Undergraduate freshman application and portfolio Early Decision deadline is November 1, 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
11/05/2026AROUSSIAK GABRIELIAN REPRESENTS USC ARCHITECTURE AT UN BIODIVERSITY CONFERENCE COP17
Aroussiak Gabrielian, Ph.D., associate professor of Landscape Architecture + Urbanism at the USC School of Architecture, served as a delegate to the United Nations Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (COP17) as part of the California Global Biodiversity Alliance Super Delegation.“Moving among the many spaces of COP17, from research exchanges and municipal conversations to artistic encounters and the extraordinary commitment of advocates and young biodiversity leaders, reinforced how deeply ecological futures depend upon our capacity to think, imagine, and act across disciplines, institutions, cultures, and generations,” summarized Gabrielian.COP is the governing and decision-making body of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity...
11/05/2026KATY BARKAN AND FIRM NOW HERE EARNS 2026 AIA LA EMERGING PRACTICE AWARD
The AIA LA 2026 Design Award winners included Assistant Professor Katy Barkan, founder of Now Here, taking both Emerging Practice Award and the Installation Award.Now Here was awarded the 2026 AIA LA...
10/27/2026MARINA TABASSUM LECTURES AT USC EXPLORING ARCHITECTURE ROOTED IN PLACE, CLIMATE AND COMMUNITY
Internationally recognized architect Marina Tabassum presented an approach to design grounded in the landscape, climate and cultural traditions of her native Bangladesh during a lecture at the USC School of Architecture.Tabassum described...
10/23/2026EXPANDED BORDERS SYMPOSIUM MOVES ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE BEYOND GEOPOLITICAL AND DISCIPLINARY BOUNDARIES
Los Angeles, October 16, 2026 — The USC School of Architecture hosted the second annual Puente Arquitectónico symposium, presented in collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico. This year’s theme, Expanded Borders,...
HYPERPRACTICE SYMPOSIUM EXAMINES NEW MODELS OF ARCHITECTURAL COLLABORATION
Los Angeles, October 20, 2026 — Architects, scholars, journalists and educators gathered at RIOS for Hyperpractice, a symposium convened by USC School of Architecture Associate Professor Michelle Chang.Through roundtable discussions and project...
Recent News
10/15/2026
USC ARCHITECTURE UNVEILS JURY AND AWARDS FOR SHADELA SHADE ZONES COMPETITION
10/12/2026FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: KATY BARKAN ON HOW HER PRACTICE BRIDGES THE SPECULATIVE AND THE EVERYDAY
10/02/2026USC ARCHITECTURE CELEBRATES SCHOLARS AND THE DONORS WHO MAKE THEIR EDUCATION POSSIBLE
9/30/2026FACULTY LECTURE SERIES: SCOTT URIU ON DESIGN DURING WARTIME
9/29/2026LAWRENCE SCARPA, FAIA, IS THE 2026 MAYBECK AWARD RECIPIENT
9/28/2026RETHINKING WHAT URBAN RIVER RESTORATION CAN LOOK LIKE
Upcoming EVENTS
11/18/2026Faculty Presentation & Exhibit: Yong Ju Lee
11/19/2026THE MISSING MIDDLE A Conversation on Housing the Emergent Postwar Black Middle Class
11/20/20262026 Mentorship Program Kick- Off Meet & Greet
1/19/2027Guild Career and Professionals Series: Portfolio Reviews
Past Events
10/30/2026
Exhibition Walkthrough of PAUL R. WILLIAMS: AN ARCHITECT CONSIDERED (Trojan Family Weekend)
10/30/2026Guild Career Series: Professionals on Portfolios
10/30/2026Trojan Family Weekend Dean's Breakfast 2026
10/29/2026Building Science & Technology Graduate Virtual Info Session
10/28/2026Landscape Architecture Virtual Graduate Info Session
10/27/2026Heritage Conservation Virtual Graduate Info Session

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
Related VIDEOS
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