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    Exploration of Architecture
    In-person Program

    Exploration of Architecture

    by USC Pre-College

    Exploration of Architecture combines design projects, building tours and faculty guidance to help students test architectural thinking and develop portfolio work.

    Last verified: 5 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Exploration of Architecture at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    High school; completed ninth grade

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 15-18

    Location / Region

    USC University Park Campus, Los Angeles, United States

    Cost

    $8,130; $11,570; $12,208

    Duration

    4 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next session

    21 June-15 July 2027

    Save program
    ArchitectureDesign
    Accommodation: Shared university residence-hall rooms
    Meals: Residential: three daily dining-hall meals
    Certificate / Outcome: Three units of elective credit
    Campus experience: Libraries; computer labs; supervised activities
    Tutors / faculty: USC School of Architecture faculty
    Main output: Architecture portfolio work
    Class commitment: 5-6 instructional hours per day

    Exploration of Architecture summary

    Exploration of Architecture introduces architectural thinking through drawing, model making, building analysis and design projects. USC School of Architecture faculty lead the course.

    Students move from observing existing spaces to testing design proposals and producing architectural representations. Building tours and conversations with practicing architects connect classroom work to real places.

    Its strongest appeal is the chance to test your interest in architecture while developing portfolio work. The course rewards independent effort and a willingness to revise ideas.

    What is Exploration of Architecture?

    Exploration of Architecture is USC Pre-College's introduction to architectural design and spatial thinking. USC School of Architecture faculty combine lectures, hands-on assignments, building tours and conversations with practicing architects. Students examine how buildings and spaces are designed and experienced.

    The curriculum progresses through analysis, experience, order and architectural representation. Photography, sketching, mapping, physical models and digital drawings help students turn observations into design proposals. Portfolio guidance gives that work a practical purpose beyond the classroom.

    Why Succeed highlights Exploration of Architecture

    • The weekly sequence connects architectural observation to design development and presentation.

    • Analog and digital drawing and modeling give students several ways to communicate spatial ideas.

    • Building visits and practicing architects bring professional context into the course.

    • Expert portfolio guidance helps students develop work they can discuss in college applications.

    • Successful completion earns university elective credit with transfer decisions made by receiving institutions.

    Who is Exploration of Architecture for?

    Best for

    Students who want to test architecture through practical design work and are comfortable working independently.

    Not ideal if

    You want a light sightseeing experience or expect participation to guarantee USC admission.

    Is Exploration of Architecture worth it?

    This is a strong option when your goal is to experience the work of architectural study before committing to a degree. Faculty-led design assignments, building analysis and portfolio development give you concrete work to reflect on. The value depends on engaging with the design process and revising your ideas.

    The intensity and substantial financial commitment deserve careful family discussion. College credit can be useful, but another institution decides whether to accept it, and participation does not guarantee admission to USC. Compare the learning and portfolio benefits with what you could achieve through a more affordable design project.

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $8,130; $11,570; $12,208; includes Tuition and course instruction, Textbooks, course materials and academic field trips, On-campus social activities and off-campus recreational trips, Mandatory Student Health Center access, Residential option: shared residence-hall room, Residential option: dining-hall meals and specified field-trip meals.

    Accommodation

    Shared university residence-hall rooms

    Meals

    Residential: three daily dining-hall meals

    Provider details

    Review the USC Pre-College provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    4 weeks; USC University Park Campus, Los Angeles, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Exploration of Architecture need?

    Effort level

    High.

    Best started

    Begin planning in the fall ahead of the announced summer session, allowing several weeks for application documents and longer for international travel.

    Main challenge

    Managing independent work while repeatedly testing and improving design ideas.

    Typical preparation

    • Practice observing a building through sketches, photographs and notes about scale and movement.

    • Set aside time to draft your own application essay and arrange the recommendation and school transcript.

    • Discuss the residential or commuter budget and attendance commitment with your family.

    • International applicants should plan English proficiency evidence and immigration documents early.

    Useful if

    You want a realistic introduction to architectural study and portfolio development.

    What do students do on Exploration of Architecture?

    You study existing spaces, develop architectural proposals and communicate your ideas through drawings and models. The sequence moves from observation and spatial experience to design development and final representation.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Analyze scale, composition and order using photography, drawing and digital tools.

    2. 2

      Explore movement and the experience of space through mapping, sketching and a field trip.

    3. 3

      Develop design studies and three-dimensional models while examining form and design methods.

    4. 4

      Create digital drawings, physical models and perspective collages.

    5. 5

      Present architectural work and develop portfolio material with expert guidance.

    Exploration of Architecture dates and deadlines

    Application deadline

    13 March 2026

    International applicants; 2026 reference cycle.

    Past

    Application deadline

    8 May 2026

    Domestic applicants; 2026 reference cycle.

    Past

    Exploration of Architecture 2026

    22 June-17 July 2026

    Shared USC Summer Programs schedule.

    Past

    Exploration of Architecture 2027

    21 June-15 July 2027

    Announced USC Summer Programs dates; application information is expected in November.

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Be a domestic or international high school student.

    • Complete at least ninth grade before the program starts.

    • Pursue a rigorous high school curriculum.

    • Attend all required class meetings.

    • International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through tests or a waiver.

    • Commuters must live with parents or guardians in eligible local counties.

    • International participants and domestic participants living abroad must reside on campus.

    How much does Exploration of Architecture cost?

    Domestic commuter fee

    $8,130 — 2026 estimated total.

