Architectural Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies at the University of Southern California offers students a comprehensive foundation in the principles and practices of architecture. This program is designed to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and technical skills necessary for successful careers in architecture and related fields. Students will engage in a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical coursework, hands-on design studios, and technical training to prepare them for graduate study or professional practice. Throughout their studies, students explore topics such as design fundamentals, architectural history, building technology, environmental systems, and sustainable design. The program emphasizes the integration of artistic expression with scientific understanding, encouraging students to develop innovative and contextually responsive solutions to complex architectural challenges. USC’s state-of-the-art facilities and access to industry-leading faculty members provide an enriching environment for students to collaborate on real-world projects and internships. The program also emphasizes leadership, ethics, and social responsibility, preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to communities and the built environment. Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and professional development are integral parts of the educational experience. Graduates of the program are equipped with a strong portfolio of work, critical skills, and a broad understanding of architectural concepts, enabling them to pursue advanced degrees or enter the professional workforce confidently. The program’s commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters an environment where all students can thrive and develop their unique design perspectives. Whether aiming to become licensed architects or pursuing careers in urban planning, design consulting, or sustainable development, students receive a robust education that lays the foundation for lifelong learning and impactful careers in architecture.

First Year, First Semester

• ARCH 102a Architectural Design I Units: 4
• ARCH 105L Fundamentals of Design Communication Units: 2
• ARCH 114 Architecture: Culture and Community Units: 2
• General Education Seminar Units: 4
• MATH 108g Contemporary Precalculus Units: 4 or General Education Units: 4

Total units: 16

First Year, Second Semester

• ARCH 102bL Architectural Design I Units: 4
• ARCH 214ag World History of Architecture Units: 3 *
• PHYS 125Lg Physics for Architects Units: 4 **
• WRIT 150 Writing and Critical Reasoning–Thematic Approaches Units: 4

Total units: 15

Second Year, First Semester

• ARCH 202aL Architectural Design II Units: 6
• ARCH 213a Building Structures and Seismic Design Units: 3 ***
• ARCH 214bg World History of Architecture Units: 3 *
• General Education Units: 4

Total units: 16

Second Year, Second Semester

• ARCH 202bL Architectural Design II Units: 6
• ARCH 211 Materials and Methods of Building Construction Units: 3
• ARCH 213b Building Structures and Seismic Design Units: 3 ***
• General Education Units: 4

Total units: 16

Third Year, First Semester

• ARCH 215 Design for the Thermal and Atmospheric Environment Units: 3
• ARCH 313 Design of Building Structures Units: 3
• ARCH 370 Architectural Studies — Expanding the Field Units: 2
• WRIT 340 Advanced Writing Units: 3, 4
• General Education Units: 4

Total units: 16

Third Year, Second Semester

• ARCH 315 Design for the Luminous and Sonic Environment Units: 3
• ARCH 411 Architectural Technology Units: 3
• ARCH 525 Professional Practice: Pre-Design, Project and Office Administration Units: 3
• General Education Units: 4
• Professional Architecture Electives Units: 3

Total units: 16

Fourth Year, First Semester

• ARCH 314 History of Architecture: Contemporary Issues Units: 3
• Professional Architecture Electives Units: 13

Total units: 16

Fourth Year, Second Semester

• ARCH 470 Concentration Capstone Seminar Units: 4
• Electives Units: 8
• Professional Architecture Electives Units: 5

Total units: 17

Total minimum units required: 128

*ARCH 214a, ARCH 214b fulfill the General Education requirement in Category A: The Arts.

**PHYS 125 fulfills the General Education requirement in Category E: Physical Sciences. The PHYS 125 requirement may also be fulfilled by PHYS 135a, PHYS 135b; 4 units will be applied toward the BArch and 4 will count as electives.

***ARCH 213a ARCH 213b fulfills the General Education requirement in Category F: Quantitative Reasoning.

Requirements for BS in Architectural Studies Degree

A total of 25 units of professional electives, including ARCH 470 Capstone Seminar, are required in an area of specialization, which must be selected from the accepted professional elective offerings in the School of Architecture or with consultation and approval of the program adviser. This is in addition to the core, elective and general education requirements of the Bachelor of Architecture degree, which are identical for the first two years of the Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies.

In the third and fourth year of the program, the requirements for the Bachelor of Architecture design studios, ARCH 302a, ARCH 302b and ARCH 402a, ARCH 402b — 24 units — are changed to the professional electives requirement. The full degree requirements are described above.

Core Requirements

Students must complete the following core courses as a prelude to the upper-division professional electives and degree requirements: ARCH 102a, ARCH 102b, ARCH 105, ARCH 114, ARCH 202a, ARCH 202b, ARCH 211, ARCH 213a, ARCH 213b, ARCH 214a, ARCH 214b and ARCH 370, MATH 108, PHYS 125 and WRIT 150.

