How to Get an Online Degree in Landscape Design
- 1). Complete high school courses such as biology and environmental science, according to the CollegeBoard.com website. In addition, take advantage of classes on subjects such as graphic arts, art history and even computer-assisted drafting. These courses prepare you for a two-year associate degree or four-year bachelor's degree program in landscape design online.
- 2). Apply to the online degree program of your choice in landscape design. Because the nature of a career in landscape design is hands-on, any program that offers online landscape design courses typically also require you to complete on-campus lab work, according to Education-Portal.com. Degree programs usually require you to have a high school diploma or General Education diploma (GED). A bachelor's degree program additionally can require you to submit the transcripts from previous academic work and your scores from standardized tests like the Scolastic Achievement Test (SATs) . Although an associate degree can allow you to enter the workforce more quickly and claim entry-level roles, completing a bachelor's degree in landscape design can open up even better employment opportunities.
- 3). Contact your school to make sure your computer is adequate for the institution's distance learning program in landscape design. During the program, you will need to use e-mail and message boards to speak with instructors and fellow classmates. In addition, you need to have a high-speed Internet connection to watch course videos and presentations online.
- 4). Take online courses such as an introduction to horticulture, landscape graphics and landscape design principles, according to EduChoices.org. Another course might cover pest management in horticulture, which teaches you how to use equipment and chemicals to safely control environmental pests. In addition, complete classes on plant identification, conservationism, basic math, irrigation/drainage concepts, surveying techniques and landscape maintenance.
- 5). Complete hands-on field experience, which typically is required to graduate with an undergraduate degree in landscape design online. For example, be prepared to participate in a supervised project such as restoring a local playground. Also, look for a master's degree program in landscape architecture online. Earning a master's degree makes you even more employable in this field when you combine it with hands-on experience, Ultimately, the two can provide you with opportunities to fill supervisory roles. In addition, online degrees in the landscape design field are most common at the master's level, according to WorldWideLearn.com.
