Dr. Vittoria Di Palma

Associate Professor

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Biography

Vittoria Di Palma is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art History at the University of Southern California. She specializes in architectural history and has over two decades of experience in academia. Di Palma completed her Ph.D. in Architectural History at Columbia University in 1999, following an M.Phil. in 1996 and an M.A. in 1993, all in the same field. She also holds a B.A. in Art History from the University of California, Berkeley. Her professional appointments include roles as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at USC's School of Architecture and previously as Associate Professor of Architecture. Di Palma has published extensively on themes of architectural theory and the environmental humanities, focusing on the intersections of early modern science, aesthetics, and historical perception. She has also held visiting positions internationally, including at the University of Calgary and Oslo School of Architecture and Design.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

— Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Teaching and conducting research in Architectural History.

Associate Dean Academic Affairs

— Present

School of Architecture, University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Oversaw academic programs and initiatives.

Director of History Theory

— Present

School of Architecture, University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Directed the history and theory curriculum.

Assistant Professor

— Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Instructed courses in Architectural History.

Associate Professor

— Present

Columbia University • New York, NY

Conducted research and taught courses in Architectural History.

Assistant Professor

— Present

Columbia University • New York, NY

Instructed graduate and undergraduate students in Architectural History.

Assistant Professor

— Present

Rice University • Houston, TX

Taught Art History courses.

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.