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Southern California Institute of Architecture
N/A(0)
VerifiedPrivate (Not for Profit)Estd. 1972
Founded
1972
Type
Private (Not for Profit)
University Guide
About Southern California Institute of Architecture
Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.
Southern California Institute of Architecture, commonly known as SCI-Arc, is a world-renowned university and is one of America’s few independent architectural institutions. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the university manifests an undiscriminating admission policy. International students can pursue undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in SCI-Arc around architecture-focused areas.
The university welcomes applications from 50 countries around the world. International students need to pay 85 USD (~6,300 INR) as an application fee for SCI-Arc. The basic requirements for admission to the institute includes competitive SAT or ACT scores, proficiency in English, personal statement, CV, and LORs. The university accepts GRE scores on an optional basis due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Southern California Institute of Architecture Highlights
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Setting | Urban |
| Accreditation | NAAB & WASC |
| Academic Calendar | Semester-Based |
| Total Students | 500 |
| Faculty | 80 |
| Programs Offered | Undergraduate, Graduate, Postgraduate |
| Financial Aid | Available |
| On-Campus Housing | Not Available |
| Official Website | www.sciarc.edu |
| Admission Helpline | [email protected]. |
Southern California Institute of Architecture Campus and Accommodations
The SCI-Arc institution is located in the Arts District of Los Angeles, in a quarter-mile-long former freight station. Its studios are known for their lively ambiance, which gives students a uniquely inspiring environment in which to learn architecture and design. It offers various facilities to its aspiring architecture students. Some of the facilities are described below:
- Magic Box- It is a technologically innovative digital fabrication lab that expands the school's experimental design approach.
- Fabrication Shop– It is a 60002-foot shop outfitted with a variety of metal and woodworking gear and tools. It allows for hands-on material and construction experimentation.
- Store– It is a Supply Store that provides architecture and art products for affordable prices to students.
- Robot House- It is a conceptual and physical intersection between studio-shop and the academic industry that enables experimentation as well as speculation on architecture.
- Kappe Library– It is Southern California's largest academic library committed to architecture.
- SCI-Arc Galleries– It is Los Angeles' exclusive cultural institution dedicated to displaying experimental architectural projects by contemporary architects.
- Print Center- Students and teachers can use the Print Center to access a selection of conventional and large-format high-resolution color plotters.
Accommodations
SCI-Arc University doesn’t provide on-campus housing information. The majority of SCI-Arc students reside in apartments or lofts near the school in downtown Los Angeles' Arts District, or in adjacent towns, many of which are accessible by bike or public transportation.
Students stay in Little Tokyo, Boyle Heights, Echo Park, Chinatown, Silver Lake, Koreatown, and the Arts District itself. Students attending SCI-Arc have access to a housing area on their my.sciarc.edu portal, which includes listings for roommates, sublets, and apartment openings. On an average, the cost of residing off campus ranges around 6,700 USD per annum.
Southern California Institute of Architecture Programs
SCI-Arc offers various undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate and summer programs to international students. With liberal arts-based education, students are prepared to enter the competitive market holding a strong portfolio, progressive architectural education, and architectural licensure for professional practice.
- Programs available under postgraduate programs are MS in Architectural Technologies, Fiction and Entertainment, Design of Cities, Design Theory and Pedagogy, and Synthetic Landscapes.
- B.Arch, a five year program is offered, focusing on design, excellence, and intellectual breadth is prioritized.
- M.Arch 1 in SCI-Arc is a 3-year program for students with a non-architectural background.
- M.Arch 2 program is for students who want to build expertise on their previous architectural foundation through gaining knowledge of digital design, fabrication, and conceptualization.
- Postgraduate programs are provided on Critical Thinking, Design Technologies, Training, Innovation, Advanced Knowledge, And Expertise.
Southern California Institute of Architecture Admission Process
The application information of undergraduate and graduate applicants are described below:
- How to apply – The Common Application for undergraduate applicants and Online Application Form for graduate applicants.
- Application fee: 85 USD
Application deadlines: The priority deadline is January 15 for undergraduate and March 15 for graduate applicants.
Admission Requirements: Following are the basic requirements for admission to the institute:
- Complete application form
- Evaluated high school transcripts
- GRE has become optional for graduate applicants. (COVID-19)
- SOP
- SCI-Arc supplement
- LOR
- Portfolio – optional for undergraduate applicants, required for graduate applicants
- Resume/CV for graduate applicants
- SAT/ACT scores
- English proficiency test scores
- I-20/DS-2019 completed form –After acceptance to the university
Note: Official documents should be mailed to the university.
