USC
University of Southern California
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Special Programs

Career Center

Director: David Pahl

The purpose of the Career Center is to provide USC Rossier School of Education students and alumni the information, support and tools necessary for career planning and professional development.

Services provided by the Career Center are specifically designed for the students and alumni of the School of Education. Career-related services include workshops, individ­ual career counseling, job search planning and execution, "placement" file maintenance and transmittal, on-campus interviewing, internship and practicum informational assistance, resume, CV and cover letter writing.

To learn more about services and programs, contact the Career Center at Waite Phillips Hall 804, (213) 740-7072, or email edcareer@usc.edu.

USC Language Academy

Director: Kate O'Connor

The USC Language Academy provides year-round English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction for academic and professional preparation. Students rapidly improve their English skills through non-credit intensive study, campus involvement, and cultural and educational activities.

Instruction is offered at six proficiency levels and is designed to help students succeed in university classrooms and in life. Distinctive benefits include individualized learning experiences, small class sizes, TOEFL test preparation, business English and more.

Students also explore life and culture in Los Angeles through weekly activities arranged by academy staff. The academy arranges student housing in university apartments or residence halls so that students may experience American university life in a comfortable, convenient and safe location and have opportunities to interact with USC students.

The USC Language Academy prepares inter­national students for the next step in their academic or professional careers.

To learn more about programs, contact the USC Language Academy at (213) 740-0080, or email langacad@usc.edu.

Professional Development

Director: Colleen Dietz

The Office of Professional Development Programs offers a variety of non-degree and certificate programs for the education professional.

Certificate programs include: School Business Management Certificate, Professional Preparation for Reading, Training for the Teaching of the Twice Exceptional Student, and Differentiated Curriculum for Gifted and High-Ability Learners.

The Office of Professional Development Programs also offers annual institutes including:

  • Summer Gifted Institute and Teacher Demonstration School: intended for teachers of gifted and high-ability learners
  • School-wide Improvement Institute: designed to provide best practices from high-poverty, high-achieving schools
  • Teaching for Learning: Connecting Brain and Cognitive Science with the Classroom: for teachers and administrators in K-12 and higher education who wish to make connections between cognitive research and the classroom
  • Higher Education Leadership Institute: convenes a range of programs addressing contemporary issues in higher education for college and university senior executives

For further information, contact the Office of Professional Development Programs at (213) 743-1585 or email rsoepdp@usc.edu.