Master of Building Science

Overview

The Master of Building Science MBS program offered at University of Southern California is intended for students with a degree in architecture, engineering or related areas. The typical program length is two years. Students with a professional five-year architecture degree may qualify for advanced standing. Studies are centered around each student’s thesis and are supported by research seminars and electives from architecture, engineering and other related fields. Students are individually guided through their study and thesis by three faculty advisors. 

The faculty has academic, research and professional practice experience in architecture, civil and structural engineering, environmental control system design, and computer applications. Many papers based on thesis work have been co-authored by faculty and students have been published and/or presented at professional conferences.

The need exists for a new generation of professionals whose education has prepared them to fully participate in bringing appropriate technology to the building and rebuilding of humane and supportive cities. 

Within this context, the program emphasizes:

• The integration of planning, design and technology to form a coherent and interdependent force for the appropriate construction of urban places
• Recognition of the ecological importance of energy-conscious design and construction as well as the high social value of places in which natural forces and systems are being utilized rather than suppressed
• The development of research and design methods suited to the complexity of building in urban settings and effective in the use of extensive information.