Master of Building Technology at USC School of Architecture
Part of the University of Southern California School of Architecture‘s Master of Building Technology course sees students gain real-world experience in a professional design office.
Course details
School: University of Southern California School of Architecture
Course: Master of Building Technology
Type: postgraduate
Location: Los Angeles, California
Course dates: August 2027 to August 2028
Application deadline: 1 May 2027
Course overview
The Master of Building Technology (MBT) prepares the next generation of professionals to lead an increasingly digital, data-driven and sustainable built environment.
Designed for completion in just one year, the program combines advanced technical knowledge with hands-on professional experience, equipping graduates with the skills to shape the future of architecture, engineering and construction (AEC).
As digital technologies transform every phase of the building lifecycle – from design and construction to operations and maintenance – employers are seeking professionals who can integrate design thinking with emerging technologies, data analytics, and collaborative project delivery.
The MBT responds to this demand with an interdisciplinary curriculum focused on building performance, digital workflows and climate-resilient design.
A defining feature of the program is its spring-semester practicum, where students gain professional experience in a design office while earning their degree.
Working alongside industry leaders, students apply classroom knowledge to real projects, develop professional networks, and graduate with practical experience that distinguishes them in a competitive job market.
What will I learn during this course?
Students learn through a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds on the strengths of USC Architecture’s Chase L Leavitt Building Science program while emphasising the technologies and practices redefining the profession.
The course explores building information modelling (BIM), digital building systems, sustainable design strategies, integrated project delivery, data analysis and emerging applications of artificial intelligence in design and construction.
What are the requirements?
Individuals who have completed a four-year Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree are eligible for admission.
What facilities and resources are available?
Students have access to:
- design studios
- classrooms
- galleries
- fabrication workshops
- 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 – a hallmark of the USC School of Architecture.
What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?
The AEC industry is undergoing one of the most significant technological transformations in its history.
Building information modeling, digital twins, artificial intelligence, and integrated project delivery are changing how buildings are conceived, delivered and operated.
Organisations are increasingly seeking professionals who can bridge design, technology, and data to improve project outcomes and create more resilient, sustainable buildings.
The Master of Building Technology prepares graduates to meet this demand with the technical fluency, collaborative mindset and real-world experience needed to lead the next generation of building innovation.
Who teaches this course?
Bhavna Sharma, director of building science programs.
