About
The Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) is a private, non-profit school of architecture located in the Arts District of Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 1972 by a group of faculty and students from the Department of Architecture at Cal Poly Pomona, who wanted to approach the subject from a more experimental perspective than traditional schools offered. Southern California Institute of Architecture has an enrollment of 500+ students, a student-to-faculty ratio of nearly 15:1.
SCI-Arc offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in architecture. The undergraduate program is a five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degree, while the graduate program offers Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degrees in varied specializations. The average annual tuition fee at the Southern California Institute of Architecture for international students is nearly $48,416 per year.
SCI-Arc is known for its rigorous studio-based curriculum, which emphasizes experimentation and innovation. The school has a strong reputation for producing graduates who are creative, resourceful, and technologically savvy.
What is the acceptance rate of the Southern California Institute Of Architecture?
Southern California Institute Of Architecture has an acceptance rate of 60%
Top Reasons to Study in the Southern California Institute Of Architecture
- Students at the Southern California Institute of Architecture are encouraged to collaborate on projects, helping them to develop their teamwork skills and learn from each other's strengths.
- The curriculum at SCI-Arc is challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Students are exposed to ranging ideas and perspectives, helping them develop their critical thinking skills.
- Southern California Institute of Architecture students come from all over the world, bringing with them a wide range of cultural backgrounds. This diversity creates a vibrant and stimulating learning environment.
- SCI-Arc has a strong alumni network that provides students with support and guidance throughout their academic careers. Alumni are also often willing to hire SCI-Arc students after graduation.
- Southern California Institute of Architecture has been ranked as one of the top architecture schools in the world by publications such as The Architectural Review, The New York Times, and The Guardian.
Admissions
Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)
60%
Application Fee
$85
How to Apply at Southern California Institute Of Architecture
UNDERGRADUATE
Here are the steps on how to apply to the Southern California Institute of Architecture for undergraduate studies as an international applicant:
- Complete the online application form: Be sure to provide accurate and complete information, as any omissions or inaccuracies may result in your application being rejected.
- Submit English proficiency test scores.
- Submit your portfolio: Your portfolio should include varied works, such as drawings, models, renderings, and photographs.
- Write your statement: Be sure to be honest and genuine, and to highlight your strengths and accomplishments.
- Request letters of recommendation: Ask two or three professors, employers, or mentors to write letters of recommendation for you.
- Pay the application fee of 80-85 USD.
POSTGRADUATE
Here are the steps on how to apply to the Southern California Institute of Architecture for postgraduate studies as an international applicant:
- Check the application requirements: The SCI-Arc website has a comprehensive list of the application requirements for international applicants. These requirements may change from year to year, so it is important to check the website for the most up-to-date information.
Submit your application materials: The application materials for international applicants include:
- A completed online application form.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A portfolio of architectural work.
- A personal statement.
- A TOEFL or IELTS score report.
- Pay the application fee of $85.
- Schedule an interview.
- Wait for the decision.
MASTER'S AND PhD
Here are the steps on how to apply to the Southern California Institute of Architecture for a master's or PhD as an international applicant:
- Check the application requirements: The SCI-Arc website has a comprehensive list of the application requirements for international applicants. These requirements may change from year to year, so it is important to check the website for the most up-to-date information.
Submit your application materials: The application materials for international applicants include:
- A completed online application form.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A portfolio of architectural work.
- A personal statement.
- A TOEFL or IELTS score report.
- Pay the application fee of $85.
- Schedule an interview.
- Wait for the decision.
Documents Required to Apply to Southern California Institute Of Architecture
UNDERGRADUATE
Documents needed to apply to the Southern California Institute of Architecture as an international undergraduate applicant are:
- Common Application and Application Fee.
- Official High School Transcript(s).
- SCI-Arc Supplement Question.
- Letter(s) of Recommendation.
- English Proficiency Test Scores.
- Personal Statement.
- Portfolio (optional).
- Official SAT I or ACT Test Scores (optional).
POSTGRADUATE
Documents needed to apply to the Southern California Institute of Architecture as an international graduate applicant are:
- Online Application Form and Application Fee.
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.
- College Transcript(s).
- Personal Statement.
- Letters of Recommendation.
- Résumé/Curriculum Vitae.
- Portfolio.
- Official GRE Test Scores (optional).
MASTER'S AND PhD
Documents needed to apply to the Southern California Institute of Architecture as an international master's or PhD applicant are:
- Online Application Form and Application Fee.
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.
- College Transcript(s).
- Personal Statement.
- Letters of Recommendation.
- Résumé/Curriculum Vitae.
- Portfolio.
- Official GRE Test Scores (optional).