English Proficiency Requirements
International students require demonstration of proficiency in English for admission to the institution. Below are the minimum English proficiency test scores required for admission:
| Test | Scores |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | 92 |
| IELTS | 7.0 |
| DET | 115 |
Southern California Institute of Architecture Cost of Attendance
As an international applicant, you should prepare with an average estimation of the total expenditures for studying in SCI-Arc. The average cost per semester is tabulated below:
| Cost | Per Semester Amount In USD |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | |
| Tuition | 23,908 |
| Annual Student Health Insurance Plan | 2000 |
| Lab Fee | 50 |
| Administrative Fee | 500 |
| Student Union Fee | 50 |
| Mandatory Expenses | |
| Room & Board | 6,720 |
| Books & Supplies | 1,050 |
| Transportation Expenses | 740 |
| Loan Fees | 250 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | 5,500 |
| Total Cost Of Attendance | 40,768 |
Southern California Institute of Architecture Scholarships
SCI-Arc provides financial support to its domestic and international students through scholarships and work-study programs. However, students can always look for various external scholarships to study in USA. Below is the only equality-based scholarship available to people of color, Black people, and indigenous people. Most of the financial grants are available to domestic students.
Socal NOMA Scholarship
- It is a need-based scholarship for people of color. The full tuition fee is covered under this scholarship.
- The grant is provided for 5 years of B.Arch programs, and 2 to 3 years of M.Arc programs.
- One-year scholarship for postgraduate programs is also available. The scholarship is evaluated on the merit scores basis and financial need.
Work while you study: Only available during the academic year, the International Student Work-Study program provides a salary of 1,000 USD every semester. It allows international students to work in any one on-campus department. On the financial aid website, a list of part-time work positions on campus can be found. Students can apply after verifying their financial aid eligibility. To work, all employees must have a valid social security number.
Southern California Institute of Architecture Alumni
SCI-Arc has a network of 5000 alumni around the world. They are encouraged to become involved with the university by attending events, receptions, annual functions, workshops, etc through joining the SCI-Arc Alumni Platform. There is an alumni council working for the assistance of SCI-Arc alumni.
Various career resources are offered such as job boards, event-board, career networking events, etc. There is a fabrication shop that is open to SCI-Arc students & alumni. The institution also offers transcripts and degree verification facilities to its alumni. Some of the notable SCI-Arc alumni are-
- Hernan Diaz Alonso – Architect
- Shelly Kappe- Architectural Historian
- Mimi Zeiger – Architecture & Design Critic
- Moses Hacmon – Artist
- Todd Fisher – Director
Southern California Institute of Architecture Placements
Every spring, Open Season is held. It is a student exhibition for SCI-Arc where students pin up their work along the SCI-Arc's South Gallery walls. It allows students to assemble and present their most compelling work, allowing them to showcase their portfolios on a big platform ultimately helping them in their future careers. Hiring managers, employers, alumni, etc are invited to this career-networking event.
SCI-Arc graduates earn an average salary of 75,190 USD per annum. The average early-career salary of the graduates is 54,300 USD. Below is the average annual salary of SCI-Arc graduates on different job positions:
| Job Position | Amount in USD |
|---|---|
| Senior Project Architect | 99,000 |
| Architect | 74,000 |
| Project Architect | 79,000 |
| Architectural Designer | 50,000 |
| Project Manager, Architect | 96,000 |
SCI-Arc University is dedicated to building innovative and expert architects for the future. For those students, holding a major interest in architectural specialized areas, it is a fair option. Even interested students without an architecture background or undergraduate architecture degree can change their career path and get admission. Applicants only need to make sure to fulfill the eligibility criteria for admission.
FAQs
Ques. Is SCI-Arc the best university for architecture?
Ans. SCI-Arc offers focused architecture education in a customized manner to its students. It was initially acclaimed as an innovative institution. Given its missions & values, community events, academic approach, and thesis projects, it can be termed as a fair option for architecture aspirants. Even though there are other architecture institutions, SCI-Arc still stands out.
Ques. How do I show that my credentials are equivalent to the US education for admission in SCI-Arc?
Ans. To determine their educational equivalent in the United States, applicants who attended an educational institution outside of America that is not accredited by a US Regional Accrediting Organization must have their transcripts evaluated.
