ASLA 2017 Professional Award of Excellence in Analysis and Planning. Storm + Sand + Sea + Strand: Barrier Island Resiliency Planning for Galveston Island State Park, Studio Outside.

Landscape Architecture: A STEM Profession

Learn why landscape architecture is officially recognized as a STEM discipline and how science, technology, engineering, and math are embedded in the field.

Landscape Architecture is a STEM Discipline

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated landscape architecture a STEM discipline. The designation recognizes the high degree of science, technology, engineering and mathematics course work required in landscape architecture collegiate programs.

What is STEM?

The National Science Foundation (NSF) definition of STEM fields includes mathematics, natural sciences, engineering, computer and information sciences, and the social and behavioral sciences – psychology, economics, sociology, and political science.

STEM education and training provides the United States with three kinds of intellectual capital:

  • Scientists and engineers who continue the research and development that is central to the economic growth of our country;
  • Technologically proficient workers who are able to keep pace with rapidly developing scientific and engineering innovations; and
  • Scientifically literate voters and citizens who make intelligent decisions about public policy and who understand the world around them.

To achieve this expanded human capital, STEM initiatives are aimed at improving the educational experience from elementary school to graduate education, and thus prepare students to eventually solve not only current problems but also unimagined ones of the future. (UC Davis, STEM Strategies)

“The term STEM education refers to teaching and learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It typically includes educational activities across all grade levels—from pre-school to post-doctorate—in both formal (e.g., classrooms) and informal (e.g., afterschool programs) settings.” (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education: An Overview [National Science Foundation (NSF)/Congressional Research Service, June 12, 2018])

Resources You Can Use

These resources will help you understand and communicate valuable information about landscape architecture as a STEM profession.

SKILL | ED Pulse Check Webinar

Navigating Immigration, Visas, and the Future of a Global Workforce

On this 2026 webinar, a panel of international professionals and a human resources professional shared real strategies for building an inclusive, globally informed workforce in today's environment. Check out the webinar recording and additional resources on the current immigration and visa landscape, how the STEM designation and OPT/H-1B pathways create opportunities for firms and students, and how to recruit, hire, and retain international talent.

Webinar Recording

Free to access for ASLA members! Log in with your ASLA account email and password.

U.S. Immigration Pathways One-Pager

A resource for international students, practitioners, and employers in landscape architecture

U.S. Immigration Pathways 101 Guide

This nine-page guide is a 101-level overview of common immigration terms and pathways that most often arise when international students and professionals move from study to practice in the United States, and when employers consider sponsoring international hires.