USC
University of Southern California
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Graduate Programs

Master of Architecture

Programs

Two master’s programs are offered: a track in American Architecture and Urbanism, the “+2” program for students with pre-professional architecture degrees, and a post-professional Master of Architecture programs for students who hold a professional degree such as the Bachelor of Architecture or its equivalent.

Master of Architecture in American Architecture and Urbanism Track: The +2 Program

Admitted students must already hold four-year architectural studies degrees from U.S. schools with accredited professional architecture programs or from international programs that are deemed equivalent. All students will matriculate in the fall semester and will be in residence for a minimum of two years (four semesters).

Degree Requirements
Students must meet established standards for graduate study at USC, and complete 64 credit units including prerequisite Basic Studies and 48 units of graduate level courses including Advanced Studies and approved electives.

(1) To complete Basic Studies (equivalent to the following courses at USC): ARCH 211 Materials and Methods of Building Construction, ARCH 213ab Building Structures and Seismic Design, ARCH 214ab History of Architecture, ARCH 215 Design for the Thermal and Atmospheric Environment, ARCH 313 Design of Building Structures, ARCH 314 History of Architecture: Contemporary Issues, ARCH 315 Design for the Luminous and Sonic Environment, ARCH 402ab Architectural Design IV, ARCH 411 Architectural Technology, ARCH 525 Professional Practice: Pre-Design, Project and Office Administration, and ARCH 526 Professional Practice: Legal and Economic Context Project Documentation.

(2) To complete Advanced Studies courses including: ARCH 505abL Graduate Architecture Design, ARCH 532 Elements of the Urban Landscape, ARCH 533 Urban Landscape Case Studies, ARCH 561 Architecture in the Urban Landscape: Projects and Places, ARCH 563 Architecture in the Urban Landscape: Comparative Theories, and ARCH 605abL Graduate Architecture Design.

Thesis or Directed Design Research Option
An independent study option will allow students to substitute ARCH 693abL or ARCH 695abL for 12 credit units of electives. This option requires residency of a minimum of five instead of four semesters.

Sample Curriculum
First Year, First SemesterUnits
ARCH 505aLGraduate Architecture Design6
Basic Studies or Electives10
16

First Year, Second SemesterUnits
ARCH 505bLGraduate Architecture Design6
Basic Studies or Electives10
16

Second Year, First SemesterUnits
ARCH 532Elements of the Urban Landscape2
ARCH 561Architecture in the Urban Landscape: Projects and Places2
ARCH 605aLGraduate Architecture Design6
Basic Studies or Electives6
16

Second Year, Second SemesterUnits
ARCH 533Urban Landscape Case Studies2
ARCH 563Architecture in the Urban Landscape: Comparative Theories2
ARCH 605bLGraduate Architecture Design6
Basic Studies or Electives*6
16

Optional Third Year, First SemesterUnits
ARCH 693bL**M.Arch. Thesis, Option I, or
ARCH 695bL**M.Arch Thesis, Option II8

*Students electing the independent study option may substitute ARCH 693a or ARCH 695a.

**For students who have elected the independent study option.

Master of Architecture: Post-Professional

Candidates for admission must have a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree or its equivalent. Completion of the degree requires 48 units, including 20 units of specified courses, 12 units of thesis or directed design research, and 16 units of approved electives.

The specified courses are ARCH 532 Elements of the Urban Landscape; ARCH 533 Urban Landscape Case Studies; ARCH 561 Architecture in the Urban Landscape: Projects and Places; ARCH 563 Architecture in the Urban Landscape: Comparative Theories; and ARCH 605abL Graduate Architecture Design.

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.

48-Unit Sample Curriculum
First Year, First SemesterUnits
ARCH 532Elements of the Urban Landscape2
ARCH 561Architecture in the Urban Landscape: Projects and Places2
ARCH 605aLGraduate Architecture Design6
Elective6
16

First Year, Second SemesterUnits
ARCH 533Urban Landscape Case Studies2
ARCH 563Architecture in the Urban Landscape: Comparative Theories2
ARCH 605bLGraduate Architecture Design6
ARCH 693aLM.Arch. Thesis, Option I, or
ARCH 695aLM.Arch. Thesis, Option II4
Elective2
16

Second Year, First SemesterUnits
ARCH 693bLM.Arch. Thesis, Option I, or
ARCH 695bLM.Arch. Thesis, Option II8
Electives8
16

Advanced Standing
Students may apply for advanced standing based on their general qualifications and any unusual strengths or experience. Applicants who have completed a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree and at least five years of teaching or practice (or a combination of), may be qualified for advanced standing. Each student will be considered individually. Qualified students will be admitted to a two-semester program at the time of review 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 605aLGraduate Architecture Design6
ARCH 693aLM.Arch. Thesis, Option I, or
ARCH 695aLM.Arch. Thesis, Option II4
Elective2
16

First Year, Second SemesterUnits
ARCH 561Architecture in the Urban Landscape: Projects and Places2
ARCH 563Architecture in the Urban Landscape: Comparative Theories2
ARCH 693bLM.Arch. Thesis, Option I, or
ARCH 695bLM.Arch. Thesis, Option II8
Elective4
16