Welcome from the Dean

The School of Continuing Studies is dedicated to meeting the educational needs of a unique student population: adult learners. Most of our students work full-time and attend classes during evenings and on weekends. They come to SCS to earn an undergraduate degree, to prepare for professional school or graduate study, or simply to engage in a learning experience at one of the nation's most respected universities. They take time away from their careers, their busy schedules, and their families to fulfill a perhaps long-sought-after academic dream.

Since its founding as University College 75 years ago, the School of Continuing Studies has provided an impressive array of educational programs. As you will see, SCS undergraduate offerings have grown to include courses in 38 subjects and 19 bachelor's degree majors in Chicago and Evanston. These majors reflect the depth, rigor, and relevance of Northwestern University curricula, whether you are pursuing a major in information systems or in history. Also, courses are available in a wide range of subjects, from accounting to classics, journalism to theatre, are offered. We provide such variety because we believe that adult learners deserve a broad and intellectually rich academic experience.

This year, we are pleased to launch a third cohort group in our innovative Leadership and Organization Behavior Degree Completion Program. Designed for busy professionals, this program enables students to complete the course work in the Organization Behavior major within a 2-and-a-half year span. This program has a distance-learning component, although each course also relies on classroom-based instruction for core learning.

To support our programs and enhance our students' experience, we embarked on and completed a new initiative to improve the quality of our Chicago campus facilities. Unveiled in September 2007, the renovated Wieboldt Hall now provides our students with state-of-the-art community and classroom space.

As you examine this web site, you will see that the School of Continuing Studies is a place where you can satisfy your lifelong commitment to learning - whether you seek a degree, want to develop professional skills, or simply desire a new intellectual challenge. We believe that when you attend Northwestern, our great tradition of quality will set you apart - whether in the business marketplace or the marketplace of ideas.

Sincerely,

Thomas F. Gibbons
Dean, School of Continuing Studies