statement is also an opportunity to tell us about yourself and your aptitude for graduate study in landscape architecture or planning.

• Letters of recommendation: Submit three letters of recommendation from previous professors or employers, relative to your ability to handle graduate level work. References should provide an assessment of the applicant including their special aptitude or personal characteristics that make them well suited for the practice of landscape architecture or planning as well as graduate study. Specific examples of work or situations that illustrate the assessment are appreciated.

• Transcripts: Please upload transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended.

• GRE score report: GRE scores are not required.

• Portfolio: A portfolio is required of applicants with a design background and is welcome but not required from other applicants. The portfolio may include design projects, research projects, samples of written work, and other examples of creative and/or research efforts.

• TOEFL/IELTS Report (international students only): International applicants who are submitting iBT TOEFL (internet based) scores must have a minimum total score of 95 with no part score below 25 on the reading, listening and writing sections. Applicants who are submitting an IELTS score must have a minimum total score of 7.0 with part scores of 7.0 or higher on the reading, listening, and writing sections.

Our department accepts the applicant’s MyBest™ score. For the TOEFL test, the code for Kansas State University is 6334. For the IELTS test, select Kansas State University, Graduate School.

• Affidavit of Financial Support (international students only): Each application must be accompanied by the Affidavit of Financial Support verifying that financial support is available for the student while attending Kansas State University.

• Photocopy of Passport (international students only)

• Application deadline: International students: February 1. Domestic students: February 1 preferred, but flexible.

International Student Admissions. For more information on admissions for international students, see: https://www.k-state.edu/stats/academics/gradadmiss.html#international

Graduate School Admissions. For more information on admission process and requirements for all applicants, see: https://www.k-state.edu/grad/admissions/application-process/

Yes.

Though not needed to apply, if accepted to the program prior to first semester of study, incoming students need to demonstrate that they have:

1) basic proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS); and

2) completed PLAN 115 Introduction to City Planning

PLAN 115 - Introduction to Planning. Credits: (3)
The origins and evolution of planning in response to economic, social, political, physical, and environmental issues. The planning process and its relationship to the design professions and the social and behavioral sciences.

Basic proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be demonstrated through previous coursework or/and employment prior to enrollment.

Proficiency in PLAN115 can be demonstrated though similar previous coursework.

PLAN 115 is also sometimes offered online during the summer.

Incoming students should contact their academic advisor, Catherine Caffera <caffera@ksu.edu> to enroll in PLAN115 and/or send proof of previous coursework.

No.

Some of our PB students have undergraduate degrees in design or planning, but it is not required. We find that those without a landscape architecture or planning degree quickly catch up and graduates of the program finish with equal skills and competency.

Some applicants are concerned about their lack of design experience. If you are, an optional intensive 10-week summer studio is available. It is intended for undergraduate transfer students coming into the College, but graduate students are welcome to apply. See http://apdesign.k-state.edu/future-students/docs/Accelerated%20SummerStudio.pdf for more information

No. A three-year degree is not considered equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. You would need to have at least a four-year bachelor’s degree.

If your first language is English, the requirement is waived. You do not have to take the TOEFL exam.

If your first language is not English, the requirement cannot be waived, irrespective of the university you attend. You are required to take the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE exam. This is university policy.

For Fall Admission (August start)

International students:
January 8 (We cannot accept international applications after this date because of the time International Student Services needs to obtain the necessary visas.)

Domestic students:
February 1 (to be considered for fall admission and possible first year funding).
July 15 (to be considered for fall admission, but not for first year funding)

No, you do not need to declare a topic, though you are encouraged to tell us about your interests in your application statement of intent.

You also do not need the support of a faculty member to apply. Who you will work you with on your master’s project and report or thesis will be decided at the end of the:
• Second semester (MRCP students)
• Fourth semester (MLA students)

There is an admissions committee made up of faculty for each of the programs who carefully reviews your application and makes a recommendation to the department head, who makes the final decision.

The application rate varies, but if you meet our minimum required GPA and TOEFL/IETLS scores, have solid references, have a compelling statement of purpose, and a good portfolio (if appropriate), you will have a high chance of being accepted into the program.

It depends. Our academic year normally begins in the fall semester. Because of the sequence and scheduling of required courses, beginning in the spring can have repercussions.

Planning Students (MRCP). We highly discourage MRCP students from starting in the spring semester, but it is occasionally feasible. Please check with the Graduate Coordinator to see if a spring start is possible. Not only is it difficult to schedule courses, but the program will take 5 semesters (2.5 years) compared to 4 semesters/2 years with a fall start. You would end up with the same number of total credit hours, which means the tuition would be the same, but you would pay for an extra semester of living costs (housing, food, etc.). However, the extra semester allows you time and the possibility of adding a minor or certificate to your degree. Students beginning in the spring cannot be considered for scholarships until the fall semester.

