Landscape Architecture Program One of the Country's Best
April 23, 2013
DesignIntelligence ranked the program 11th out of more than 90 programs in the nation.
Texas Tech’s undergraduate landscape program is one of two in the state.
Texas Tech University’s Department of Landscape Architecture undergraduate program ranked 11th out of more than 90 programs in the nation, according to “DesignIntelligence.”
“DesignIntelligence,” published by Greenway Communications, is the Design Futures Council’s bi-monthly report on the future, delivering research, commentary and best practices.
“It’s always nice to be recognized,” said Alon Kvashny, chairman of the Department of Landscape Architecture. “However, that does not mean we coast from here on out. We still have to make sure that we adjust our courses to meet the present needs and the technology of today. It is something that needs constant tuning to stay current.”
Texas Tech’s landscape architecture undergraduate program is one of two in the state.
The program at Texas Tech is involved internationally, which includes sending students to study in places like Brazil, Italy and Mexico. The program also focuses on semi-arid landscapes, which is different than programs at other universities.
“I think the program stands out because of the sequence of courses that we teach, the involvement with community planning and our involvement with service learning,” Kvashny said.
The program is evaluated and adjusted to meet the needs of today’s market and to ensure students are marketable upon graduation, Kvashny said.
The faculty in the program make classes interesting for students, said Josh Barry, a senior landscape architecture major from San Antonio.
“I like the fact that I know everyone in my classes,” Barry said. “We have small classes and I know the professors pretty well. It’s a lot of fun, but a lot of work at the same time.”