The University of Southern California (USC) will introduce graduate-level courses at Southwestern College in Chula Vista, California, starting this summer. This initiative marks a significant step in Southwestern’s efforts to expand educational opportunities in the region, allowing students to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees that are currently unavailable at the local community college.
By partnering with USC, Southwestern College aims to provide advanced degree programs in education for its faculty, staff, and administrators. Courses will be taught by USC faculty members who will travel to Chula Vista, enhancing access to higher education for working professionals who may find it challenging to commute to USC’s main campus.
Mark Sanchez, President of Southwestern College, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This collaboration is going to help us train the next generation of faculty and staff practitioners — those who work with students every day in new and innovative ways.”
The partnership aligns with Southwestern College’s broader strategy to become a prominent satellite campus for universities that offer degrees beyond its current capabilities. Alongside USC, institutions such as UC San Diego, San Diego State University, and Cal State San Marcos are also set to introduce bachelor’s degree programs at the college.
Pedro Noguera, Dean of USC’s Rossier School of Education, highlighted the importance of accessible education, noting, “It’s hard when you’re a working professional to be able to commute to USC to take classes. A lot of those classes can be offered online. But we can enhance them with immersive learning experiences where we bring our faculty to Southwestern. That’s the model we’re creating here.”
This initiative comes at a crucial time for Southwestern College, which is still seeking state approval to offer a limited number of bachelor’s degree programs. The college currently serves as a public community college and is working diligently to bridge the gap in higher education offerings for the South County region, which lacks a full-service university.
The introduction of USC’s graduate programs represents a significant advancement for both institutions. It is expected to not only increase educational access but also foster a collaborative environment that enhances the learning experience for students in Chula Vista.
As the partnership unfolds, students and educators alike anticipate the opportunities that will arise from this collaboration. With the potential to transform the local educational landscape, USC and Southwestern College are poised to make a lasting impact on the community.