General Education Requirements

All students who begin college in fall 2015 or later at USC (or who begin elsewhere in fall 2015 and then transfer to USC) must satisfy the 2015 General Education Program, which includes six Core Literacy and two Global Perspectives requirements. Together these provide training in the liberal arts — the critical skills necessary for a free person to function effectively, thoughtfully and productively in a complex world. This General Education program has been designed to nurture habits of thought essential for professional success and personal development, and to establish a background for lifelong learning.

Core Literacies

• GE-A: The Arts (one course)
• GE-B: Humanistic Inquiry (two courses)
• GE-C: Social Analysis (two courses)
• GE-D: Life Sciences (one course)
• GE-E: Physical Sciences (one course)
• GE-F: Quantitative Reasoning (one course)

Global Perspectives

• GE-G: Citizenship in a Global Era (one course)
• GE-H: Traditions and Historical Foundations (one course)

In addition, all entering freshmen are expected to complete a General Education Seminar during their first year at USC. These seminars satisfy one of the Core Literacy requirements above.

To fulfill a minimum 128 units for the Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, courses in the Global Perspectives categories should be used to satisfy requirements in the Core Literacies as well. A single course can satisfy one Global Perspective and one Core Literacy requirement.

• Common App Writing Supplement: Essay and Short Answer questions
• Transcripts: First-year applicants should submit official transcripts of all high school and college coursework completed.
• Official Test Scores: Arrange for the testing agency to send your SAT or ACT scores directly to USC.
• School Report: All first-year applicants are required to submit the Common Application School Report by providing the name and e-mail address of a recommender.
• Letter of Recommendation from a Teacher or a Counselor
• Portfolio, resumé and/or additional writing samples: if required by major. Performance majors may also require auditions. 
• Submit your fall grades (when available): Use the Mid-Year Report Form included in the Common Application or visit www.usc.edu/midyeargrades to submit your fall grades.
• Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support
• TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores, if the student’s native language is not English.

Portfolio

We are interested in seeing evidence of your creativity. Work selected for inclusion should demonstrate the breadth and diversity of your creative interests and need not be limited to architectural work (if included at all). Drawing, sketching, painting, graphic design, photography, video, web-design, sculpture, ceramics and furniture design are just some examples of the types of work that may be included.  Work may be produced digitally and/or by hand, for school courses, extracurricular activities or independently. Include examples of hand or CAD drafting only if they demonstrate clear design intent rather than just technical skill. Your portfolio should constitute a carefully edited selection of your strongest work showcasing your creative interests, abilities and motivation. A concise description of each project (title, size, media, etc.) should accompany each example. If the work was part of a group effort, please indicate your specific contribution.

Format
The portfolio submission should consist of a minimum of 10 and up to 25 digital image files uploaded online by December 1, 2016 if applying for First-Year Scholarship Consideration, January 15, 2017 for Regular First-Year Consideration or February 1, 2017 for Transfer Consideration.  Up to one video file may be included in your submission. Other electronic formats, or CD/DVD submissions will not be accepted. Please do not send original or bound materials.  Please do not send more than one online submission.

Scholarships

• Mork Family Scholarship
• Stamps Leadership Scholarships
• Trustee 
• International Freshman Academic
• USC Associates
• Deans
• Leadership

The University of Southern California offers a comprehensive program in Architectural Studies aimed at preparing students for professional practice in architecture and related fields. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, combining technical skills, creative design, and an understanding of the social and environmental contexts of architecture. Students in the program are engaged in rigorous coursework that includes architectural design studios, history and theory, structures, building technology, and environmental systems. The curriculum encourages innovation, critical thinking, and sustainability, fostering an appreciation for architecture's role in shaping the built environment.

The program's faculty comprises experienced professionals and scholars dedicated to mentoring students through diverse projects and research opportunities. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including design studios, fabrication labs, and digital modeling resources. The curriculum integrates hands-on learning with theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates to excel in various professional settings or pursue advanced studies. Graduates of the program typically pursue careers in architectural design, urban planning, interior design, historic preservation, and related fields.

The university also promotes collaboration with local communities, industries, and government agencies, providing students with real-world experience. Internship opportunities and partnerships with architecture firms are integral to the program, enhancing job readiness. The program values diversity and encourages students from different backgrounds to contribute to innovative architectural solutions. Upon completion, students earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, depending on their chosen pathway, with many continuing into master's programs for further specialization. The program aligns with USC’s mission to develop creative, ethical, and socially responsible professionals who can positively impact society through architecture.