Master of Architecture
at University of Southern California, Los Angeles

3.7 /5

(20 Reviews)

Shiksha popularity ranking

#16 in M.Arch in USA

View ranking details Link Arrow Icon

Private University
School of Architecture

Talk to Expert

Master of Architecture
at
University of Southern California
Overview

The University of Southern California is a popular destination among international PG students interested in pursuing Master of Architecture from abroad. The program can be pursued over a duration of 2 to 3 years. The University of Southern California Master of Architecture program is considered part of the top ranked courses in USA. Candidates interested in pursuing the course must satisfy the specified eligibility criteria and secure valid scores in exams such as IELTS, TOEFL and PTE. Interested candidates are required to submit respective admission applications as soon as the admission window opens as there are limited seats to be filled.

The first year tuition fee for Master of Architecture at University of Southern California is around USD 68,264. Students must also plan for some other additional costs they may incur over the duration of studies such as rental, groceries, books, health insurance, etc. The average estimated cost of living at University of Southern California is around USD 9,240.

Duration	2 - 3 years Get Curriculum
Tuition & Fees	₹60.57 Lakh Get Fees details
International Students Admission Website	Go to Website
Official Career Service Website	Go to Website
Course Level	PG Degree

Master of Architecture

Table of content

Overview
Fees
Curriculum
Entry Requirements
Rankings
Placements
Highlights
Scholarships

Master of Architecture
at
University of Southern California
Fees

The fee breakup of the University of Southern California Master of Architecture includes the first-year tuition fee and cost of living. The cost of living will include expenses like rent for accommodation, meals, and other utilities. The total average University of Southern California cost of living can be around USD 9,240. The first-year tuition fees Master of Architecture is USD 68,264. Students must note that the total expenses are subject to vary, depending on the additional charges set by the University of Southern California.

Students can check the table given below to know more about University of Southern California Master of Architecture fee breakup.

1st year tuition fees

Fees components	Amount (for 1 year)
Tuition & fees	INR 60,57,065

Other expenses in 1st Year

Fees components	Amount (for 1 year)
Hostel & Meals	INR 8,19,865
Insurance	INR 2,39,748

Calculated at the exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 88.73 | Tuition & expenses were last updated on 16ᵗʰ December 2024

View all scholarships

Master of Architecture
at
University of Southern California
Curriculum

Students can click on the green button below to access and download the curriculum of the University of Southern California Master of Architecture. The PDF of the curriculum includes the main subjects taught by the university, the electives offered and additional course materials. The division of the Master of Architecture into semesters has also been included.

Download exam sample paper

Master of Architecture
at
University of Southern California
Entry Requirements

Requirements for 12th grade Lock Icon

No specific cutoff mentioned

Graduation Lock Icon

No specific cutoff mentioned
Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a major other than one of the design professions, (typically requiring three years of residency); or,

with advanced standing, for those individuals with a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architectural studies (typically requiring two years of residency).

+3: Individuals who have completed a four-year Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, or its equivalent, with no prior degree in architecture, are eligible for admission to the three-year professional degree program.

A minimum one-semester college-level course in physics or calculus is required. Preparation in the visual arts such as drawing, sculpture, graphics and/or basic design is strongly encouraged. Courses in the humanities, ecology, history of art, and architecture are strongly encouraged, although not required
Read less

Convert your CGPA to GPA

Calculate your score and check your eligibility at over 2000+ universities.

GPA

Percentage

CGPA

TOEFL

No specific cutoff mentioned
With 20 OR Above in each section

Register for TOEFL iBT® Test Today and get Rs 500 Off. Use code SHIKTOEFL to avail the discount. Hurry Register now for TOEFL

Sign-up to view details

Convert your CGPA to GPA

Calculate your score and check your eligibility at over 2000+ universities.

GPA

Percentage

CGPA

PTE

No specific cutoff mentioned
NA

IELTS

No specific cutoff mentioned
With 6 OR Above on each band

Get a Full FREE IELTS Prep Course with Shiksha Study Abroad – Limited Seats for Weekend & Weekday Batches! Register now for IELTS
Read less

Duolingo

No specific cutoff mentioned

Which exams out of the above do I need to give?

Sign-up to view details

Master of Architecture
at
University of Southern California
Rankings

Course Ranking

University Ranking

Rank	Rank Publisher
#51	Architecture and Built Environment QS, 2025

View All Rankings

Master of Architecture
at
University of Southern California
Placements

Particulars	Statistics (2021)
Internship Available	Yes

View placement details

University of Southern California
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.7/5

18 Verified Reviews Info Icon

Student Views (Based on Reviews)

40% students never faced discrimination in this university

Vibe of Campus

Academically oriented

Fun loving

Sporty

Multi-dimensional

Internships3.4

Part time work3.5

Post study jobs3.6

Quality of faculty4.4

Student Life4.3

Value for money3.3

Public transportation3.7

Safety3.4

Indian Food4

Permanent Immigration3

Anonymous

Master of Science in Applied Data Science - Batch of 2025

Offered by University of Southern California

4.6

The university offers a diverse range of on-campus job opportunities.

Tips: USC has a strong reputation for attracting top companies to campus for recruitment. Located in Los Angeles, a vibrant city with a diverse economy, it offers students access to numerous internship and job opportunities. Its proximity to the Bay Area, the heart of the tech industry, further enhances these prospects. Many students find internships and full-time roles at leading tech companies, entertainment firms, and startups in both regions. However, it is crucial for prospective studentsespecially international ones, to plan their finance carefully before joining. While on-campus jobs and internships can help support living expenses, they are not guaranteed and may not fully cover tuition or housing costs. Proper budgeting and having a clear understanding of expenses beforehand will ensure a smoother academic journey and allow students to take full advantage of the opportunities available.

