Program: Building Science Certificate - University of Southern California

Apr 04, 2025

USC Catalogue 2020-2021

Building science at USC recognizes that exemplary architecture requires a creative response to natural forces, based on informed good judgment in the areas of architectural technology. The Certificate in Building Science is intended as a supplement for students enrolled in graduate course work in architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, urban planning or related disciplines.

Course Requirements

Completion of the certificate requires a minimum of 14 units. Students must take three core courses. Electives in building science may be taken to complete the program requirements.

Required Courses

Choose three of the following six courses:

ARCH 511L Building Systems: Materials and Construction Units: 4 or
ARCH 611 Advanced Building Systems Integration Units: 4
ARCH 513L Seminar: Advanced Structures Units: 4 or
ARCH 613L Seminar: Structures Research Units: 4
ARCH 515L Seminar: Advanced Environmental Systems Units: 4 or
ARCH 615L Seminar: Environmental Systems Research Units: 4
Elective(s) in Buliding Science Units: 2

Sample Electives

(or as approved by the program faculty adviser or director)

ARCH 507 Theories of Computer Technology Units: 3
ARCH 517 Current Topics in Building Science Units: 1 (max 6)
ARCH 518 Advanced Surface Tectonics: Methods in Material and Enclosure Units: 2
ARCH 519 Sustainability in the Environment: Infrastructures, Urban Landscapes, and Buildings Units: 3
ARCH 573 Seismic Design Units: 2
ARCH 577L Lighting Design Units: 4
One from the list of required courses that was not yet selected Units: 4

Note:

Courses for this certificate cannot also be required courses in the student’s major in the School of Architecture.