USC
University of Southern California
black horizontal bar for print styles

USC School of Architecture

Graduate Programs

Master of Landscape Architecture

Degree Requirements

Admission to the Master of Landscape Architecture program requires a Bachelor of Architecture or Bachelor of Environmental Design with a major in landscape architecture. Applicants are also expected to have completed 6 units in the history of landscape architecture (ARCH 534ab or equivalent) and 6 units in materials and methods for landscape architecture (ARCH 535ab or equivalent) prior to beginning graduate study.

Thesis or Directed Research Option

In addition to the opportunity to initiate an independent thesis, students are provided the option to undertake independent design research related to important urban projects already in progress within the school. Whichever option is taken, students are supported in their work by a three-member faculty advisory team including a principal critic.

Course Requirements

Completion of the degree program requires 48 units, including 20 units of specified courses, 16 units of approved electives and 12 units of thesis option I or option II.

Degree Requirements

48-Unit Program
Required courses include: ARCH 532 (2), ARCH 533 (2), ARCH 542aL (6), ARCH 561 (2), ARCH 563 (2). A total of 22 elective units are required. Students must take at least two elective courses from the following selection: ARCH 407 (4), ARCH 418 (3), ARCH 507 (3), ARCH 599 (4). In addition, two semesters of Thesis Option or Directed Design Research are required, ARCH 597abzL (4-8-0) or ARCH 598abzL (4-8-0).

48-Unit Sample Curriculum
First Year, First SemesterUnits
ARCH 532Elements of the Urban Landscape2
ARCH 561Architecture in the Urban Landscape: Projects and Places2
ARCH 542aLLandscape Architecture Design6
Electives6
16

First Year, Second SemesterUnits
ARCH 533Urban Landscape Case Studies2
ARCH 563Architecture in the Urban Landscape: Comparative Theories2
ARCH 542bLLandscape Architecture Design6
ARCH 597aLLandscape Architecture Thesis Option I, or
ARCH 598aLLandscape Architecture Directed Design Research4
Electives2
16

Second Year, First SemesterUnits
ARCH 597bLLandscape Architecture Thesis Option I, or
ARCH 598aLLandscape Architecture Directed Design Research8
Electives8
16

Advanced Standing
Applicants with exceptional qualifications including a professional degree in landscape architecture or architecture and professional experience may be admitted with advanced standing. Students must request such consideration when applying for admission. Students with advanced standing must complete 32 units.

32-Unit Advanced Standing Sample Curriculum
first year, first semesterunits
ARCH 532Elements of the Urban Landscape2
ARCH 533Urban Landscape Case Studies2
ARCH 597aLLandscape Architecture Thesis, Option I, or  
ARCH 598aL Landscape Architecture Directed Design Research 4
Electives 8
16

first year, second semesterunits
ARCH 561Architecture in the Urban Landscape: Projects and Places2
ARCH 563Architecture in the Urban Landscape: Comparative Theories2
ARCH 597bLLandscape Architecture Thesis, Option I, or  
ARCH 598bLLandscape Architecture Directed Design Research8
Electives4
16