I am currently deciding between Master of Landscape Architecture programs. I know this decision is ultimately up to me, but I am conflicted about these programs and hoping for any feedback or suggestions (decisions are due by next week).

About me: I have out of school for 9 years (so would be an older student). I have a non-design background but have working in local government in a planning-related role. I am passionate about open spaces and have an informal art background.

My interests: I am interested in how human-dominated landscapes might be re-oriented around natural systems (so landscape at a more “plannerly” or infrastructural level). I am also interested in how “wildness” (spaces where nature might operate with some autonomy) can be incorporated into landscapes. At this point, I think I would like to work at a private firm that carries out or designs for this type of work.

The programs I’m deciding between: I am deciding between the following MLA programs (all 3-year programs). I was lucky enough to receive money from all three, such that the amount I would pay would be comparable between all three (though UC Berkeley does have the option for teaching assistance positions that could cover tuition in some additional semesters):

• Harvard GSD: I am attracted by the GSD’s legacy and reputation. It generally seems to be the highest-ranked MLA program with perhaps the farthest reach. When I look into firms behind landscape architecture projects that I particularly like, there seems to be a 50% chance that the founders or principals went through the GSD’s program. That said, the faculty does not seem as cohesive as other programs and there seems to be less of a singular vision or ideology within the department (which could be a good or bad thing, depending on how you look at it). Also, it’s unclear how strong the ecological education is, though I know they’re planning to bring on new courses in climate change.
• Penn: I like the direction that Richard Weller seems to be taking the department. He presents a strong vision and I am very interested in his research (related to conflicts between biodiversity and urbanization). I am also attracted by the McHarg Center (though I wonder if they are placing took much stock in the Green New Deal). The chair and faculty seem to be the most cohesive and accessible of the programs I’m looking at, and it seems the students may be happier. That said, I am not sure that Penn’s program has the same reach as Harvard’s, and, despite the talk of ecological processes, it is not clear that I would gain much of a true understanding of those processes, vs. how to represent them graphically (which may be all that really matters). I know I’ll need to learn it, but the seemingly stronger emphasis on digital design software is less attractive to me.
• UC Berkeley: Berkeley’s program was “my first love,” what compelled me to start applying for MLA programs. I like their much heavier integration of environmental sciences into the program. Students seem to gain an understanding of these systems in a way that may be the case at Penn or Harvard (at the same time, I know I’m training to be a designer, not an environmental scientist). I am also more attracted by the idea of engaging in sites in California than sites around Philadelphia or Boston (partly because of the diversity of landscapes in California, partly because I’m from the Bay Area, though have been living in Detroit for many years). That said, I’m not sure that UC Berkeley has the same reach as Penn or the GSD, and perhaps the design skills I’d pick up at those schools would be stronger.

Then throw COVID-19 into the mix (will classes even be starting in-person in the fall?) and things seem to get more complicated.

I’ve been told I “can’t go wrong” with any of these programs, but I obviously want to make the best decision. Again, I know it’s ultimately up to me, but any input from anyone here would be greatly appreciated!