Feb 04, 2026  
USC Catalogue 2025-2026 
    
USC Catalogue 2025-2026

Master of Heritage Conservation/Master of Architecture (MHC/MArch)


The Master of Heritage Conservation/Master of Architecture dual degree program facilitates highly related cross-disciplinary studies in both fields at the master’s level. The Master of Architecture program explores the power of design to change the built environment. The Master of Heritage Conservation program explores the power of place to understand how the built environment changes over time, and how existing places can evolve in ways that serve and strengthen communities. With the urgent need to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, reusing existing buildings is at the forefront of architectural practice. The dual degree curriculum offers students a broad, practical foundation in the theories, techniques and strategies of both disciplines. It pushes students to envision a more just built environment by leveraging cultural heritage and emerging design technologies, centering people and communities, and challenging the status quo.

Qualified students who are admitted to the Master of Heritage Conservation and the Master of Architecture programs in the School of Architecture may complete both degrees in a highly integrated six- to seven-semester program.

Completion of the dual degree requires 36 units of courses in heritage conservation (including 8 units of thesis) and either 48 units of architecture (for students admitted with advanced placement) or 79 units of architecture (for students admitted to the three-year curriculum).

Master of Heritage Conservation/Master of Architecture (Advanced Placement)


If a student admitted to the Master of Architecture program has already completed a pre-professional undergraduate degree or a professional degree in architecture, the student may qualify for advanced placement. Advanced placement allows the student to complete the dual degree in six semesters.

Completion of the dual degree with Master of Architecture (MArch) advanced placement requires 84 units, including 36 units of courses in heritage conservation and 48 units of courses in architecture (including 8 units of thesis).

Thesis Requirements


The topic must be relevant to both degrees.

The thesis committee must include one member from each degree program, plus a third member with expertise relevant to the topic. 

Total units for dual degree (advanced placement): 84


Master of Heritage Conservation/Master of Architecture (Three-Year Curriculum)


Qualified students admitted to the Master of Architecture three-year curriculum in the School of Architecture may complete both degrees in seven semesters.

Completion of the dual degree with MArch three-year curriculum requires 115 units, including 36 units of courses in heritage conservation and 79 units of courses in architecture (including 8 units of thesis).

Thesis Requirements


The topic must be relevant to both degrees.

The thesis committee must include a member from each degree program, plus a third member with expertise relevant to the topic.

Total units for dual degree (three-year curriculum): 115