Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board LAAB

Overview

The Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) is the sole accrediting body for professional landscape architecture degree programs in the United States. Established by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), LAAB evaluates and accredits bachelor's and master's programs that prepare students for entry-level practice in landscape architecture. Recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), LAAB ensures that accredited programs meet rigorous standards of quality and relevance to the profession.

Historical and Legal Framework

LAAB was founded in 1972 by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) to provide a voluntary, peer-reviewed accreditation process for landscape architecture programs. The board operates under the authority granted by ASLA and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as the accrediting agency for landscape architecture programs. LAAB's accreditation standards and procedures are developed with input from various stakeholders, including educators, practitioners, and the public, to ensure they reflect current practices and future needs of the profession.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives — Role in Higher Education

Mission: To evaluate, advance, and advocate for the quality of professional landscape architecture education. LAAB aims to ensure that accredited programs prepare students to meet the challenges of the profession and contribute to the built and natural environments.

Vision: To foster a landscape architecture education system that is dynamic, inclusive, and responsive to societal and environmental needs.

Objectives:

• Develop and maintain accreditation standards that reflect the evolving landscape architecture profession.
• Conduct thorough evaluations of programs through self-studies and site visits.
• Provide feedback and recommendations to programs to enhance educational quality.
• Advocate for the value of accredited education in landscape architecture.

In higher education, LAAB's role is pivotal in ensuring that landscape architecture programs maintain high standards of education and prepare graduates for professional licensure and practice.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

LAAB operates as an autonomous committee within the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). The board is composed of landscape architecture practitioners, academicians, and representatives from collateral organizations such as the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) and the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA). This composition ensures a balanced perspective in the accreditation process. LAAB maintains its independence by developing and applying accreditation standards and procedures without external influence, ensuring the integrity and credibility of the accreditation process.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

LAAB's accreditation process is a voluntary, peer-review system designed to evaluate programs based on their stated objectives and compliance with established standards. Programs seeking accreditation conduct a self-study to assess how well they meet these standards. LAAB evaluates each program's mission, curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities, and student outcomes. Accreditation is granted for a term of five years, after which programs must undergo re-evaluation. This process ensures that accredited programs continue to meet the evolving needs of the profession and maintain high educational standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

While LAAB primarily focuses on accrediting programs within the United States, it recognizes the importance of international collaboration in landscape architecture education. LAAB's standards and procedures are aligned with those of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects' Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council (LAAC), facilitating mutual recognition of accredited programs between the two countries. Additionally, LAAB is a member of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA), which promotes global standards and exchange in landscape architecture education and practice.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

LAAB's accreditation process continues to influence higher education by setting benchmarks for quality and relevance in landscape architecture education. As the profession evolves in response to environmental challenges, urbanization, and social needs, LAAB's standards are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect these changes. The board's emphasis on sustainability, diversity, and inclusion in education prepares graduates to address contemporary issues in landscape architecture. Looking forward, LAAB aims to strengthen its partnerships with educational institutions and professional organizations to enhance the impact of accredited programs on the profession and society.

Summary

The Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) plays a crucial role in shaping the future of landscape architecture education in the United States. Through its rigorous accreditation process, LAAB ensures that programs meet high standards of quality and relevance, preparing students for successful careers in the profession. By maintaining its independence and collaborating with international organizations, LAAB contributes to the global advancement of landscape architecture education and practice.

FAQs

• What is the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB)?

  LAAB is the accrediting agency for professional landscape architecture degree programs in the United States, ensuring they meet high educational standards.

• Who recognizes LAAB's accreditation?

  LAAB is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and is a member of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA).

• How does LAAB evaluate programs?

  Programs undergo a voluntary, peer-review process involving a self-study and site visit to assess compliance with LAAB's accreditation standards.

• What is the duration of LAAB accreditation?

  Accreditation is granted for a term of five years, after which programs must undergo re-evaluation to maintain their accredited status.

• Does LAAB collaborate internationally?

  Yes, LAAB aligns its standards with the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects' Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council (LAAC) and is a member of IFLA, promoting global standards in landscape architecture education.

Organization Name

Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board

Acronym

LAAB

Year of Establishment

1/01/1978

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Affiliations or Memberships

Association for Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

59

Address

636 Eye Street NW
Washington
20001-3736 District of Columbia United States

Phone

+1 (202) 216 2359

Fax

+1 (202) 898 1185

List of universities offering programs accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB):

Alabama

1. Auburn University

Arizona

1. Arizona State University
2. University of Arizona

Arkansas

1. University of Arkansas

California

1. California Polytechnic State University
2. California State Polytechnic University
3. University of California - Berkeley
4. University of California - Davis
5. University of Southern California

Colorado

1. Colorado State University
2. University of Colorado at Denver

Connecticut

1. University of Connecticut

District of Columbia

1. Washington University

Florida

1. Florida International University
2. University of Florida

Georgia

1. University of Georgia

Idaho

1. University of Idaho

Illinois

1. Illinois Institute of Technology
2. University of Illinois

Indiana

1. Ball State University
2. Purdue University

Iowa

1. Iowa State University

Kansas

1. Kansas State University

Kentucky

1. University of Kentucky

Louisiana

1. Louisiana State University

Maryland

1. Morgan State University
2. University of Maryland

Massachusetts

1. Boston Architectural College
2. Harvard University
3. University of Massachusetts

Michigan

1. Michigan State University
2. University of Michigan

Minnesota

1. University of Minnesota

Mississippi

1. Mississippi State University

Nebraska

1. University of Nebraska

Nevada

1. University of Nevada, Las Vegas

New Jersey

1. Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey

New Mexico

1. University of New Mexico

New York

1. City College of New York, The
2. Cornell University
3. State University of New York

North Carolina

1. North Carolina A & T State University
2. North Carolina State University

North Dakota

1. North Dakota State University

Ohio

1. Ohio State University, The

Oklahoma

1. Oklahoma State University
2. University of Oklahoma

Oregon

1. University of Oregon

Pennsylvania

1. Delaware Valley University
2. Jefferson (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University)
3. Pennsylvania State University, The
4. Temple University
5. University of Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

1. Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico

Rhode Island

1. Rhode Island School of Design
2. University of Rhode Island

Tennessee

1. University of Tennessee

Texas

1. Texas A & M University
2. Texas Tech University
3. University of Texas at Arlington
4. University of Texas, Austin

Utah

1. Utah State University

Virginia

1. University of Virginia
2. Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Washington

1. University of Washington
2. Washington State University

West Virginia

1. West Virginia University

Wisconsin

1. University of Wisconsin - Madison

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Wikipedia Article

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