School of Architecture

Graduate Programs

Master of Architecture

Master of Advanced Architectural Studies (M.AAS), Post-Professional Degree

This program is dedicated to cutting edge research and experimentation, and seeks to explore in a highly innovative fashion the cultural and technological landscapes of Los Angeles. Through its range of experimental ‘Labs’, the program is structured under three distinct veins of inquiry [1] architectural urban studies using Los Angeles as a laboratory to engage global issues; [2] advanced computation/fabrication technologies and material processes; and [3] performative architecture with an emphasis on sustainable systems. These specific design and research directions are diversely initiated by our faculty and fully supported by additional resources from the University of Southern California and the city of Los Angeles.

The Master of Advanced Architectural Studies is a three-semester advanced degree program. Consisting of two option-based topic studios followed by an in-depth Directed Design Research project [DDR], and coordinated seminar courses each for the first two semesters, the degree is focused on advanced and emerging topics in architecture. The design and research directions are diversely initiated by our faculty and fully supported by additional resources from the University at-large and the city of Los Angeles.

Candidates for admission must have a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree or its equivalent. Completion of the degree requires 48 units, including 29 units of required studio and seminar courses, [including 8 units Directed Design Research or Thesis], and 19 units of approved electives, over three semesters of residency.

The required courses are ARCH 543 Research Methods; ARCH 606 Advanced Architectural Theory; ARCH 607 Advanced Computation; ARCH 608 Urban Theory: Los Angeles Case Study; ARCH 609 Advanced Fabrication; ARCH 702L Graduate Architecture Design – Themes; ARCH 705L Advanced Graduate Architecture Design – Topics; ARCH 793abL Architecture Directed Design Research Option I or ARCH 795abL Architecture Thesis Option II.

48-Unit Sample Curriculum – Master of Advanced Architectural Studies (M.AAS) Post-Professional Degree

First Semester		Units
ARCH 606*	Advanced Architectural Theory	2
ARCH 607*	Advanced Computation	2
ARCH 608*	Urban Theory: Los Angeles Case Study	2
ARCH 609*	Advanced Fabrication	2
ARCH 702L	Graduate Architecture Design – Themes	6
		14

Second Semester		Units
ARCH 543	Research Methods	1
ARCH 705L	Advanced Graduate Architecture Design – Topics	6, max 12
ARCH 793aL	Architecture Directed Design Research Option I, or
ARCH 795aL	Architecture Thesis Option II	2
Elective		8
		17

Third Semester		Units
ARCH 793bL	Architecture Directed Design Research Option I, or
ARCH 795bL	Architecture Thesis Option II	6
Electives		11
		17

PDF version of the USC School of Architecture section