K-State graduates: Entering RCP students who have already taken courses in the program and acquired a planning minor while an undergraduate at K-State may begin in January, and could finish the program in 1.5 years. If you are eligible, please contact the Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Anne Beamish <abeamish [at] ksu.edu>.

Landscape Architecture Students (MLA). No, you may not begin in the spring semester. Because of the required sequence of courses, generally all applicants must begin in the fall semester.

Unfortunately we do not offer admission waivers for international students, and only under very limited circumstances to domestic students. For example, we offer admission waivers to current or recently returned Peace Corps or AmeriCorps volunteers. If you are eligible, please contact the Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Anne Beamish, abeamish@ksu.edu.

An offer of admission does not come with any form of financial support. And there are limited opportunities for scholarships and graduate teaching assistantships.

However, no applicant can be considered for any funding until they have:
• completed the application,
• been offered admission,
• formally accepted the offer of admission, and
• filled in the GTA application form

The funding available for students includes:

First Year Scholarship. Selected incoming students receive scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000.

Timothy R. Donoghue Graduate Scholarship. The Donoghue Scholar is a prestigious scholarship available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The department nominates incoming students to the Graduate School for the scholarship. Scholarships are renewable for a second year upon re-nomination by the graduate. Donoghue scholars received a 0.5 GTA position (see below) for two years (four semesters) plus a $3,000 scholarship for two years.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships. GTA positions are open to all second- and third-year students (international and domestic). Generally, they are only available to second- and third-year students, because a student cannot be a GTA for a class that they are enrolled in, or have not yet completed. A GTA application form is sent out to all current students in the spring semester.

Graduate Research Assistantships. GRA positions are occasionally available through faculty research funding. When these positions are available, we inform all incoming and current students. Please do not contact the faculty individually.

College and Departmental Scholarships. There is a range of scholarships available for students in their second and third years, with individual awards ranging from $500 to $9,000. To be eligible for these scholarships, students must complete a scholarship application form due early in the spring semester.

Part-time Work. Work opportunities are available in the College and Department, such as Weigel Library and hourly hire for special projects.

Local institutions such as the Flint Hills Regional Council and Manhattan’s Parks and Recreation and Community Development Departments, as well as nurseries frequently hire our students during the semester and summer.

GTA appointments carry specific responsibilities as well as benefits.

Benefits. Most positions are a 0.5 position with a tuition waiver of up to 10 credit hours and a stipend of $3,750 per semester paid over 10 periods.

Some positions may be for fewer hours, less compensation and no benefits.

Responsibilities. For appointment as a GTA, you are required to:
• Begin work the week before classes begin each semester.
• Continue working until the grades due date (Tues. after exam week)
• Attend the Graduate School orientation session.
• Maintain full-time status as a graduate student.
• Work approximately 20 hours per week.
Typically, your duties will be to:
- attend all classes of your GTA assistantship,
- lead tutorial sessions for our students, and
- undertake any other specific tasks assigned by the professor.

Continued appointment during the semester and consideration for future appointments is dependent upon:
• Satisfactory performance of all duties,
• Continued status as a full-time graduate student in good standing (GPA of 3.0 or higher), and
• Available funds.

Congratulations! First, please let us know that you will accept the offer and intend to come to K-State (or not). This helps us plan. An email to the Graduate Coordinator Dr. Anne Beamish abeamish@ksu.edu would be appreciated. You can officially accept or decline on CollegeNet, the university’s admission’s site.

Computer Requirements. Review the PC requirements for your program at: https://apdesign.k-state.edu/cns/purchasing-a-pc/ You will need this equipment purchased and set up for the first day of class.

Housing. Review your housing options on campus at https://housing.k-state.edu/living-options/ or off-campus at https://www.k-state.edu/ochs/

Visas. For international students, complete and submit the financial affidavit to the graduate school. The university cannot complete the I-20 form until they have this. Please start the process of obtaining the visa as quickly as possible because it can be lengthy.

MRCP Students. Prior to first semester of study, incoming students need to demonstrate that they have: 1) proficiency in GIS and 2) completed PLAN 115 Introduction to City Planning or demonstrate proficiency though similar previous coursework.

PLAN 115 - Introduction to Planning. Credits: (3)
The origins and evolution of planning in response to economic, social, political, physical, and environmental issues. The planning process and its relationship to the design professions and the social and behavioral sciences.

PLAN 115 is sometimes offered online during the summer. Please contact your academic advisor, Catherine Caffera <caffera@ksu.edu>, to enroll or send proof of previous equivalent coursework.

