Residential Landscape Design & Construction

If you enjoy the outdoors, working with your hands, and creating spaces that bring people and nature together, the Residential Landscape Design and Construction major at Utah State University is a great fit. This program combines the art of landscape design with the technical skills needed to build and maintain beautiful, sustainable outdoor environments. Students learn every step of the process—from site planning and design to installation and maintenance—gaining both creative and practical experience.

Coursework provides a strong foundation in plant and environmental sciences, including plant identification, turfgrass management, soil science, pesticide application, and arboriculture. Through hands-on projects and field experiences, students develop the knowledge and confidence to see their designs come to life. Graduates of this program are well prepared for careers in landscape design, construction, management, and related fields within the growing green industry.

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RLDC vs. Landscape Architecture: What's the Difference?

Residential Landscape Design and Construction:
Small Scale Design
Hands on Learning
Practical Landscape Skills
Landscape Management

Landscape Architecture:
Large Scale Design
Courses have Emphasis on Designing and Planning
Option for Licensure

Curriculum Overview:

The Residential Landscape Design and Construction program provides a strong foundation in practical landscape skills. The curriculum includes:

Landscape Design Courses: Training in basic landscape graphics, small scale landscape designs, and solving real-world design challenges.
Technology Courses: Fundamental topics such as drafting, computer generated landscape plans, 3D modeling and business management software.
Construction Courses: Instruction in the safety and implementation of construction equipment to create a fully installed and maintained landscape.
Environmental Sciences: A robust sequence of courses to teach the sciences behind a well functioning landscape, it's plants and how to trouble shoot potential problems.

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Career Outlook

Career Opportunities

Landscape Designer
Construction Manager
Sales Manager
Business Manager
Business Owner
Supervisor
Landscaping, Lawn Service and Groundskeeping Worker
Arborist
Irrigation Designer
Nursery Management
Botanical Garden Employee

In less than 30 seconds you can request information about Residential Landscape Design & Construction at USU!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between Residential Landscape Design and Construction and Landscape Architecture?

Landscape Architecture teaches design at a large scale of design and RLDC teaches design at a small scale. Landscape Architecture is also an accredited program so students are able to immediately take the licensure exam to become a landscape architect. RLDC offers courses in sciences and construction that will better prepare students to answer questions proposed by home owners about lawns, soil, pesticides, plant identification, and arborculture.

Can I become a Landscape Architect if I pursue this major?

Yes, you can become a Landscape Architect if you either go on for a Master's degree from an accredited Landscape Architecture program or by working under a Licensed Landscape Architect for at least 7 years. Then you can take the licensure exam to become a licensed Landscape Architect.

Does this major have a matriculation process?

No, all students who want to receive their degree in RLDC can.

Do I have to own my own laptop for this major?

Yes, this major requires students to have their own working laptop by the time they register for PSC 4301: Computer Aided Residential Landscape Design.