Become a Landscape Architect

About LAAB

ASLA 2013 Student Collaboration Honor Award Recipient. X-Scape. Brett Berger, Student ASLA; Aaron Choi, Student Affiliate ASLA; Christine Phu, Student Affiliate ASLA; and Diego Valencia, Student ASLA, Arizona State University. Faculty Advisor: Philip Horton / Student Team

The Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) develops and promulgates the accreditation standards, rules and procedures for conducting the accreditation process. LAAB is vested with its authority by the ASLA Board of Trustees (Bylaws, Section 814) enacted as follows:

There shall be a Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board. The Board shall be an autonomous committee with the responsibility to act in matters concerning accreditation of professional landscape architecture degree programs. The Board shall consist of 12 members, including one member appointed by the Society, one by the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture and one by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards. The remaining members shall be appointed according to procedures established by the Board. The Board chair shall be a member of the Council on Education. Accreditation reports shall be submitted to the Board of Trustees at least annually via the Council on Education. The direct costs of accreditation visits and Board meetings shall be covered from fees collected by the Board. The Society shall provide overhead and staff support for the Board in an amount to be determined annually.

Scope

LAAB is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as the official accrediting body for first professional programs in landscape architecture. LAAB is a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA). CHEA reviews LAAB accreditation standards and procedures to ensure that the policies and procedures meet proper standards.

The official scope of LAAB accreditation is "...first professional programs at the bachelor's or master's level." Others, such as pre-professional and advanced professional programs, lie outside LAAB's scope. LAAB reviews eligible programs in the United States and its territories.

Complaint Procedure (against a program)

LAAB reviews complaints against an accredited program that relate to the accreditation requirements set forth in the Accreditation Standards and Procedures. If a complaint raises a question of possible violation of these requirements, the program will be given the opportunity to respond to the complaint in accordance with the procedural requirements listed in the LAAB Accreditation Procedures. If a violation is found, LAAB will take appropriate action. LAAB maintains all records of complaints received against programs.