Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB)

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

LAAB is composed of landscape architecture practitioners and academicians, representatives from landscape architecture collateral organizations and representatives of the public. 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).

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.

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.

Mission

The mission of the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) is to evaluate, advance, and advocate for the quality of professional landscape architecture education.

Vision

The Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) will bridge the gap between academia and practice worldwide to strengthen the connections between education and training.

Values

Diversity - support diversity in all its many forms.
Leadership - inspire, facilitate, and empower collaboration.
Innovation - commit to continuous learning and foresight.
Stewardship - uphold the standards it establishes while allowing for appropriate flexibility. 
Fairness - hold itself to high standards and ethical behavior.