    Funding or discounts

    • Domestic residential fee: $11,570 — 2026 estimated total including room and board.
    • International residential fee: $12,208 — 2026 estimated USC total; government fees are additional.
    • Application fee: $85 — Nonrefundable and cannot be waived.
    • Deposit: $1,000 — Nonrefundable; credited toward the total program cost.
    • Visa application fee: $185 — For international participants who require a visa application.
    • SEVIS I-901 fee: $350 — Government charge for applicable international participants.

    What's included

    Tuition and course instruction, Textbooks, course materials and academic field trips, On-campus social activities and off-campus recreational trips, Mandatory Student Health Center access, Residential option: shared residence-hall room, Residential option: dining-hall meals and specified field-trip meals

    How to apply to Exploration of Architecture

    1. 1

      Create an account or log in through the USC Summer Programs application portal.

    2. 2

      Select your course preferences, including Exploration of Architecture.

    3. 3

      Write your own 300-500-word application essay.

    4. 4

      Request an online recommendation from a teacher, counselor or mentor.

    5. 5

      Ask a school administrator to upload your PDF high school transcript.

    6. 6

      Provide an accepted English proficiency test result or waiver if required.

    7. 7

      Pay the $85 application fee, complete every task and click Submit.

    8. 8

      Monitor your email and portal for application communications.

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    What does Exploration of Architecture cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Analysis

    Study scale, composition and order through photography, drawing and digital tools.

    Experience

    Explore movement and temporal qualities of space through mapping, sketching, drawing and a field trip.

    Order

    Examine form and design methods through design studies, three-dimensional models and a field trip.

    Image

    Practice architectural representation through digital drawings, physical models and digital perspective collages.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Exploration of Architecture?

    A typical day during the program.

    Class day

    The published class window includes breaks for lunch or field trips.

    Instruction

    Students enroll in one course and attend all required class meetings.

    Residential activities

    Supervised social activities and recreational trips accompany academic work.

    Who teaches on Exploration of Architecture?

    USC School of Architecture faculty lead the course through hands-on assignments, lectures and building tours. Conversations with practicing architects give students additional professional perspectives.

    Where do students stay on Exploration of Architecture?

    Residential plan

    • Shared residence-hall room: Students live in university halls with gender-specific roommate and floormate assignments.
    • Dining-hall meal plan: Room and board covers three daily meals, with specific Saturday field-trip arrangements.
    • Residential safety: Advisors live in the halls, access uses USCard, and campus safety patrols operate 24/7.
    • Supervised activities: Evening activities and weekend trips are organized by residential advisors and program staff.

    Non-residential plan

    • Local commuter option: Eligible students live with a parent or guardian in Los Angeles or Orange County.
    • Activities and field trips: Commuters attend academic sessions and can join organized activities under the applicable permission rules.
    • Meal access: Commuters can purchase meals; commuter meal plans are not offered.

    Roommate requests cannot be accommodated; international participants and domestic participants living abroad must reside on campus.

    What happens after Exploration of Architecture?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Develop architecture portfolio work for college applications.

    Earn three units of elective credit upon successful completion.

    Request an official USC transcript showing your course grade.

    Build drawing, modeling and architectural representation skills.

    Explore potential college recommendations from faculty or staff.

    Credit transfer depends on the receiving institution; recommendations and USC admission are not guaranteed.

    Where does Exploration of Architecture take place?

    The program takes place on USC's University Park Campus in Los Angeles, with architecture presentations in Watt Hall. Building visits connect campus study with significant places in the city, including the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

    International participants arrange their own travel; USC does not provide early-arrival or late-departure accommodations.

    Exploration of Architecture FAQs

    You study design and composition, representation techniques, architectural form, scale, proportion, order and three-dimensional spatial understanding. Assignments include drawing, mapping, model making and digital perspective collages.

    USC School of Architecture faculty lead the course. Students also participate in conversations with practicing architects.

    The course supports an architecture portfolio for college applications with expert guidance. Work includes architectural drawings, physical models and digital perspective collages.

    Successful completion earns three units of elective credit. Other colleges and universities decide whether they will accept those units.

    The published class window is 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with breaks for lunch or field trips. Courses involve five to six hours of instruction per day, and the architecture course particularly suits independent, self-motivated workers.

    Eligible local students living with a parent or legal guardian in Los Angeles or Orange County can commute. International participants and domestic participants living abroad must reside on campus.

    USC Summer Programs does not offer financial aid or assistance. The application fee is also nonrefundable and cannot be waived.

    No. Participation does not guarantee admission to USC or its schools, and undergraduate applicants must follow USC's separate admissions process.

    Alternatives to Exploration of Architecture

    Compare adjacent art, design and engineering programs to decide which subject direction best matches your interest in architecture.

    Alternatives to Exploration of Architecture

    Art Summer Program

    Summer study centered on art

    Art
    Deadline: Not announced
    From £7400
    13-18
    St Andrews
    In-person

    Best for

    Students comparing art with architecture

    View details

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Summer Programs Application Management
    • USC Summer Programs Transcripts | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs Tuition and Fees | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs Policies | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs FAQs | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs International Application | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Residential and Commuter Experience | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs Overview | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs Application and Admission | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs | USC Pre-College
    • Architecture Summer Program | USC Pre-College

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 5 Oct 2026)

    • Course curriculum checked

    • 2027 schedule checked

    • 2026 fees reviewed

    • Admissions requirements reviewed

    • Credit transfer terms reviewed

    • Residential policies reviewed

    • International guidance reviewed

    • Funding policy checked

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.