Georgetown University Ranked #1 College for Veterans in 2015 U.S. News & World Report

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2015 U.S. News & World Report named Georgetown University the No. 1 college for veterans. Ranked colleges all had to be members of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium, certified for the GI Bill, and participants in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Georgetown ranked No. 1 out of 311 schools meeting these criteria.

There are currently 172 veterans enrolled in Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies (SCS) programs. 50 are earning their bachelor of arts in liberal studies (BALS), 81 are working towards a master's degree, six are doctor of liberal studies candidates, and 35 are enrolled in a certificate program. In addition to current students who are active-duty service members and veterans, there are nine students at SCS receiving federal funds because they are spouses or children of service members.

"We are pleased that SCS played a part in this national recognition," says Dean Kelly Otter. "I speak for all of our faculty and staff when I say that our student veterans are valuable and inspirational members of our academic community. Their commitment to learning and serving others mirrors Georgetown's mission."

Innovative programs like the new master's in Emergency & Disaster Management at the School of Continuing Studies appeal to people with military backgrounds. "Georgetown's Emergency & Disaster Management program is an ideal fit with my interests and my professional experience in the military and nonprofit sector," says U.S. Army veteran Zack Bazzi (G'15). "The program that Georgetown University offers is one of the best in the country, attracting diverse individuals from all types of backgrounds—and that was important to me."

"The service members who join our academic community demonstrate an impressive work ethic," says Vincent Kiernan, associate dean of the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program. "They are both inquisitive and self-motivated."

For some veterans, Georgetown's graduate-level programs offer an opportunity to move from the military into an applicable field.

"Georgetown's BALS program was exactly what I wanted," says Navy veteran and 2013 graduate Theresa Hilsdon, "an intellectually challenging course of study with caring professors, plus class times that would not interfere with my work schedule. My life has truly been enriched by my experience at Georgetown. I have grown professionally but more importantly, I have grown as a person."

Georgetown's Center for Continuing and Professional Education (CCPE) also looks out for veterans' interests. The center recently designed a USO program called "Franchise Venture Planning" and began teaching business and leadership skills to veterans at D.C.-based nonprofit Dog Tag Bakery.

"It's important to us to create these types of programs for members of the military," says Edwin Schmierer, CCPE associate dean. "We've found that many veterans are entrepreneurial-minded and have a vision for a business or organization that meets a concrete need in the community. Our programs help them put those plans into action."

This Veterans Day (Nov. 11), SCS will host an Honoring Veterans event as part of National Education Week. Free and open to the public, the daylong seminar will include keynote presentations and roundtable discussions on successful education and career transitions for veterans. To read about the program and register for National Education Week events, click here.

About Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies

Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies (SCS) fulfills the University's educational mission by offering a wide range of degree programs and applied learning experiences to a broad and inclusive community of students and professionals. The educational programs found within Georgetown SCS combine theory with 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 are committed to serve in greater society.

The School's flexible program formats give students the opportunity to make learning work with their busy lives: full-time and part-time enrollment options, courses scheduled in the evenings, supportive academic services, and educators who take a personal interest in student success are all hallmarks of a Georgetown SCS education. The School provides the knowledge, faculty, and resources for students, professionals, and community members to meet their personal and professional goals.

SCS Veterans Services connects student veterans with the resources they need to successfully transition from combat to classroom to career. This includes help navigating the admissions process, applying for financial aid and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits, academic assistance, and preparing to re-enter the workforce. For more information, please visit the Georgetown SCS Veterans Services Website.

Contact:
Andrew Glass
SCS Manager of Communications
(202) 687 – 8715
[email protected]

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SOURCE Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies