Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies

Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies

Seal of Georgetown University
Former names	Georgetown University School for Summer and Continuing Education
Type	Private
Established	1970
Parent institution	Georgetown University
Affiliation	Roman Catholic (Jesuit)
Dean	Kelly Otter
Location	Washington, D.C., USA
Campus	Urban
Website	scs.georgetown.edu

The Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies (SCS) is a school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. SCS offers graduate programs in professional and liberal studies, professional certificate programs, custom and corporate training and education, summer school and special programs, English language education, and Georgetown University’s only part-time bachelor’s program. SCS enrolls more than 10,000 students each academic year in its degree and non-degree programs.^[1]

History

Since its official founding in 1970, the School of Continuing Studies has filled an important role at Georgetown University by introducing academic programs and professional training opportunities that respond to the evolving needs of society and the workforce. The nimble structure and culture of SCS has been maintained over time, from the introduction of summer courses in the 1950s to the University’s first Master of Professional Studies degrees in the 2000s.

The School's Summer Sessions began in 1954 following the 1953 appointment of Rev. James F. Dougherty, S.J., to direct a coordinated summer school for the University. During its first year in operation, what was then known as the "Summer School" offered courses from 15 academic departments, such as Political Science, Religion, and Modern Languages. Dr. Paul Sullivan succeeded Father Dougherty in 1954, first as director and then as the first dean.

In November 1970, the University’s Board of Directors authorized a change to the School’s name from the Georgetown University Summer School to the School for Summer and Continuing Education, and in doing so, marked the founding of the School as it is known today. In the spring of 1974, two Liberal Studies programs were announced by former dean Dr. Joseph Pettit. As the oldest degree programs in the school, the first student graduated from the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program in 1975 and the first three students graduated from the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program in 1976. The first students from the Doctor of Liberal Studies program, established in 2005, graduated in May 2010.

In December 2004, the University’s Board of Directors authorized a name change to the School of Continuing Studies, as SCS is known today. The School’s first Master of Professional Studies (MPS) programs were launched in fall 2007 by then-dean Dr. Robert Manuel. The MPS programs emphasize a balance of theoretical and applied learning through graduate-level coursework. The first MPS programs offered were in Public Relations & Corporate Communications and Journalism, and the first group of MPS students graduated in December 2008. The School continues to add new MPS programs, with each program created to fill industry needs for educated professionals.

In 2013, SCS moved from offices on Georgetown’s Main Campus and in Arlington, Virginia, to its current home at 640 Massachusetts Ave NW, allowing for continued expansion into new academic areas. Under the leadership of Dean Kelly Otter, Ph.D., who assumed her role in July 2014, the School maintains an ever-growing portfolio of degree and non-degree educational opportunities.^[2]

Academics

Liberal Studies

The School of Continuing Studies offers degrees in Liberal Studies at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Featuring a values-based curriculum, the programs emphasize intellectual advancement, enhanced critical thinking, and a greater cultural understanding. Programs include the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, and Doctor of Liberal Studies.^[3]

Master of Professional Studies (MPS)

SCS offers Master of Professional Studies degrees in Applied Intelligence, Cybersecurity Risk Management, Design Management & Communications, Emergency & Disaster Management, Global Strategic Communications, Global Hospitality Leadership, Higher Education Administration, Human Resources Management, Integrated Marketing Communications, Journalism, Project Management, Public Relations & Corporate Communications, Real Estate, Sports Industry Management, Systems Engineering Management, Technology Management, and Urban & Regional Planning. The first MPS programs—Public Relations & Corporate Communications and Journalism—were launched in 2007, and MPS degrees are now the fastest-growing programs within the School.^[4]

Certificates, Workshops, and Custom Education

SCS offers noncredit professional certificate programs and workshop courses designed to help professionals change careers, advance in their current careers, or develop new knowledge and skills to position their organizations for future growth. SCS also provides leadership development workshops and programs through the Institute for Transformational Leadership (ITL), and designs and delivers customized education programs for partner organizations through its Corporate and Custom Education team.^[5]

Summer Programs

SCS welcomes more than 2,000 high school students each summer to participate in its Summer High School Programs. Ranging in length from 1 to 5 weeks, these programs are designed to prepare high school students for college and give them the opportunity to explore a topic of interest while learning from Georgetown professors and industry experts.^[6]

SCS also administers Summer Sessions, providing current undergraduate and graduate students with a variety of courses available on campus and online over the summer. Courses are formatted as small, interactive classes that allow students to take an in-depth look at a given subject area.^[7]

English Language Education

SCS’s English Language Center offers a variety of programs for teachers and students of the English language. These programs are designed to help participants improve their English skills, prepare for U.S. undergraduate- or graduate-level study, or become certified to teach English as a foreign language. Programs include American Conversational English, Evening & Weekend English, Teaching English as a Foreign Language, as well as a variety of custom education programs for international audiences.^[8]

Administration

Kelly J. Otter, Ph.D., has served as dean of the School of Continuing Studies since 2014. In this role, Dr. Otter oversees professional graduate programs; liberal studies programs at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels; professional certificate programs and custom education; English language education; and summer and special programs. Before coming to Georgetown in 2014, she served in academic dean roles at Northeastern University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the College of New Rochelle, and previously held positions in academic administration at New York University. She also taught at each of these institutions in the fields of media studies and interdisciplinary research. Dr. Otter’s professional portfolio comprises academic program development, the design and management of technology-mediated education infrastructures and programs, veterans support services, international education and partnerships, and adult and workforce education. Dr. Otter is a member of the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA), the International Leadership Association (ILA), and the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO).^[9]

References

External links

• Georgetown University School for Continuing Studies