Part One

The following documents must be submitted to the University's Graduate Admission Office, using the online application system:

1. USC online application for admission
2. Three Letters of Recommendations, as required by the School of Architecture.  The School of Architecture does not have a separate form for the recommenders to fill out but there is an optional form found on the USC online application for admission.  Recommenders may submit their letter online or directly to the School of Architecture by paper.
3. Statement of Intent:  please clearly describe your study intentions and interests.  Please upload this information directly into the USC online application for admission.
4. Resume and/or Curriculum Vitae:  please upload this information directly into the USC online application for admission.
5. GRE test scores:  test scores that are more than five years old at the time of application are not acceptable. USC’s institution code is 4852 and the Departmental Code is 4401.  The GRE is not required of applicants to the Certificate programs.
6. TOEFL scores (photocopy of scores & electronic submission by ETS) required for International applicants.  USC's institution code is 4852 and the Departmental Code is 12.
7. Academic Records (transcripts) from all post-secondary schools you have attended (even if you did not receive a degree).  For International Students: transcripts must be sent in the original language and format, as well as accompanied by an English translation (if necessary).  English-only transcripts from institutions in which English is not the primary language will not be accepted.
8. International applicants only: Confidential Statement for Financing Studies at USC
9. Application fee: the application fee must be paid before an application is processed. Please note that fee waivers are not granted for international applicants.

For more information about Part One, please click here.

Part Two

The following items must  be sent directly to the School of Architecture via postal mail, FedEx or DHL:

USC School of Architecture
Graduate Admission
Watt Hall 204
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0291

1. Portfolio
2. Any information submitted in the Part One process as outlined above that you are unable to submit electronically.
3. International applicants:  please submit a copy of your passport with your name, date of birth, country of birth, and country of citizenship.

Please DO NOT send anything to 3601 South Flower Street, Tyler 1, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0911 as we are unable to receive materials sent to this address directly.  All materials should be directed to the USC School of Architecture at Watt Hall 204.   Both FedEx and DHL will be received at this address.

International Students should note:

The School of Architecture strongly recommends applicant TOEFL scores to be: 

- 600 or above on the paper-based test (examination); or
- 250 or higher on the computer-based test; or
- higher than a total score of 100 on the Internet-based test, with no less than 20 on each of the four test components.

Students who have not met the above TOEFL requirement will be required to take the International Student English Examination (ISE) upon arrival at USC.  This is a free placement examination that determines the English proficiency of international students.  Your level of achievement on the ISE will determine whether you must enroll in English-language courses at the university’s American Language Institute (ALI) before or during your first semester at USC. The number of required courses—up to one full year of study—will be based on your level of English-language proficiency.  Please be aware that English-language study will increase the overall cost of your degree program (and usually the length of time to complete the degree requirements), because courses at ALI are billed at the regular tuition rate.  The School of Architecture does not the cover of cost of English-language courses.