Undergraduate freshman application and portfolio deadline is December 1, 2025. Graduate priority deadline is January 5, 2026.
USC School of Architecture
We shape visionary architects and designers through a rigorous, interdisciplinary education.
Situated in the dynamic urban fabric of Los Angeles, we offer an interdisciplinary, innovative environment where students engage with world-renowned faculty and industry leaders. Our commitment to sustainability and equity equips graduates to transform the built environment, impacting communities locally and globally.
Our PROGRAMS
Our interdisciplinary education fosters innovation and social responsibility through hands-on learning, multidisciplinary studies, and real-world projects. Students gain the skills to lead and transform the built environment.
Latest NEWS
1/09/2026USC ARCHITECTURE GRADUATE THESIS PROJECTS EXPLORE RADICAL APPROACHES TO HOUSING, CULTURE, URBANISM, AND ENVIRONMENTAL FUTURES
Student work from the USC School of Architecture has been featured in Dezeen School Shows, highlighting ten projects from Directed Design Research (ARCH 793a/b), the year-long thesis studio and capstone course for the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) and Master of Advanced Architectural Research Studies (M.AARS) programs.See all ten student projects here.The Directed Design Research sequence invited students to investigate the idea of the model as a conceptual, material, and methodological framework for architectural inquiry. Rather than treating models solely as representational tools, the studio positioned modeling as a way of thinking, testing, and producing architectural knowledge. Students were challenged to...
1/09/2026IMAGINING A DESERT ART MUSEUM: FEATURING TEN USC ARCHITECTURE STUDENT PROJECTS
In a striking new feature on Dezeen School Shows, student work from the University of Southern California School of Architecture was published for its inventive proposals for an art museum set within...
1/08/2026USC STUDENTS’ MODULAR HOUSING DESIGNS TAKE THE SPOTLIGHT IN DEZEEN SCHOOL SHOWS
In the latest Dezeen School Shows, an inspiring housing studio project from the USC School of Architecture was featured, highlighting both design innovation and social impact. Eleven modular housing structures — born...
12/19/2025USC School of Architecture Announces the 2026–2027 AC Martin Fellowship in Housing and City Design for Incoming Graduate Students
The USC School of Architecture is pleased to announce the AC Martin Fellowship for the 2026–2027 academic year as part of a five-year commitment. Created in partnership with AC Martin, one of...
12/09/2025USC’s Aaron Chang is the first student nationwide to complete all architecture licensing exams before graduation
Aaron Chang accomplished something unprecedented — he passed all six architecture licensing exams before starting his third year as a student in the Bachelor of Architecture program at the USC School of...
Recent News
12/05/2025
IN MEMORIAM: FRANK GEHRY, 96, FAMED ARCHITECT AND USC ALUMNUS
11/20/2025CASE STUDY: ADAPT UNVEILS CLIMATE-RESILIENT HOME DESIGNS IN LANDMARK USC SYMPOSIUM
11/10/2025From water-generating fungi to plant-based AI, Aroussiak Gabrielian reimagines the future of co-existence with the biophysical world
11/07/2025DEAN STEELE WELCOMES OUR TROJAN FAMILIES
11/04/2025EVELYN TICKLE AWARDED NSF SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PHASE II FUNDING
10/31/2025DORIS SUNG AND RESEARCH TEAM REPRESENTING 4 USC SCHOOLS RECEIVE 2025 AIA LATROBE PRIZE
Upcoming EVENTS
1/14/2026Guild Career and Professionals Series: Virtual Portfolio Reviews
1/21/2026Faculty Presentation & Exhibit: Sascha Delz
1/26/2026Guild Career and Professionals Series: Mock Interviews
1/30/2026Lecture: Brett Steele "State of the School"
2/06/2026Guild Career and Professionals Series: Firm Fair
2/11/2026Faculty Presentation & Exhibit: Jessica Larson
2/20/2026Lecture: Alice Kimm
2/26/2026Global Studies Presentations (Int Study Abroad Day)
Past Events
12/11/2025
FALL SEMESTER FINAL STUDIO REVIEWS
12/05/2025CONFERENCE: Soak It Up: Los Angeles
11/25/2025Virtual Portfolio Workshop: MArch & MAARS
11/21/2025Kristine Grønning Ericson Crafting Disaster: Environmental Simulation in the United States since 1880
11/19/2025FILM SCREENING: Power of Place Roadshow Two short films celebrating excellence, belonging, and Black brilliance
11/14/2025SYMPOSIUM: Case Study Adapt — The Design Release Exhibition Rebuilding Los Angeles communities while redefining resilient, economical, and future-ready residential design for SoCal and beyond
Vibrant LIVES
Beyond design studios and other classes, there is much going on at the School, including student events, lectures, exhibitions, global travel opportunities and workshops. The School is a constant hive of activity and invention, and the closely knit architecture community progresses our ideals into the future built environment.
” When I chose Heritage Conservation at USC, I knew I wanted to continue studying the built environment in a way that highlights the importance of existing structures and the people who use and love them. “
— Sam Malnati ‘25
” I appreciated being gently pushed into making contacts through USC’s unmatched professional network. Architecture has opened up possibilities rather than narrowed them. “
— David Wright ‘25
” I have loved being a part of the immersive studio culture at USC; I find the conversations I’ve had in these spaces insightful, inspiring, and special. It’s so important to stay inspired by seeing other ways of making and thinking. ”
— Jack Somers ‘25
” USC’s faculty, and urban proximity allowed me to truly discover the city I grew up in through the sense of the built environment and sparked a love for design that has only gotten stronger every year. ”
— Justin Kaczender ‘25
” I chose USC Architecture because of its unique location—close to the ocean, forests, and deserts which gave me the chance to explore many kinds of landscapes. With the support and encouragement of my professors, I spent time traveling and observing these environments. Those experiences deepened my curiosity about the relationship between nature and architecture.”
— Ellykira Chai ‘25
See Our PROJECTS
Discover student and faculty work that showcases our rigorous thinking process, creativity, and commitment to social responsibility. Be inspired by how we approach and solve complex architectural challenges.
Quick FACTS
SCHOOL
106
Years since the school’s founding in 1919
#1
Ranked by students as the best college for Architecture in America by NICHE 2025
4
Distinct disciplines: Architecture, Landscape Architecture + Urbanism, Building Science & Heritage Convservation
STUDENTS
677
Full-time Students | 32 countries | 34 US States
25%
Of students are first generation
76%
Receive scholarships or financial aid
22%
Are International students from 32 countries
FACULTY
100+
Faculty
6:1
Student to faculty ratio
+$2m
In research grants awarded to faculty in 2025-26
ALUMNI
7K
Alumni living in 49 countries & the US
30
Alumni & Guild Events throughout the year
2
Pritzker Prize Winners – Frank Gehry USC’54 and Thom Mayne USC’69
Download our Viewbook to explore our innovative programs, vibrant student culture, and the unparalleled opportunities awaiting you at our school.
View our 2025 XPO Program to see studios and over 80 leading experts, educators and scholars attending our year-end graduating students’ thesis presentations and exhibition.
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