Graduate
Admissions
The graduate programs at the USC School of Architecture help nurture the inventive imaginations of creative thinkers and inspire immersive engagement in a complete design dialogue. They promote the aggressive exchange of ideas and encourage the proactive participation in the processes of design, building technology, and conservation on both the neighborhood scale and global stage. Through our graduate programs, you’ll develop real-world problem-solving skills and join a group of ambitious scholars, innovators and leaders who want to make a difference in their home communities and beyond.
Graduate students may choose from our five master’s degrees, three dual degrees and five certificate programs to best pursue their individual interests and goals. Our degree curriculum—whether in architecture, landscape architecture, building science or heritage conservation—has always been intensive, in-depth and topical, with history, theory, technology and design fused into a variety of degree programs that well-prepare our students for the rigors of the professional design practices.
RELATED RESOURCES: Graduate Programs, Tuition & Fees
Please review our FAQ for questions you may have about the application process or contact us.
Applying for Graduate Admission to the USC School of Architecture is a multi-step process. So that you do not miss any important requirements, please make sure that you read all the information in the application instructions below. Please click on a program name below for the program(s) you are interested in viewing.
MASTER OF ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH STUDIES ↗
MASTER OF HERITAGE CONSERVATION ↗
The USC online application (USC CAS) opens September 1. Start your USC online graduate application now.
Applications submitted before or on the deadline dates listed below will receive priority consideration for admissions and School of Architecture merit scholarships. Applications submitted after the priority admissions review deadline date will still be accepted but scholarship funds and spaces in the program may be limited.
FALL TERM FINAL DEADLINE
For international applicants, the deadline is May 1 (if space available) to allow enough time for our review and issuance of an I-20 if admissible. Applications submitted from international applicants after May 1 will not be reviewed. The final deadline for domestic applicants is July 1 (if space available).
- Master of Advanced Architectural Research Studies: Post-Professional Degree (M.AARS)
- City Design and Housing Emphasis, POST CODE: 1859
- Performative Design and Technology Emphasis, POST CODE: 1842
PRIORITY DEADLINE: January 2
FINAL DEADLINE: July 1
- Master of Architecture, First Professional Degree (M.ARCH)
POST CODE: 1049
PRIORITY DEADLINE: January 2
FINAL DEADLINE: July 1
- Master of Building Science (MBS)
POST CODE: 861
PRIORITY DEADLINE: January 2
FINAL DEADLINE: July 1
- Master of Heritage Conservation (MHC)
POST CODE: 1461
PRIORITY DEADLINE: January 2
FINAL DEADLINE: July 1
- Master of Landscape Architecture, First Professional Degree (MLA)
POST CODE: 859
PRIORITY DEADLINE: January 2
FINAL DEADLINE: July 1
- Certificate in Architecture
POST CODE: 1467
PART 1: Priority Admissions Review, January 4
PART 2: Portfolio / Writing Sample, (not required)
FINAL DEADLINE: July 1
- Certificate in Building Science
POST CODE: 840
PRIORITY DEADLINE: January 2
FINAL DEADLINE: July 1
- Certificate in Heritage Conservation
POST CODE: 1462
PRIORITY DEADLINE: January 2
FINAL DEADLINE: July 1
- Certificate in Landscape Architecture
POST CODE: 1319
PRIORITY DEADLINE: January 2
FINAL DEADLINE: July 1
- Certificate in Sustainable Design
POST CODE: 1513
PRIORITY DEADLINE: January 2
FINAL DEADLINE: July 1
- Dual Degree Program: MHC/Master of Urban Planning**
POST CODE: 1461†
PRIORITY DEADLINE: January 2
FINAL DEADLINE: July 1
- Dual Degree Program: MLA/Master of Urban Planning**
POST CODE: 859†
PRIORITY DEADLINE: January 2
FINAL DEADLINE: July 1
** If you are applying to one of our dual degree programs with the Price School’s Master of Planning (MPL), please check the admission requirements and deadlines for the MPL program.
† You must submit separate online applications for each program and be granted admission to both degree programs in order to enroll in the dual degree program. The Post code for admission purposes will remain the same as applying to the School of Architecture program individually. The Post code for the MPL program will be different.
Please review the Application Instructions and Requirements section for detailed information on the requirements for admissions review. Portfolio and/or writing sample requirements differ for each degree program. Failure to submit all the required application materials will delay the processing of your admission review and your application will be considered incomplete.
At this time, USC Architecture is only offering online information sessions for prospective students. Our Architecture Admission staff are not available for in-person meetings at this time but are happy to connect with prospective students via phone or Zoom meetings.
For more information see our visit page.