Dear Friends and Colleagues:

I am honored to serve as interim dean of the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) and am grateful to former Dean Robert L. Manuel for his service to the School and to Georgetown University during his six years of leadership. In the months ahead, I look forward to building on our strong curricula and educational program offerings with a focus on developing new research and service opportunities.

For more than 50 years, SCS has fulfilled Georgetown University's mission of educational outreach and inclusivity by offering a wide range of degrees and applied learning experiences to a community of students and professionals. The degrees and programs found within SCS bring theory to practice through rigorous curricula led by experts in their fields, providing opportunities for students to excel academically and professionally. In keeping with Georgetown’s Catholic and Jesuit heritage and values, SCS educates women and men to be self-reflective, critical thinkers who work in the service of others.

Our educational programs set the standard for both their quality and breadth. The master’s in Public Relations & Corporate Communications program was named 'PR Education Program of the Year' by PRWeek during the 2012 PRWeek Awards. Our programs stay on the leading edge and adapt to societal and industry changes. In response to major policy changes in the health care industry, the master’s in Technology Management program launched a new concentration in health IT (information technology). Our students blend rigorous study with practical experience, applying what they learn in the classroom to situations they face in their work and lives. Students from our master’s in Real Estate program won the 2012 NAIOP Maryland/DC Intercollegiate Real Estate Case Competition, where they submitted the winning proposal for a mixed-use real estate development project for Washington, D.C.

Our programs regularly host events and lectures to discuss important topics in myriad disciplines, fields and industries. Our Graduate Liberal Studies department hosts an annual East Coast Liberal Studies Conference, convening scholars from across the region to generate a dialogue about learning and research in the humanities. The School is continually evolving to meet the growing needs of students by creating new programs. In a brand new partnership between SCS and the Georgetown University Medical Center, we enrolled over 600 high school students in summer 2012 in our medical programs, where students are able to work in a hands-on laboratory setting.

I invite you to browse our website and learn more about the exciting learning opportunities offered at SCS. Whether you are interested in earning your bachelor’s degree or advancing professionally with a professional certificate or graduate degree, I am confident you will find a home at the School.

Best wishes,

Walter Rankin, Ph.D.
Interim Dean, School of Continuing Studies