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Southern California Institute of Architecture

Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology

Field of study · Los Angeles, California, United States

  • Level

    Bachelor

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Campus

    Los Angeles

  • Intl. Tuition

    Fee not confirmed

  • Intake

    Fall 2027

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Course Overview

Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology at Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles, California, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.

  • Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
  • Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
  • Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
  • Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
  • Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.

Career snapshot (indicative)

Architecture and design graduates work across the built environment, in design practice, construction management and urban development, typically pursuing professional accreditation relevant to their specialisation.

Student life (indicative)

LA offers a uniquely cinematic student experience — beaches, Hollywood, world-class food, a massive music scene, and an outdoor lifestyle that's hard to beat. Traffic is the trade-off.

The University at a Glance

Undergraduate Population

236

Staff Ratio

9.0:1

International

45.8%

Career Prospects

Completion Rate

71%

finish their degree (not an employment rate)

Avg Starting Salary

£33,180

First-year earnings

Costs & Living

Intl. Tuition

Fee not confirmed

Check the university's official fee page Official fee page

University Life

Urban

City & Location

Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)

Course Curriculum

Year 1

  • Foundations of Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology
  • Academic and Research Skills
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Introduction to Theory and Practice
  • Optional language or breadth module.

Year 2

  • Intermediate Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology topics
  • Applied Methods and Tools
  • Group Project
  • Two optional pathway modules
  • Career and Industry Insights.

Year 3

  • Advanced Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology
  • Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
  • Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
  • Employability and Professional Development.

Entry Requirements

No specific entry requirements listed.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.

Campus & City Life

Student Population

236

Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.

Staff Ratio

9:1

Students per staff

International Students

46%

Of student body

Campus at a Glance

Campus Type

Urban

City Size

Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)

Climate (indicative)

Mild coastal

Safety Index (indicative)

6.5/10

Transport

Excellent (direct city or on-campus rail, major airport nearby)

Social Scene

Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle

Student Life & City (indicative)

LA offers a uniquely cinematic student experience — beaches, Hollywood, world-class food, a massive music scene, and an outdoor lifestyle that's hard to beat. Traffic is the trade-off.

  • LA offers a uniquely cinematic student experience — beaches, Hollywood, world-class food, a massive music scene, and an outdoor lifestyle that's hard to beat.
  • Traffic is the trade-off.

What Students Love

  • Beach lifestyle
  • Vibrant nightlife & bars
  • Diverse international food scene
  • Active music scene

University Stats

Undergraduate Students236
Student-to-Staff Ratio9:1
International Students46%
Safety Index (indicative)6.5/10

Career & Outcomes

Completion Rate

71%

Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.

Avg Starting Salary

£33,180

Average first-year salary

Placement Year

✗ Not offered

Industry work experience

Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)

Architecture and design graduates work across the built environment, in design practice, construction management and urban development, typically pursuing professional accreditation relevant to their specialisation.

  • Architecture and design graduates work across the built environment, in design practice, construction management and urban development, typically pursuing professional accreditation relevant to their specialisation.

Top Industries for Graduates

  • Business
  • Healthcare
  • Education

Study Abroad Opportunities

Y

  • Y

Costs & Living Expenses

Intl. Tuition

Fee not confirmed

Check the university's official fee page Official fee page

Overall Cost of Living (indicative)

HIGH

This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.

Monthly Student Budget (indicative)

Housing£1,303/mo
Food & Groceries£410/mo
Transport£146/mo
Estimated Monthly Total£2,113
Annual living costs£25,359/yr

Cost Overview (indicative)

One of the most expensive student cities in the US — budget $2,675/month (housing $1,650 alone, plus $520 food and $185 transport). LA's costs are high but the beaches, entertainment industry and sunshine make it a unique student experience.

  • One of the most expensive student cities in the US — budget $2,675/month (housing $1,650 alone, plus $520 food and $185 transport).
  • LA's costs are high but the beaches, entertainment industry and sunshine make it a unique student experience.