Likes (Post study jobs): USC enjoys a strong reputation for attracting a wide range of companies for recruitment, offering students excellent career opportunities. Many organisations, ranging from tech giants to startups, regularly visit the campus for career fairs, internships, and full-time placements. The institution's emphasis on practical learning and industry collaboration further enhances student employability. Being located in Los Angeles, a major metropolitan hub, also adds to the appeal. The city itself is home to a thriving ecosystem of technology, entertainment, healthcare, and finance companies, making it easier for students to network and find off-campus internships during or after their studies. Furthermore, Los Angeles's proximity to the Bay Area, unarguably the heart of global technology and innovation, provides an additional advantage. Students can explore opportunities with leading tech firms headquartered there, including those offering summer internships or co-op programs.

Dislikes (Internships): The university offers a diverse range of on-campus job opportunities, which are beneficial for students looking to gain practical experience, support themselves financially, and integrate into campus life. These jobs span across departments such as libraries, dining services, administrative offices, research labs, and IT support. Many positions are flexible, allowing students to balance work with academic commitments. Working on campus not only helps in earning a steady income but also enhances soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management. However, the availability of these jobs for international students is comparatively limited. Due to U. S. regulations, international students on F-1 visas are only permitted to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year. While the university does its best to accommodate international students, many roles are quickly filled by domestic students or have eligibility criteria that favour U. S. citizens or permanent residents. In some cases, language proficiency requirements or prior experience also pose barriers. Additionally, research assistantships or graduate assistant roles, which are more aligned with academic and professional goals, can be highly competitive for international students. Funding limitations or departmental preference may further restrict access. As a result, international students often need to be proactive, apply early, and leverage faculty connections to secure suitable roles.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 5725

Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD 77825

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2025Read more

Anonymous

M.S. in Spatial Economics and Data Analysis - Batch of 2025

Offered by University of Southern California

3.8

Grateful for the experience and lesson.

Tips: The campus is very friendly and welcoming and the student body is diverse so you'll be sure to fit in. The infrastructure is well made and living in California is great for Indians. If there is something to be cautious about, it is the amount of crime happening around the university.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 4575

Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD 89075

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2024Read more

Ganpati Goel Verified Icon

MS in Engineering Management (MSEMT) - Batch of 2023

Offered by University of Southern California

4.1

The University is awesome, there is a lot of competition, sports, extracurriculars and party house.

Tips: Complete assignments on time, make sure to clear all subjects, and join extracurriculars like Table tennis, triathlon club and cycling etc., if you are not into all of this then don't bother coming to USC and save some money. USC is not merely for education but for the holistic development of self if you have missed that in Indian colleges.

Likes (Public transportation): I personally learnt skateboarding and life was so much easier than to walk the whole campus. So skateboarding + public transport I could travel anywhere in the city. USC also has unlimited free Lyft in 2 mile radius around the campus from 6 pm to 2 am. You can get the tap card at a discount for college students.

Dislikes (Post study jobs): In USA: 1. Post study jobs matter on the following: a. Location of University. If you have done college from East Cost you will get a company call back from East Cost majorly and vice versa- the name of the college doesn't matter as much. b. Experience: Your own experience matters. People with prior experience are more likely to secure jobs. c. On campus companies: Very few companies that come on campus sponsor, so it is pretty much useless.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000

Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD 85000

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2024Read more

Agraj Khare Verified Icon

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024

Offered by University of Southern California

3.9

This place has a lot to offer. Student life is happening.

Tips: One should definitely do their due diligence with which course they plan on taking UPAT USC. It is definitely a great leap and transition coming to a new country and it will take some time to get yourself adjusted in the system. Getting habitual of doing everything on your own can also prove to be challenging. With time you will definitely find an on-campus job to support your living expenses and things will improve for the better. The key is to remain patient and stay consistent. USC as a university has a lot to offer, so don't be afraid to grab onto opportunities and get as involved as you can! Make the most of it and have a great time. Striking a balance between fun and work is equally important.

Likes (Student Life): There is always something going around in campus. The campus is forever hustling and bustling. I honestly feel the people you'll meet at USC will be great, I am sure there are exceptions but the student population is diverse and has a lot to offer. There are ample events conducted by AIS (Association of Indian Students) so you don't miss your key festivals away from home.

Dislikes (Safety): Safety is definitely a concern in Downtown Los Angeles. Even though USC makes more than sufficient efforts to keep its students safe, you will come across instances of crime a little too frequently for comfort. But I still feel safety is a matter of personal choices as well. So always make sure you're cautious and taking the right precautions.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1425

Prepping time for classes35 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2024Read more

Anonymous

Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024

Offered by University of Southern California

3.1

Great but also expensive

Tips: As someone who is from Mumbai, moving to LA feels like a huge change. The city is huge but it is difficult to explore without a car. The people here are welcoming, and there are a lot of international students, especially from India. But it is expensive without a scholarship, and USC discontinued the Honours Scholarship programme so it is more difficult to fund your education now.

Likes (Quality of faculty): The faculty at USC is really good. In the courses that I took, the faculty had a thorough understanding of all the topics and were super friendly and welcoming during their office hours. Even if you aren't able to reach the professors, there are TAs who are also really helpful most of the time.

Dislikes (Value for money): Although USC is a good school, it is quite expensive. There are a lot of students in some courses, and for those courses, the quality drops. I believe other universities that are less expensive have the same level of courses and an equal number of opportunities for internship and full-time jobs.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1200

Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD 100025

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2024Read more

View All 20 Reviews

Master of Architecture
at
University of Southern California
Highlights

Master of Architecture is offered by School of Architecture under University of Southern California , USA.
This a Masters level program of a course duration of 2-3 Years.
Download the brochure to read more details of this course.