Exams Accepted By Southern California Institute Of Architecture
The Southern California Institute of Architecture accepts the following English language proficiency tests and scores from international students:
- TOEFL iBT: 92
- IELTS: 7.0
- DET: 115
Campus Life
Transportation in the city
Los Angeles is a sprawling city, so there are many ways to get around. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Public Transportation: The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) operates a bus, light rail, and subway system that can take you to most major destinations in the city. You can purchase a TAP card to pay for fares, which can be reloaded online or at any Metro station.
- Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services: Uber and Lyft can be expensive, but more convenient, especially if you are travelling with a group or have a lot of luggage.
- Biking: Biking is a great way to get around Los Angeles, especially if you are visiting some of the city's many parks and beaches. There are many bike-share programs available, such as Metro Bike Share and Lyft Bike.
- Walking: Walking is a great way to explore some of Los Angeles's most popular neighbourhoods, such as Hollywood, Downtown, and Venice Beach, and see the city at a slower pace.
Services offered by the university
- Public Programs: SCI-Arc offers varied public programs, including lectures, workshops, and exhibitions. They are designed to engage the community in discussions about architecture and design.
- Library and Archives: Southern California Institute of Architecture has a large library and archives which are open to the public. The library collection includes books, journals, magazines, and other materials on architecture, design, and related topics. The archives collection includes architectural drawings, photographs, and other materials that document the history of SCI-Arc and the field of architecture.
- Facilities: SCI-Arc has a state-of-the-art campus including classrooms, studios, workshops, and a library. The campus also includes several experimental facilities, such as the Magic Box and the Robot House.
- Financial Aid: Southern California Institute of Architecture offers varied scholarships, grants, and loans to help students afford their education.
Student life at Southern California Institute Of Architecture
- Extracurricular Activities: Southern California Institute of Architecture offers 30+ student clubs, so there is something for everyone. Some of the most popular organizations include the Architecture Club, the SCI-Arc Film Society, and the SCI-Arc Student Government. Students can also participate in research projects, internships, and community outreach projects.
- Food: There are a few restaurants and cafes within walking distance of SCI-Arc, but students often cook for themselves in their apartments. There is also a student-run food co-op that sells groceries and prepared meals.
- Transportation: SCI-Arc is located in the Arts District, which is easily accessible by public transportation. There is also a bike-share program that students can use to get around.
- Social Life: Southern California Institute of Architecture students are known for being friendly and welcoming. There are always social events happening on campus, such as movie nights, game nights, and parties. Students also enjoy going to bars and restaurants in the Arts District and other parts of Los Angeles.
On campus accomodation at Southern California Institute Of Architecture
Southern California Institute of Architecture does not provide on-campus accommodation for students.
Faculty
University Faculty Stats
Some facts about the Southern California Institute of Architecture's faculty are:
- SCI-Arc has 80 full-time and adjunct faculty members.
- SCI-Arc faculty is diverse in terms of age, gender, race, ethnicity, and professional experience.
- SCI-Arc faculty members have won the Pritzker Prize, the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal, and the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award.
- SCI-Arc faculty is committed to teaching students how to think critically and creatively about architecture.
- The faculty is also committed to social justice and sustainability, and they incorporate these principles into their teaching.
Career Opportunities
Internship opportunities at Southern California Institute Of Architecture
Here are some internship and part-time job opportunities at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc):
- Architectural Intern at J.C. Chang & Associates, Inc. This is a paid internship opportunity for students with experience in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office. Interns will assist architects with drawing updates, coordinating with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), interfacing with architects and engineers, attending job walks and site meetings, and assisting with proposals.
- Document, Graphic and Urban Design Intern at The Arroyo Group is a part-time internship opportunity, where interns assist with the development of visual communication tools, urban design diagrams, and presentations.
- Research Assistant at the SCI-Arc Research Center is a paid internship opportunity for students where research assistants will work with faculty on research projects, collect and analyse data, and write reports.
- Student Assistant at the SCI-Arc Library is a part-time, on-campus job that entails helping with circulation, processing materials, and providing reference assistance to library patrons.
- Tour Guide at SCI-Arc leads tours of the SCI-Arc campus and studio spaces for prospective students, visiting architects, and the public.
Placement of Southern California Institute Of Architecture
Placement: In 2022, 97% of Southern California Institute of Architecture graduates were employed within six months of graduation.
Hiring Companies: The top employers for Southern California Institute of Architecture graduates are:
- HOK
- NBBJ
- AECOM
- Gensler
- SmithGroup
- Perkins+Will
- Frank Gehry Partners
- Morphosis Architects
- Rafael Viñoly Architects
- Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Salaries: According to PayScale, the average salary for a Southern California Institute of Architecture graduate is \$82,000 per year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated June 10, 2026