March 27: 2026 SPRING OPEN HOUSE Admitted Graduate Students
USC School of Architecture
We shape visionary architects and designers through a rigorous, interdisciplinary education.
Situated in the dynamic urban fabric of Los Angeles, we offer an interdisciplinary, innovative environment where students engage with world-renowned faculty and industry leaders. Our commitment to sustainability and equity equips graduates to transform the built environment, impacting communities locally and globally.
Our PROGRAMS
Our interdisciplinary education fosters innovation and social responsibility through hands-on learning, multidisciplinary studies, and real-world projects. Students gain the skills to lead and transform the built environment.




Latest NEWS
3/02/2026MICHELLE CHANG JOINS USC SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AS ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
This Spring 2026, Michelle JaJa Chang, formerly Associate Professor of Architecture at Harvard University Graduate School of Design, joins the faculty of USC School of Architecture as Associate Professor. Michelle Chang directs JaJa Co and teaches architectural design. She founded her independent practice in 2014 after working in offices in New York, Boston, and San Francisco. Her recent projects include staff residences for an artist colony and the renovation of a historic building for an art and music venue.“After several years of creating a body of research, I am now carrying it into practice. USC School of Architecture has a long...
2/24/2026USC AND LA METRO ANNOUNCE WINNERS OF THE INAUGURAL SHADE ZONES DESIGN COMPETITION
Part of ShadeLA, the USC School of Architecture-led competition judged entries from hundreds of students across LA for the best modular shade design. Surreal floral blooms, sails and delicate lattice work are among...
2/20/2026REIMAGINING LA28 OLYMPICS THROUGH RADICAL REUSE, RESILIENCE, AND LONG-TERM LEGACY
Ten projects developed by USC School of Architecture students explored innovative models for hosting the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games through LA28: Radical Re-Use, Resilience and the “No-Build” Olympics, a vertical topic...
2/18/2026THREE MAJOR LOS ANGELES ART INSTITUTIONS CELEBRATE PAUL R. WILLIAMS
From August 2026 through July 2027, three major Los Angeles art institutions—Getty, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and USC Fisher Museum of Art—will present a coordinated series of exhibitions celebrating...
2/17/2026Advanced design studio, Earthseeding Altadena, launches the Landscape Justice Initiative’s next project
For Associate Professor Alison Hirsch and her USC Master of Landscape Architecture + Urbanism (MLA+U) students, last semester’s advanced design studio — Earthseeding Altadena: Living Together “Between the Fires” — was just the...
Recent News
2/13/2026
JESSICA LARSON’S ARCHIVAL RESEARCH BROADENS PAUL R. WILLIAMS’ LEGACY
2/11/2026Jenae Edwards Named 2025 Recipient of the Robert L. Wesley Award
2/09/2026AMY MURPHY RECEIVES 2026 USC PROVOST’S MENTORING AWARD
2/02/2026Victor Regnier and Thomas Safran Establish New Endowed Chair in Architecture
1/30/2026Lauren Dandridge named LIGHTING25’s 2025 Most Influential People
1/16/2026USC Architecture Announces Spring 2026 Public Programming
Upcoming EVENTS

Vibrant LIVES
Beyond design studios and other classes, there is much going on at the School, including student events, lectures, exhibitions, global travel opportunities and workshops. The School is a constant hive of activity and invention, and the closely knit architecture community progresses our ideals into the future built environment.

” When I chose Heritage Conservation at USC, I knew I wanted to continue studying the built environment in a way that highlights the importance of existing structures and the people who use and love them. “
— Sam Malnati ‘25

” I appreciated being gently pushed into making contacts through USC’s unmatched professional network. Architecture has opened up possibilities rather than narrowed them. “
— David Wright ‘25

” I have loved being a part of the immersive studio culture at USC; I find the conversations I’ve had in these spaces insightful, inspiring, and special. It’s so important to stay inspired by seeing other ways of making and thinking. ”
— Jack Somers ‘25

” USC’s faculty, and urban proximity allowed me to truly discover the city I grew up in through the sense of the built environment and sparked a love for design that has only gotten stronger every year. ”
— Justin Kaczender ‘25

” I chose USC Architecture because of its unique location—close to the ocean, forests, and deserts which gave me the chance to explore many kinds of landscapes. With the support and encouragement of my professors, I spent time traveling and observing these environments. Those experiences deepened my curiosity about the relationship between nature and architecture.”
— Ellykira Chai ‘25

See Our PROJECTS
Discover student and faculty work that showcases our rigorous thinking process, creativity, and commitment to social responsibility. Be inspired by how we approach and solve complex architectural challenges.
Read through our most recent Viewbook
Quick FACTS
SCHOOL
106
Years since the school’s founding in 1919
#1
Ranked by students as the best college for Architecture in America by NICHE 2025
4
Distinct disciplines: Architecture, Landscape Architecture + Urbanism, Building Science & Heritage Convservation
STUDENTS
677
Full-time Students | 32 countries | 34 US States
25%
Of students are first generation
76%
Receive scholarships or financial aid
22%
Are International students from 32 countries
FACULTY
100+
Faculty
6:1
Student to faculty ratio
+$2m
In research grants awarded to faculty in 2025-26
ALUMNI
7K
Alumni living in 49 countries & the US
30
Alumni & Guild Events throughout the year
2
Pritzker Prize Winners – Frank Gehry USC’54 and Thom Mayne USC’69

Download our Viewbook to explore our innovative programs, vibrant student culture, and the unparalleled opportunities awaiting you at our school.

View our 2025 XPO Program to see studios and over 80 leading experts, educators and scholars attending our year-end graduating students’ thesis presentations and exhibition.
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