Ques. Is there any credential evaluation agency recommended by SCI-Arc University?
Ans. SCI-Arc University advises international applicants to get their credits evaluated by a member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
Ques. Are English proficiency waivers available in SCI-Arc?
Ans. Only those applicants who have attended a school where English is not the major language of instruction are required to demonstrate English proficiency. For other applicants, a waiver is available.
Ques. When the application notification is made available to applicants of SCI-Arc University?
Ans. Applicants who apply by the priority deadline for the fall semester get notified of their admissions decision between March and April. After the priority deadline, applicants are notified on a rolling basis in April. Applicants on the waitlist are notified as soon as vacancies become available. The waitlist at SCI-Arc is not ranked.
Ques. What are the school codes of SCI-Arc University for different scores?
Ans. SCI-Arc TOEFL Code is 7802. SAT and ACT codes are 1575 and 0423 respectively.
Ques. What should be included in an academic portfolio for application?
Ans. As advised by SCI-Arc University, the work selected for the portfolio should reflect the applicant's wide range of creative interests; it doesn't need to be architectural work. Schoolwork, independent projects, extracurricular activities including Drawing, Sketching, Painting, Graphic Design, Photography, Web Design, Furniture Design, etc can all be included in a portfolio.
Ques. Is health insurance coverage mandatory in SCI-Arc University?
Ans. All SCI-Arc students enrolled are required to have health insurance which amounts to 2000 USD annually. But the proof of equivalent health insurance can be used to waive the health insurance coverage of international applicants.
Courses & Fees
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Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.
Courses
7
Fee from
₹29,43,165.42
Exams
IELTS · TOEFL
Showing 5 bachelors
Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration5 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 55.3 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 59,010 /Yr
Estimated Total₹1672232
Fee trendTuition progression
Admission Guide
Admission Process
Southern California Institute of Architecture, Los Angeles, provides admissions to a range of architecture undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate programs. The institute has been constantly honored in the top 10 academic organizations of the US Education System.
With a student count of about 500, the institute takes admission applications from over 50 countries across the globe, narrowing it down to a bare minimum that meets their set norms. Out of the enrolled students, approximately 10% are from Asian subcontinents. It observes an acceptance rate of around 73% which makes it a moderately competitive yet highly comprehensive institute when it comes to admissions.
Some salient points to be considered when seeking enrollment at Southern California Institute of Architecture are as follows:
- The institute follows an open admission policy, wherein students can get admitted either during the fall application intake or spring.
- The interested applicants must submit their complete application form by January 15 for the fall session.
- Students who apply for the fall semester are notified during the months of April and March.
- ACT and SAT scores are mandatory requirements for enrollment at the organization
- Applications need to be submitted via a common application for undergraduate students and through online application for graduate students.
- It also provides the applicants with a chance to avail of multiple scholarships. International students are eligible for a merit-based scholarship that is decided based on the previous academic record of the student, his financial need, and the potential to excel at the institute.
Although it’s not a compulsion to have a portfolio, the organization, however, highly recommends having a portfolio of creative work for first-year applicants. In the light of building a portfolio, SCI-Arc offers a four-week summer program by the name of Design Immersion Days (DID) that offers high-school students an insight into the field of architecture.
COVID-19 Admission Updates
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the GRE is optional. The application criteria have been modified because of the current COVID-19 pandemic. For additional details about program-specific criteria, please email the Office of Admissions at [email protected].
Southern California Institute of Architecture Highlights
| Application Portal | Common Application/Online Application |
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | 85 USD |
| Average SAT Score (out of 1600) | 1190 |
| Average ACT Score (out of 30) | 26 |
| Average TOEFL/IELTS Score | 92/7.0 |
| Acceptance rate | 73.4% |
| Retention Rate | 68.0%. |
| Academic Calendar | Semester-wise |
| Intake Seasons | Fall and Spring |
| Financial Aid | Merit-based scholarship for international students |
| Portfolio | Not required, but recommended |
| Enquiry mail | [email protected] |
| Mode of Payment | Online/ Credit card/ Wire transfer |
Southern California Institute of Architecture Programs
As they seek their undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees, SCI-Arc gives students a special opportunity. Their approximately 500 students and 80 faculty members, most of whom are architecture professionals, work together to re-examine concepts, develop, discover and test architecture boundaries.
