PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS

Exploration of Architecture offers two concurrent programs that introduce high school students to the fundamentals of architectural education. Students can choose from a dynamic, remote two-week experience or an immersive, in-person and on-campus four-week experience. In both programs, students will design and build in a collaborative studio environment while working directly with the School’s distinguished faculty and upper division students. The four-week program offers three units of college credit.

These programs will enable students to make informed decisions about future academic and professional choices. In addition, they will attend lectures and engage in conversations with leading local, national, and international architects. Students will meet and make friends with other participants from around the world with similar interests. These programs provide excellent opportunities to refine problem-solving skills and deal with abstract concepts.

APX is a nationwide professional and social co-ed fraternity for students of architecture and the allied arts. APX has over 30 chapters across the country, meaning a nationwide network of active members and alumni that continues beyond graduation. Andronicus is the Alpha Rho Chi chapter at USC and is one of the oldest student organizations on campus. APX organizes many events to strengthen the relationship between students, faculty and the School of Architecture.

The mission of the AIAS is to promote excellence in architecture education, training, and practice; foster an appreciation of architecture and related disciplines; enrich communities in a spirit of collaboration; and encourage students to advance the art and science of architecture. AIAS creates a forum of students to interact outside of studio. The USC Chapter of AIAS gives students the opportunities to network with the professional world and contribute to the Los Angeles community.

USC ASLA is the USC student chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. The organization hosts a series of workshops and professional networking events throughout the year and encourages collaboration across disciplines. The student leaders are dedicated to fostering communication and advancing student development and opportunities within the School of Architecture and reaching our networks across the greater Los Angeles region.

GASA is comprised and representative of the USC School of Architecture graduate student body. The organization explores and promotes academic and career issues related to the field of architecture. It represents the concerns and needs of the graduate student body by providing interdisciplinary exchanges and insight of special interests to students. GASA works to help create memories and connections by working to improve all aspects of the graduate student experience.

The NOMAS Chapter at the University of Southern California strives to enhance the USC Architecture community by promoting the cultural backgrounds and experiences of our minority students. Events and activities hosted by NOMAS benefit all students and faculty members as well as the greater community.

SAWA-USC is dedicated to the advancement and support of women in the field of architecture. It encourages and fosters high levels of women’s achievement in design through conversation, networking, mentorship, scholarship, and more. SAWA-USC cultivates awareness of the value of equality in the workplace and fosters an empowering environment for women, providing students the opportunity to learn from women faculty, alumni, and professionals in architecture.

UASC is comprised of the official elected representatives of the entire undergraduate population at the USC School of Architecture. The executive board represents the undergraduate student body and acts as a bridge between students and the School. The objective of the board is to enhance the academic and social experience of students on and off campus and fosters inter-grade relationships through the opportunity to learn from women faculty, alumni, and professionals in architecture.

From a foundation of rigorous research and inspired design, USC architects and scholars move fluidly from theory into practice. Embedded in one of the nation’s most respected research universities, the School of Architecture nurtures an environment in which students and faculty collaborate across disciplines. By engaging the praxis of architecture in conversation with peers in the arts, humanities, STEM, and other disciplines, USC Architecture sparks connections that reveal new and previously unimagined solutions.

Now in its 100th year, USC Architecture is emerging with new initiatives focused on research and creative work in building technologies, landscape and ecology, sustainability, urbanism, and housing. The School utilizes its local resources and partnerships in the University and in the regional community of Southern California while continuing to expand its research and academic footprint regionally and globally. Students are encouraged to engage in cutting-edge, professional research with faculty advisors in their course of studies to seek solutions for today’s pressing issues.