Since 1984, the USC Orange County Center has offered the only fully accredited part-time and full-time master of social work program in Orange County, making it convenient for those who live or work in the area to earn a USC graduate education. Reflecting the growing mosaic of ethnicities and social work needs of the Southern California region, the Orange County facility, located next to John Wayne Airport in Irvine, attracts a surprisingly diverse student body from Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego counties.

The MSW Program in Irvine

To earn an MSW, students need to complete 63 units of coursework and two field internships. Both day and evening classes are available, with classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Mondays and Wednesdays are reserved for field placements. Foundation courses taken in the first half of the program introduce students to the theories, issues and practice methods of social work. In the second half of the program, students select a concentration and complete an individualized study plan, helping them chart their course with electives suited to their chosen area of interest. Students can complete all foundation courses in Orange County. Second year concentration courses may also be available. Concentration course availability is determined by the number of students enrolled in and pursuing a specific concentration.

The school now offers distance learning to accommodate Orange County students, particularly for those enrolled in the Community Organization, Planning and Administration (COPA) concentration. The professor, who teaches in Los Angeles, is telecast to a classroom in Orange County, where a teaching assistant facilitates discussions.

Some students may be able to take all of their classes toward the MSW degree in Orange County. Design is based on availability of classes being offered in Orange County, as specified by the schedule of classes. Field placements are available in all Southern California counties.

The city of Irvine now offers a daily shuttle from the Tustin Metrolink station to John Wayne Airport, about five minutes away from the Orange County Center, making it easier for Los Angeles train commuters. Three routes run from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and holidays. Service is free until September 2008 when rates will range from 50 cents to $1.

Same Program, Different Location

Students enrolled in the Irvine program are guaranteed the same high quality education and experience as their peers attending classes full-time in Los Angeles.

• Same admission requirements
• Same curriculum
• Same faculty
• Same access to research information and services, including onsite computer terminals networked with the USC library system and onsite reading collection and reserve book section for class assignments
• Student caucus leadership opportunities
• Lifelong Trojan family alumni network

Contact Us

Orange County Center
2300 Michelson Drive
Irvine, California  92612

Gil Carmona
Assistant Dean
949.437.0043
gcarmona@usc.edu

Pancy Holtsberg
Office Manager
949.437.0043
holtsber@usc.edu