The Master of Architecture course at the University of Southern California (USC) equips students with the knowledge to create designs that address current issues in the built environment.

The Master of Architecture programme is grounded in design excellence, critical inquiry and a deep commitment to social and spatial equity.

Taught by a distinguished faculty of licensed architects, scholars and practitioners, the programme is structured in three progressive levels.

The first level introduces essential design knowledge and core disciplinary skills required for NAAB accreditation.

The second level deepens applied expertise and advances professional capabilities. In the final year, students pursue an individually directed design research thesis supported by master classes and faculty mentorship.

Throughout the programme, students are challenged to imagine bold alternatives for the built environment – leveraging emerging technologies, engaging with communities and advancing innovative, socially responsive design.

School: University of Southern California School of Architecture
Course: Master of Architecture
Type: Postgraduate
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Course dates: September 2026 to May 2028, or May 2029
Application deadline: 5 January 2026

Find out more about the course and apply ›

What will I learn during this course?

– Essential disciplinary knowledge and the fundamental design skills
– Vocational knowledge and advanced professional capability

What facilities and resources are available?

– Over 50,000 square feet of space dedicated to design studios, classrooms, galleries, fabrication workshops and research labs
– Each space is equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology to support every stage of the creative process
– With 24/7 studio access and a personal workstation for each student, the environment is designed to foster continuous exploration, collaboration and innovation

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

Students can expect careers including:

– Licensed architect or project architect – designing buildings, preparing construction documents, coordinating with clients/contractors, overseeing projects through to completion
– Leading roles at design studios, developing conceptual work, often specialised typologies (residential, commercial and cultural)
– Urban design/city planning roles – working on city-scale issues such as public space, zoning, infrastructure, housing, mobility and land use
– Sustainability/green building/environmental design roles with a focus on energy performance, materials, climate-responsive design, LEED or similar standards

Who teaches this course?

– Alvin Huang, director of graduate architecture programmes

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