More than 1200 ASLA advocates have signed on to a letter thanking the administration for its designation of landscape architecture as a STEM discipline. On July 12, 2023, landscape architecture became one of only eight fields selected out of 120 submissions under consideration. This rightful and permanent designation is important for the long-term growth of the profession.

Prospective students will now have a stronger incentive to apply for landscape architecture programs. This new attraction will enlarge the talent pool, strengthen competition with other STEM programs, and increase overall public awareness of the discipline. These effects will not only benefit universities and firms, but also the entire profession.

ASLA secured this designation on behalf of its members. ASLA developed and submitted a technical paper, Landscape Architecture is a STEM Discipline, as part of the official application. As next steps, ASLA encourages Chapters, firms, and education programs to spread the word as much as possible. This includes using the phrase “STEM discipline” when describing the work of landscape architects to K-12 students, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

ASLA members have already begun these outreach efforts by sending this thank you letter to the administration for its recognition of landscape architecture’s inherent STEM traits. The letter reiterates the rigorous, STEM-based topics studied in landscape architecture programs and emphasizes the profession’s commitment to solving the most pressing technical and environmental challenges of our time. For more on how this designation will affect the profession, read the press release and the technical paper.