Architectural Studies (BS)

Bachelor of Science, Architectural Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies program begins intensively with architectural studies in the first two years and provides a mix of architectural and general university studies throughout the program. The curriculum includes a core program in the first two years identical to the Bachelor of Architecture professional degree program. The last two years provide the opportunity to explore many aspects of architecture and related fields and to develop individual strengths and interests. Students take an introductory course in specialization in the second year, which provides an introduction to related fields and alternative degree options. Students can elect to move into the four-year non-professional BS in Architectural Studies program with a degree plan identifying electives fulfilling an area of concentration. The program is concluded with a seminar with all degree candidates, allowing for collaborative work on areas of common interest.

Admission as a First-year Student

All applicants to the School of Architecture must complete the Common Application and submit it to the USC Office of Admission along with Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or other test scores. All applicants, including international students, must submit a portfolio.

Admission with Advanced Placement

It is possible, in selected instances, that a transfer student from an accredited community college or other university may be eligible for advanced placement at the second-year level if previous work includes a minimum of 32 semester units of acceptable academic credit in a pre-architecture program. The academic credit must include at least 8 semester units in architectural design or environmental design. Students accepted for advanced placement must still comply with all requirements for the degree.

Advanced placement applicants are required to submit a design portfolio to the School of Architecture at the time of application.

Summer Transfer Courses

A summer design studio allows highly qualified students transferring from community college or other university programs to be evaluated for advanced placement in the fall semester. Applicants must submit a university application and portfolio by February 1 for consideration. During the summer studio, transfer students must demonstrate significant design and drawing skill to justify advanced placement. Transfer students who are admitted with fewer than 32 units of college level work and who have only limited drawing or design skills may be considered for placement in the first year of the four-year program. Previous academic work may in part be applied toward required and elective courses for the four-year BS in Architectural Studies program. For more information about this program, contact the school at (213) 740-2420.

Advisement

The School of Architecture maintains student advisers for the benefit of all students in the school. All incoming students will participate in new student orientation and receive information about course requirements and planning. An individual appointment with an adviser may be scheduled at any time during the academic year to review course work in progress or to plan for future semesters.

Design Studio Grade Point Average Requirement

Less than average work in design studio is not considered sufficient for a continuation in the design studio sequence. Students must receive a grade of C (2.0) or above in each semester of design in order to continue in the design sequence. Students in the first two years of the program are required to repeat the course until such a grade is achieved.

Pass/No Pass Courses

Architecture students are permitted to take a maximum of 24 units of non-architecture electives, exclusive of the writing requirements, MATH 108  and the PHYS 125  requirement, on a pass/no pass option. No more than 4 units of pass/no pass courses may be applied to general education requirements; no more than 4 units may be taken in one semester. Students who have taken non-architecture courses pass/no pass in the past (i.e., before admission to architecture) may count such pass/no pass courses toward, but not in addition to, the maximum of 24 units.

Time Limits

While there are no specific time limits for completing the BS in Architectural Studies degree (except in the case of discontinued programs) the School of Architecture may require additional course work of students who remain in the degree program beyond six years.