Undergraduate program - A five-year advanced degree, approved by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program at SCI-Arc focuses on both design creativity and academic depth through liberal arts-based education.
Graduate Programs - Two independent Master of Architecture degrees, M.Arch 1 and M.Arch 2, are offered by SCI-Arc, allowing graduates to obtain architectural licencing in the United States for professional practice. The M.Arch 1 curriculum is structured to encourage learners to develop a personal aesthetic and point of view. The M.Arch 2 curriculum is primarily aimed at fostering the discovery of speculative architecture and new contact styles while advancing systematic experimentation that extends the limits of contemporary architectural practice.
Postgraduate Programs - The SCI-Arc EDGE, Centre for Advanced Studies in Architecture, is a speculative scholarship and specialised educational site offering five Master of Science postgraduate programs.
- A one-year, three-semester programme focusing on current and near-future architecture innovations is the Master of Technology of Architectural Technologies.
- The Master of Science in City Planning is a one-year, three-semester programme in which students research recent urban trends, encourage creativity in design, and facilitate discussions on how to develop communities in the 21st century.
- A one-year, three-semester degree, the Master of Science in Synthetic Landscapes, focuses on advancing awareness and gaining skills in new landscape architecture topics.
- The Master in Science of Fiction and Film is a one-year, three-semester programme in which students learn to gain skills in worldbuilding, storytelling, and production alongside world-renowned television industry practitioners.
- A one-year, three-semester programme that tackles the increasing uncertainty between practise and academia and trains students for a new form of hybrid career: the architect-theorist-educator.
Southern California Institute of Architecture Admission Deadlines
The institute provides a plethora of courses for international students and takes applications for admissions to them twice in an academic year. However, first-year applicants can only apply for the fall semester. It’s mandatory to submit the form before the priority deadline in order to be applicable for both admission and merit-based scholarship. Following any delay in submitting an application, one is not eligible for scholarship.
| Semester | Deadline | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Students | |||
| Fall | January 15 (Primary) March 15 (Secondary) |
||
| Graduate Students | |||
| Fall | January 15 (Primary) March 15 (Secondary) |
||
SCI Arc International Students Admissions
SIC-Arc admits students based on the submission of their complete application well, before the priority deadline. If you have completed the application form, along with the submission of the expected documents like evaluated transcript, letter of recommendation, personal statement, etc., then you have a decent chance to secure yourself a position in the semester.
The institute follows a uniform pattern for admission for both domestic and international aspirants. However, there are a couple of additional steps that International candidates need to follow.
How to apply to SCI Arc?
Application Portal: Through the official website of Southern California Institute of Architecture, first-year students have to fill a Common Application form, whereas the students applying for graduate programs have to follow the Online Application method. Both the methods redirect the student to Slideroom, wherein the mandatory documents must be uploaded in order to complete the application form.
Application Fee: 85 USD (non-refundable)
Bauisc Admission Requirements: International Students must compulsorily satisfy all the below stated criteria for admission in the Southern California Institute of Architecture-
- A complete application.
- SCI-Arc Supplement Question must be answered to get redirected to the slideroom for uploading documents.
- Official transcript issued by the high-school or college depending upon the undergraduate or graduate nature of the program. The transcript must be evaluated by one of the members of National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
- Official TOEFL or IELTS test scores.
- Official GRE score for graduate applicants.
- Official SAT or ACT scores. SCI-Arc does not require the essay section of SAT or the writing section from ACT.
- Personal statement.
- Letter of Recommendation. Students need to include the information of the recommender in the application form. The recommender will thereafter receive a mail requesting him to complete the necessary process.
- Portfolio is not a compulsory document, but is highly recommended by the institute for first-year students specially.
- Resume for graduate applicants
- Financial backing proof.
Students need to mail the admission material to the office of admission ATTN: SCI-Arc Office of Admissions, 960 E. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013.
English Proficiency Test Scores
The organization has specified the examination and the minimum scores that they accept as a proof for English Proficiency like TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent for students who do not have English as their primary language. The minimum acceptable score is as follows:
| Test | Minimum Required Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | 92 |
| IELTS | 7.0 |
Visa Process for International Students
Once a student is accepted at SCI-Arc, he is issued all the documents necessary for obtaining I-20/DS-2019 form. Moreover, the exact procedure for getting the visa to study in the USA using the issued documents is specified along with the acceptance letter.
I-20 forms are not issued to students attending summer programs at SCI-Arc.
