Master of Advanced Architectural Studies/Master of Urban Planning (MAAS/MUP)

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The Master of Urban Planning/Master of Advanced Architectural Studies dual degree program facilitates highly related cross-disciplinary studies in architecture and in planning at the master’s level. This program offers students interested in developing a career in urban design an opportunity to make more substantial commitments in both disciplines and to achieve a more coherent and extensive knowledge in the design of built environments and public policy. This dual degree program normally requires five semesters in residence.

Qualified students who are admitted to the graduate programs in both the School of Architecture and the USC Price School of Public Policy may complete both degrees in a highly integrated five-semester program. Such students must already possess a five-year professional degree in architecture.

Requirements

Requirements for completion of the dual degree program are 72 units, including 36 units in architecture and 36 units in urban planning, as follows:

Architecture

ARCH 606 Advanced Architectural Theory Units: 2
ARCH 607 Advanced Computation Units: 2
ARCH 608 Urban Theory: Los Angeles Case Study Units: 2
ARCH 609 Advanced Fabrication Units: 2
ARCH 702L Advanced Graduate Architecture Design – Themes Units: 6
ARCH 705L Advanced Graduate Architecture Design – Topics Units: 6
ARCH 793aL Architecture Directed Design Research Option I Units: 2 and
ARCH 793bL Architecture Directed Design Research Option I Units: 6 or
ARCH 795aL Architecture Thesis Option II Units: 2 and
ARCH 795bL Architecture Thesis Option II Units: 6
Elective* Units: 8

Note:

*5 units of electives taken within the School of Architecture.

Urban Planning

PPD 522 Planning Theory and History for a Just Society Units: 4
PPD 523 Urban and International Development Units: 4
PPD 529 Planning Law and Legal Frameworks of Planning Units: 2
PPD 531L Planning Studio Units: 4, 8, 12 (4 units required)
PPD 534 Data, Evidence, and Communication of the Public Good Units: 4
PPD 629 Capstone in Urban Planning Units: 4

Concentrations

There are six concentrations available in the Master of Urban Planning program: Arts and Culture, Design of the Built Environment, Planning for Climate Change and Sustainability, Housing and Real Estate Development, Economic Development, and Mobility and Transportation Planning. Students must select a concentration gateway and methodology course (4 units each, 8 units total). Please see the Master of Urban Planning section of the catalogue for the concentration descriptions and course lists.

Electives

Students select 6 units of electives in urban planning.

Note:

Students in this dual degree will be waived out of PPD 528 in the MUP core as the design skills will be covered in the ARCH design classes.