Basic proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be demonstrated through previous coursework or/and employment prior to enrollment.

eID. If you haven't already done so, you should register your K-State computing ID (eID) online at http://www.k-state.edu/its/eid/. After this ID is verified with your WID number, it will be your e-mail address (eID@ksu.edu) and the log-in for the K-State Student Information System (KSIS). If you need additional assistance with your eID, you can contact the IT Help Desk at 785-532-7722 or helpdesk@k-state.edu.

Offer Letter. Please read the offer letter of admission from the Graduate School. It will tell you if there is anything else you need to provide before enrolling.

Enrollment and Academic Advisor. You should contact your academic advisor Catherine Caffera <caffera@ksu.edu> for assistance in planning your academic program and prior to enrolling in courses. Enrollment information is available at: http://courses.k-state.edu/

Orientation. You will receive information about orientation, both Graduate School and departmental, during the summer from the Graduate Coordinator.

Yes.

Landscape Architecture. Kansas State University's accredited landscape architecture degree qualifies graduates to take the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE). The Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) writes, administers, and grades the LARE. Each state sets its own requirements for licensure and the timing of taking the LARE. Many states now allow applicants to begin taking the exam after graduation - but not all. CLARB provides the latest information on state rules regarding when applicants can begin taking the exam. Many states also have a rolling 5-year clock for taking the exam, meaning that you must pass all sections within 5 years of taking the first section. Be sure to review the information provided by the state licensure board where you intend to earn your first license.

The pass rate of the LARE exam is not made available by CLARB. Anecdotally, we know that our graduates are very successful.

Planning. Kansas State University's accredited Master of Regional and Community Planning degree qualifies graduates to take the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Examination after completing 2 years of professional planning experience. The AICP writes, administers, and grades the exam. AICP certification is administered at a national level. The AICP Candidate Pilot Program provides students of PAB accredited programs with a path to obtain their certification early. Details are available on the AICP Candidate Pilot Program webpage.

The pass rate of the AICP exam for K-State planning graduates is 100%.

They are excellent. Our LA and RCP students usually have a 100% employment rate within 3 months of graduation. Most students have a job lined up by graduation and they are employed by firms and city governments all over the country.

DesignIntelligence usually ranks the KSU MLA program as #1 in the Most Hired From category

The College provides significant assistance for both internships and entry-level positions for graduating students. For international students, any employment would be dependent on your visa status.

College-Organized Events: The College organizes two major events every year. In the fall, are “Mock Interviews,” where design and planning firms come to our College to meet students and help them practice their interview skills in a low-pressure environment. In the spring is the “Design Expo” which is a one-day event with design/planning firms that come to recruit our students. Last year over 80 design firms attended the event.

Career Center: In addition, there are career development specialists in the K-State Career Center. Andrew Kohls is the liaison to the College of Architecture, Planning & Design and provides individual attention to students.

Preparing a Professional Portfolio: An optional online portfolio-design class is offered in the summer for landscape architecture students.

Alumni: The College and our program has a very strong and active alumni network who are very supportive of our graduates.

Because both landscape architecture and planning are considered STEM disciplines with a CIP designation, international students may apply for the STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) program, which is a 24-month extension of the F-1 visa status to remain and work in the U.S. However, any employment would depend on your visa status and it is important for you to consult with your advisor in the KSU International Student and Scholar Services office.

Yes.

The college has a robust support system for students seeking internships (see below); however, internships are not provided or pre-arranged. It is the responsibility of the student to find and apply for any internship position. For international students, any employment would depend on your visa status.

Landscape Architecture: While not a requirement for our PB graduate students (it is required for our 5-year undergraduate NB students), internships are highly encouraged. Many students work in the summer between their second and third years. Our curriculum prepares students to be “internship-ready” by the end of their second year.

Planning: Though not a requirement, internships during the summer between first and second year are highly encouraged. Many planning students also find internships during the school year at local government offices or planning organizations, such as the Flint Hills Regional Planning Council.

In our department, student travel is highly-valued and we believe that it is important part of professional education.

Landscape Architecture: In the landscape architecture program, there is a week-long class trip every semester in the first and second years of study, including an extended class trip in the summer of the first year. Advanced studios (3rd year) often have domestic and international travel associated with them. For example, in the past studios have traveled to Texas, northern California, Toronto Canada, and Seoul Korea.

Planning: In the regional and planning program, class field trips are often part of classes. In the spring semester of the first year RCP students join LA students on a week-long trip to a large urban city.

Study abroad is possible and encouraged, but optional. A number of possibilities for education abroad exist. See https://apdesign.k-state.edu/current-students/off-campus-study/education-abroad/index.html for more information. One of the College’s largest programs is located in Orvieto, Italy. Typically study abroad requires an additional semester for post-baccalaureate students.