Program: Master of Advanced Architectural Studies/Master of Planning (MAAS/MPl) - University of Southern California

Apr 03, 2025

USC Catalogue 2016-2017

The Master of 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 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
ARCH 793bL Architecture Directed Design Research Option I Units: 6 or
ARCH 795aL Architecture Thesis Option II Units: 2
ARCH 795bL Architecture Thesis Option II Units: 6
Elective* Units: 8

Note:

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

Public Policy

PPD 500 Intersectoral Leadership Units: 2
PPD 501a Economics for Policy, Planning and Development Units: 2
PPD 524 Planning Theory Units: 2
PPD 525 Statistics and Arguing from Data Units: 2
PPD 526 Comparative International Development Units: 2
PPD 527 The Social Context of Planning Units: 2
PPD 529 Legal Environment of Planning Units: 2
PPD 533 Planning History and Urban Form Units: 2

Note:

2-unit courses may be offered in seven-and-a-half week blocks.

Additional Requirements

Concentration Methodology: A 4-unit course selected from the concentration list shown in the Master of Planning program.

Planning Studios: PPD 531L (4, 4) to total 8 units. Students must complete 8 units of domestic or international planning studies under PPD 531L (4) to satisfy this requirement. A maximum of 12 units may be taken.

Electives: A total of 8 units of electives taken within the USC Price School of Public Policy.

Dual degree students, like all other MPl students, must take a comprehensive examination and fulfill the internship requirement.