Mission and Vision
Mission and Vision
Loyola University Chicago’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies empowers adult learners through an accessible, impactful, and holistic education that positions them for success.
Our applicable programs and flexible formats enable students to advance careers and fulfill personal goals. Guided by Loyola’s Jesuit tradition, SCPS creates a supportive environment that fosters social justice, ethics, and service to others.
As Loyola University Chicago’s home to adult learners, the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) positions “non-traditional” students to capture the professional success and meaningful lives they envision for themselves.
Non Profit and Accredited
A nonprofit, Higher Learning Commission-accredited university with a successful century-long track record of educating adult learners, we embrace. The Jesuit traditions of social justice, ethics, and service to others and we invest in your education through robust scholarship opportunities, financial aid, and career services, and access to a wide range of learning opportunities and academic resources.
Through an accessible, impactful, and holistic education, we ignite student growth through:
- dynamic academic programs led by engaged faculty who are scholars or practitioners in their respective fields
- flexible programming, including entirely online learning opportunities
- robust career services and financial aid offerings, including scholarships
Whether enrolling in one of our graduate or dual degree programs, one of our undergraduate degree or minor options, or one of our certificate programs, you can leverage your SCPS education and Loyola’s reputation to power your social mobility and unlock new opportunities to enhance your life.
“Coming back to school changes your life in so many ways. It changed the confidence I have in myself. As hard as I worked, I never felt accomplished because I always had this yearning to finish my degree.” Caroline Zaia ’16
By The Numbers
For more than a century, Loyola University Chicago has been transforming the trajectory of student lives, driving professional and personal pursuits with high-quality academic offerings and lively learning environments. SCPS embraces this tradition with a focus on flexibility, student support, and practicality.
A forward-thinking, responsive institution, we have designed accredited academic programs to meet market needs and introduced novel online coursework to deliver the flexibility students need. We have emerged a national leader in distance education and created spirited learning environments where students develop tangible skills they can apply in the contemporary workplace.
Top 5
Best Online Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
Top 10
Best Online Bachelor's Degree in Business
Top 25
Best Online Bachelor's Degree
94%
of SCPS students report they are likely to enroll at SCPS again
#1
Business in Chicago
#1
Psychology in Chicago
2nd
Overall in Chicago
“Faculty and staff are committed to their purpose and promise of Preparing People to Lead Extraordinary Lives. … Every student enrolling at Loyola has a dream and the faculty at Loyola are truly devoted to helping those dreams become a reality.” Vanessa Brown
Highly Qualified Faculty & Staff
Jim Coughlin
A member of the Institute of Management Accountants, Coughlin holds an MBA from Lewis University as well as an MS in Accounting from Roosevelt University. He teaches courses in personal finance and organizational finance.
Learn MoreRyan Cumming
Cumming, a senior lecturer who teaches a course titled Jesus Christ (THEO 267), received both his PhD as well as his MA in Christian Ethics from Loyola University Chicago. Cumming is a member of the American Academy of Religion, the Society of Christian Ethics, and the Peace and Justice Studies Association.
Learn MorePatricia Cushing
Cushing directs classes in computer concepts and applications as well as social, legal, and ethical issues in computing. She is a member of the International Society for Technology of Education, the International Society for The Learning Sciences, and the Computer Science Teachers Association.
Learn MoreA Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approach
Drawing inspiration from Loyola’s social justice mission and compelled to act with determination, tenacity, and hope, SCPS strives to create an inclusive community in which every student feels safe, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential and seize career opportunities.
Community Outreach and Approach
By reaching far beyond our campus’ borders, we provide our students access to vibrant learning opportunities and empower them to capture the full value of a Loyola University Chicago education in an inclusive, supportive learning environment.
Faculty Training
Guided by empathy and respect, SCPS faculty understand how to work with adult learners to ensure our students thrive in and out of the classroom.
Curriculum Development
Our curriculum arms our students with relevant knowledge and skills to propel their success. We also deliver that educational content in engaging ways to drive learning.
Increased Student Support
From introductory courses designed to help with practical matters like financing your college education or study skills to thorough and personal academic advising services, we walk with our students every step of their educational journey to ensure success.
We’re Here to Help
Contact us today at gpem@luc.edu or at 312-915-7900 with any questions or to request more information about adult and continuing education programs at SCPS.