Landscape Design/Build (B.S.)

Turn your love of nature, plants and the outdoors into your dream career path. The Landscape Design/Build major at Delaware Valley University prepares you with the science and hands-on experience of designing, building and maintaining landscapes for both commercial and residential properties. 

Why Study Landscape Design/Build at DelVal?

  • You will learn how to work with plants, hardscaping materials, equipment and modern landscape design tools to create, install and maintain residential and commercial landscapes. 
  • You will get hands-on experience designing and installing patios, walls, gardens, lighting and irrigation.  
  • In addition to design and site engineering, you will study landscape contracting and bidding. You will also study land surveying, soils, biology, plant identification, arboriculture and more.
  • You will enjoy small classes taught by engaged faculty who mentor you and support your career goals. 
  • Many DelVal graduates of this program go on to run their own businesses. Consider a business administration minor if this is your plan. 
100%
real-world experience
2 students working in a greenhouse
four students walking under trees on the DelVal campus
$30,100
average scholarship and grant amount awarded to freshmen in 2025-26
18
Average class size
Two students are working with a professor in the landscape architecture studio.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN/BUILD AT-A-GLANCE

The combination of small classroom courses, hands-on learning on the DelVal campus, and E360 work experience prepares you for a career in Landscape Design/Build.

Landscape Design/Build Core Courses

  • Introduction to Design
  • Basic Plant Management
  • Land Surveying
  • Landscape Contracting and Bidding
  • Soils
  • Woody Plant Identification
  • Flower Show Design Build Studio
  • Landscape Construction Methods
  • Site Engineering I
  • Herbaceous Plant Materials
  • Arboriculture

Recommended Minors

  • Business Administration
  • Turf Management
Career Paths

Our Landscape Design Build graduates are employed in all areas within the landscape industry, including:

  • Owning and operating a landscape business
  • Manager in a landscape design/build and maintenance company
  • Landscape designer
  • Grounds manager of botanical gardens, arboretums, universities or commercial properties
  • Plant health care experts for trees and shrubs
  • Turfgrass manager
  • Sales representative of landscape materials companies

What’s the difference between Landscape Architecture and Landscape Design/Build majors?

Graduates from the landscape architecture major design large-scale, complex projects (parks, campuses, public spaces) involving grading, construction, stormwater management, and public safety.  If desired, graduates can obtain a state landscape architect license which permits them to design public spaces that need government approval.  Landscape architects have broader technical expertise in engineering and regulations.  Many work for developers, engineering and architectural firms. 

Graduates from the landscape design/build major primarily work outdoors designing, building and maintaining residential and commercial properties. Emphasis is on plants, hardscaping, and aesthetics.  Many run their own landscaping company or work as managers for a large company.

DelVal Landscape Design
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Much More Than an Internship Program

The Experience360 Program gives you the opportunity to apply classroom lessons to real-world experiences in the field of landscape design/build. In addition to valuable internships, E360 includes career exploration including hiring trends and salaries, opportunities for student research, week-long study abroad, leadership development and community service.

 

Delaware Valley University in the Philadelphia Flower Show

DelVal landscape design/build students were featured in the news about their exhibit at the Philadelphia Flower Show. 

Philadelphia 2023 Flower Show Exhibit featuring colorful flowers and painted architecture.
Landscape architecture presentation hanging on blackboard
Get Involved
Student Clubs & Organizations
  • American Society of Landscape Architects - Reach beyond aesthetics and attend to real issues that will positively affect tomorrow!
  • Floral Society - Expand your knowledge through field trips, speakers and practicing floral techniques!
  • A-Day - Work with other students to host our annual fair on campus!
Dr. Adrienne Kleintop, Chair, Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, Assistant Professor

Office: Feldman 117

POV of Landscape Design/Build

A student is helping to build a flower show design.
DelVal Landscape Design
A student is climbing a tree wearing protective gear.
Students building a retaining wall during Landscape Construction class.
A student is using tools to build something in the Landscape Design Build course.