Fall 2026 Open Registration: August 17-21
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
8/10/2026CLASS OF '26 SPOTLIGHT: MEL JAMES
Originally from Northern California, Mel James grew up in the small towns of the Sacramento River Delta before studying History and Education at UC Davis and later working as a high school teacher and nonprofit youth development leader in Sacramento. They came to USC to pursue Heritage Conservation with a clear goal: to work in historic preservation in California and advocate for the stories and places that too often go unrecognized, especially those tied to underrepresented communities. “California is my home and I care deeply about how the state's heritage is preserved, especially for underrepresented communities. I also liked that...
8/06/20261982 TO 2026: EXPLORATION IN ARCHITECTURE
This summer, 62 high school students from around the world joined us at the USC School of Architecture for an immersive educational experience in our “Exploration of Architecture” program. For four weeks,...
7/29/2026CLASS OF '26 SPOTLIGHT: NOELLE OSBORNE
Originally from Tenafly, New Jersey, Noelle always knew architecture was the path for her. That became even clearer after attending the USC Summer Program in 2019, where she fell in love with...
7/22/2026MAJOR EXHIBITION TO EXPLORE GROUNDBREAKING ARCHITECT PAUL R. WILLIAMS’S VISION FOR HOUSING AND URBAN LIFE
USC Fisher Museum of Art will present the first major exhibition to explore the contributions of groundbreaking architect Paul R. Williams (1894-1980) to modern multifamily housing and urban Black communities. On view...
7/21/2026CLASS OF '26 SPOTLIGHT: ENIKO CSANAKI
With a background in interior architecture and professional experience in London, Eniko Csanaki built a unique path that bridges design, building performance, and sustainability. Driven by a curiosity about how material choices...
Recent News
7/15/2026
CLASS OF '26 SPOTLIGHT: MORGAN LEWIS
7/08/2026TRANSFER STUDENT JOSH HUNSUCKER FINDS HIS CALLING IN ARCHITECTURE AT USC
7/06/2026ARCH 580: ENTROPY AND THE NEW MONUMENTS MAYMESTER
6/26/2026USC ARCHITECTURE LAUNCHES NEW LIGHTING DESIGN GRADUATE CERTIFICATE
6/24/2026CLASS OF '26 SPOTLIGHT: AZIZ ALGHURAIR
6/18/2026IN MEMORIAM OF VISIONARY ARCHITECT AND EDUCATOR LORCAN O’HERLIHY
Upcoming EVENTS
8/14/2026New Graduate Student Orientation
8/18/2026Paul R. Williams: An Architect Considered
8/19/2026Ice cream social (Undergrad Move-in Day)
8/19/2026USC Welcome Week Curator Walk Through
8/20/2026New Undergraduate Student Welcome
8/28/2026All School Welcome
9/02/2026Traveling Fellows Info Session
9/09/2026Faculty Presentation: Constructing the Intangible with Jose Herrasti
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 Facts Sheet 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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