The University’s Robert S. Reich School of Landscape Architecture ranked No. 2 nationally in both graduate and undergraduate programs. DesignIntelligence has ranked the school in the top five since 2004. Its undergraduate program ranked No. 1 this past year. DesignIntelligence is a national survey conducted by people across the profession. The rankings are based on the perceptions of the graduates and the performance of graduates in the profession. Elizabeth Mossop, director of the School of Landscape Architecture, said several things contribute to the high rankings. “Historically, the school has always had a good reputation,” Mossop said. “The founder, Robert Reich, was a significant figure in landscape architecture education, and in some ways we benefit from his legacy.” Mossop said the curriculum has been updated since 2004, and they have the most advanced teaching of digital representation in the country. “We also have very strong studio teaching,” Mossop said. “Design is the core of the program.” Mossop said the extensive travel programs, field trips, internships and study abroad programs are also attractive opportunities of the school. “It’s a long-standing tradition to have students global in their outlook,” Mossop said. “LSU students are very highly sought after by employers. They go all over the country and world for work.” Matthew Taylor, president of the College of Art and Design, said the teachers are from a wide array of backgrounds, which helps students become more well-rounded in the subject. “We get different angles from teachers,” Taylor said. “By the time you’re done, you’ve had a teacher from each program and get a well-rounded idea of what landscape architecture is.” The graduate program is ranked second to Harvard. Mossop finds it interesting to be ranked No. 2 against competitive schools like Berkley and Harvard when taking the available resources into consideration. “We have tried to get more resources from the University,” Mossop said. “More money is basically what we need.” The school is trying to find ways of attracting more resources to improve physical facilities. They are updating the curriculum and trying to do more regressive student recruiting. Mossop said students find it attractive to be from Louisiana and to be able to stay in the state and come to one of the best landscape architecture schools in the country. “We’re in a great part of the country,” Taylor said. “After Katrina hit, we were able to work in the environment and get a feel for that.” Mossop said the high rankings are perfect for the Flagship Agenda. “Nationally ranking is key to the Flagship Agenda, and we’ve got it.” Mossop said. Taylor said he came to the University because of the opportunities it had to offer. “When I started, I realized landscape architecture was one of the best routes to pursue as far as my education,” Taylor said.