Appointment with the nearest US embassy can be scheduled only after filling the I-20 form and paying the fees. The documents that will be required for the visa processing are:
- Electronic application form
- Receipt of the application fees paid
- A passport.
- One photograph
- 1-20 form
- Academic Transcripts
- Evidence of English proficiency test scores like TOEFL or IELTS.
- Bank statements showing enough funds for covering cost of living in USA
Southern California Institute of Architecture: Undergraduate Admissions
The institute takes undergraduate students for various courses like Bachelor’s in Architecture, a five-year professional course, among others. Approximately sixty students from all across the globe are admitted to this prestigious program. Applicants who generally get through the process have a GPA of 3.0 or more. Undergraduate applicants can only apply during the fall intake via the Common Application process.
Where to apply: Common Application
Application Fee: 85 USD (non-refundable)
Application Requirements: Applicants must submit the following documents at the time of admission-
- Personal Statement
- SCI-Arc Supplement Question
- Letters of Recommendation
- Portfolio (optional, but recommended.) SIC-Arc motivates students to participate in multiple art, design or architecture courses in order to build a considerably strong portfolio.
- Official High School Transcript
- Scores of the English Proficiency test (TOEFL code: 7802)
- ACT/SAT score (SAT code: 1575 and ACT code: 0423)
Southern California Institute of Architecture: Graduate Admissions
The organization provides various graduate courses for its aspirants from across the globe seeking to study in the USA . Through the process of Online Application, Graduate applicants need to submit the following documents while applying-
- Official College Transcript
- Official GRE Test Scores
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Letters of Recommendation
- Portfolio
Here are some popular programs offered by the institute with their corresponding specifications:
| Requirements | M.Arch 1 | M.Arch 2 | MS Architectural Technologies | MS Design of Cities | MS Design Theory and Pedagogy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | 85 USD | 85 USD | 85 USD | 85 USD | 85 USD |
| Official transcripts | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| GRE | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Personal Statement | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Work Experience | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required |
| Resume | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Recommendations | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Admission Interview | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required |
*Note: Those who are finalized for receiving the scholarship after submission of form before the priority deadline will be contacted for a telephonic interview.
Southern California Institute of Architecture prioritizes those for admission who successfully apply before the priority deadline. A good academic rapport and potential to materialize University education is a fundamental requirement for admission. A good portfolio is an added bonus and surely earns merit during the admission process considering how it lays down in front of the authorities the potential of an applicant. However, it is not a compulsory document, but very highly recommended for those who surely want to secure a seat.
Students who successfully get through the admission process receive the confirmation for the fall term by March or April. Following the acceptance of a candidate, documents necessary for I-20/DS-2019 form are released, followed by the form itself. Students can fill this form and take an appointment at the nearest US embassy for the visa procedure to commence. Any enquiry regarding the admission process can be mailed at [email protected].
SCI Arc Cost of Attendance
The average attendance cost depends on many variables, such as the undergraduate or graduate degree, tuition, books, fees, lodging, eating, and personal things were demanded.
| Type of Fee | Per semester fee in USD |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $23,439 |
| Administrative Fee | $500 |
| Student Union Fee | $50 |
| Lab Fee | $50 |
| Total | $24,039 |
| Student Health Insurance Plan* | $1,587 (annual) |
| Books and supplies | $1,600 |
| Room and Board | $6,720 |
| Loan Fees | $250 |
| Transportation | $740 |
| Miscellaneous expenditure | $4,575 |
| Total per semester | $39,511 |
SCI Arc FAQs
Ques: When can I apply for graduate courses starting in the academic year?
Ans: The deadline for applying for graduate courses starting in the academic year is January 15th.
Ques. What is the minimum GPA required to get into Southern California Institute of Architecture ?
Ans: Southern California Institute of Architecture requires a minimum GPA of 3.1 on a 4.0 point scale. For certain courses, a 3.5 or above is required.
Ques. What is CCSU’s acceptance rate?
Ans: With an acceptance rate of 73.4 per cent, Central Connecticut State University admissions are selective.
Ques: Does the college provide me with accommodation?
Ans: No, the college doesn’t provide accommodation, housing is independent of SCI-Arc.
Ques: What percentage of the student body is occupied by International Students?
Ans: 58.5% of the student body consisted of International and U.S. multicultural students.
Placements & Recruiters
Southern California Institute of Architecture Placement Details
Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles, California, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.
Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Los Angeles, California, United States.
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