Mar 18, 2024  
USC Catalogue 2019-2020 
    
USC Catalogue 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOGUE]

Building Science (MBS)


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The Chase L. Leavitt Graduate Building Science program in the USC School of Architecture is a global leader in architectural technology education - the intricacies of structure, environmental controls, sustainability, materials and methods, and computing, with a special strength in façade research. The Master of Building Science curriculum encourages “breadth with depth,” providing students with a solid platform of core knowledge that they can then amplify through their individual research projects. Electives allow students to stretch in a variety of directions, both within the field and beyond into the related disciplines of heritage conservation, landscape architecture, and architecture.

Graduate building science degree programs at USC are a half-century old, although the pedagogy has been an integral part of the School of Architecture for more than a century. Some of the great innovators of our field are either graduates or faculty associated with our program. The confluence of an outstanding faculty, dedicated students, an exceptional curricular structure, good facilities and a long history of collaborative scholarly achievement creates an unparalleled academic home for those interested in cutting-edge research and technological innovation.

Degree Requirements


The Thesis Track consists of 18 units of specified courses to include three core seminars and one research seminar; 17 units of elective courses; and 13 units of thesis and thesis preparation. Completion of this track requires 48 units.  

The Non-Thesis Track consists of 18 units of specified courses to include three core seminars and one research seminar, 1 unit of thesis preparation, 17 units of electives and 12 units from a specified list of courses. Students are required to declare their intention for the Non-Thesis Track by the end of their first year of studies and must receive admission approval from the Director of the Master of Building Science program. Completion of this degree requires 48 units.  

48-Unit Sample Curriculum For Thesis Track


First Year, First Semester


  • Core seminar(s) and/or research seminar(s) Units: 12

Total units: 13


First Year, Second Semester


  • Core seminar and/or research seminar Units: 4

  • Electives Units: 7

Total units: 11


Second Year, First Semester


Total units: 12


Total units: 12


48-Unit Sample Curriculum for Non-Thesis Track


Non-Thesis Track Building Science Elective Options (must choose 12 units)


(Note: Students may obtain credit for either ARCH 613L  or ARCH 615L  in the non-thesis option, but not both. They must select one of these two courses as part of their regular core).

                                                                        

First Year, First Semester


  • Core seminar(s) and/or research seminar(s) Units: 12
Total units: 13

First Year, Second Semester


  • Core seminar and/or research seminar Units: 4
  • Electives Units: 7
Total units: 11

Second Year, First Semester


  • Elective Units: 10
  • Select 2 units of Building Science elective course work from above list
Total units: 12

Second Year, Second Semester


  • Select 10 units of Building Science elective course work from above list
Total units: 12

Advanced Standing for Students with a Five-Year Professional Degree in Architecture


Applicants who have completed a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree and at least five years of teaching or practice (may be combined), may be qualified for advanced standing. Each student will be considered individually. In such cases, the degree requirements are 36 units, including 16 units of specified courses, 13 units of thesis and thesis preparation and 7 units of electives. Students with advanced standing will typically be able to complete the degree program in three regular semesters. Admission with advanced standing is determined at the time of review for admission to the program.

36-Unit Advanced Standing Sample Curriculum


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