Merging fields such as site planning, ecology, horticulture, landscape design, fine art and industrial design, landscape architecture concerns itself with the creation and long-term planning of outdoor spaces. This is true for both public urban areas as well as large commercial properties and private estates.

Many students earn associate degrees during their first few years of higher education. Since they usually require about two years of study, these degrees can act either as job qualifications or as precursors to more advanced degrees.