Overlooking the idyllic Potomac River in Washington, D.C., Georgetown University was founded in 1789 by Archbishop John Carroll and his staff of Jesuit teachers. Beginning as a college composed of a mere 12 students, Georgetown has developed into a world-class research institution and global university proudly known for an enlightened student body, prominent faculty, and an academic atmosphere fostering intellectual exploration, personal growth, and community leadership.

The School of Continuing Studies at Georgetown was founded in 1956 as the Georgetown University School for Summer and Continuing Education (SSCE). In the summer of 1974, currently the oldest degree program within the School, Liberal Studies, was launched by Joe Pettit, the dean of the SSCE at the time. The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (BALS) and the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS), each graduated their very first student (one in each program) in May 1978.  Our first group of Master of Professional Studies (MPS) students, 14 total in Public Relations & Corporate Communications and Journalism, graduated in December 2008.  And the first Doctor of Liberal Studies (DLS) student graduated in May 2010.  Since that time, our alumni community has grown considerably with impressive graduates from all programs.

Throughout the years, SSCE grew into the School of Continuing Studies which now offers more than 600 courses, bachelor and graduate degrees, advanced professional certificates, customized education, special programs, and much more.