Program Overview

This program allows graduate students to earn two distinct degrees—a Master of Science (MS) from NTU and a Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) from UTA—by studying at both institutions. Students will experience culturally and academically diverse environments, equipping them with a unique combination of knowledge, skills, and international experience.

Program Director: Dr. Diane Jones Allen

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

 

University of Texas at Arlington

  • Urban Design Lab: Use the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex as a hands-on design environment.
  • STEM-Designated: Eligible for extended OPT for international students.
  • Fully Accredited: Meets LAAB standards and licensure requirements.
  • Career-Ready: Focus on design, ecology, and communication skills.

 

National Taiwan University

  • Wide Range of Programs: Master's degrees in science, engineering, life sciences, and more.
  • Research Focused: Strong emphasis on thesis work and hands-on research.
  • Top-Notch Facilities: Access to advanced labs, libraries, and research centers.
  • English-Friendly: Many graduate courses are offered in English for international students.

 


PROGRAM BENEFITS

Two Universities - Two Degrees - One Tuition

  • Spend a year at your host university and a year at your exchange university
  • Receive both a Master of Landscape Architecture from UTA and a Master of Science from NTU
  • Earn two graduate degrees for the cost of one – Simply pay the tuition at your home university   

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This is a collaborative academic program between the College of Bioresources and Agriculture at National Taiwan University (NTU) and The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) on behalf of the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs (CAPPA). NTU and UTA will each offer different, but related, master's degrees, allowing students to earn two separate master's degrees—a Master of Science (MS) from NTU and a Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) from UTA—in a coordinated, internationally focused curriculum.
Students who are enrolled in either the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at NTU or the Landscape Architecture Program at UTA. They must meet academic and English language requirements, and get approval from both schools. Students should have either a degree in Landscape Architecture or relevant training during their undergraduate studies. Portfolios and transcripts will be reviewed before admission.
You will study at both NTU (Taipei, Taiwan) and UTA (Arlington, Texas, USA), spending at least one academic year at the host institution.
Students pay tuition and fees only at their home institution. No additional regular tuition is charged by the host institution, though some additional costs (e.g., insurance, travel, visas) are the student’s responsibility.
Yes. The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree from UTA qualifies as a STEM-designated degree, which makes international students eligible to apply for up to three years of work authorization in the U.S. under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This allows graduates to gain professional experience related to their field of study after completing the program.
Students must complete a master’s thesis that meets the requirements of both institutions. The thesis must be written in English and defended orally according to both universities' regulations.
The committee will be a composed of full-time faculty and will include 3 members. The chair must be from the home university, and the other 2 members can be from the host university or one from each of the universities.
Each university provides academic and administrative coordinators, along with a joint organizing committee to guide and support students through the program.
UTA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). NTU is not accredited by SACSCOC, and credit transfer decisions outside of UTA are not guaranteed.
Students gain international exposure, dual credentials, interdisciplinary knowledge, and access to two world-class faculties and resources in landscape architecture and related fields.