Pursuing a degree while balancing work and personal commitments can be a daunting task, but as a retired Marine, Mack has experience facing tough challenges. With a Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) from Georgetown University, Mack found the flexible, accessible and supportive program he needed to pursue his career goals. His extraordinary journey is a testament to the learning opportunities available to current and former military service members through the School of Continuing Studies.
Mack’s professional experience in the Marine Corps spanned more than 30 years, during which he held various roles including director of finance and drill instructor. Motivated to support others, his passion for helping injured and ill military members led him to start his own business, Mack Strategic Solutions, focused on helping former military members find employment opportunities. At the same time, Mack had always hoped to complete a bachelor’s degree, and he saw the perfect opportunity to do so through the BLS program at Georgetown. He says: “I knew I wanted to revisit my education to improve my skills. I just knew that getting my degree would help me learn how to be more efficient and effective in getting my work done.”
Mack was familiar with the BLS program because of Georgetown’s longstanding commitment to supporting students with military connections. From the moment he first interacted with university staff, Mack felt the care and guidance that would prove invaluable in his educational journey. He says: “The whole staff is actually there to help you and do everything they can to make sure you succeed. They are super sensitive. Georgetown offered a lot of resources.” Engaging with the university’s military-affiliated community and the program’s resources cemented his interest.
Mack was also drawn to the BLS program because of its curricular approach and online format. Choosing an interdisciplinary studies concentration meant she could explore a variety of subject areas and tailor her courses to align with her career goals and personal interests. The high quality of Georgetown’s faculty also played a key role in Mack’s student experience. For example, the public policy course he took was particularly influential in broadening his horizons and equipping him with valuable skills related to his goal of advocating for wounded warriors. In addition, the online environment of Coursera was another aspect that Mack valued in his student experience. He notes that he was able to cut down on his commute time because he doesn’t have a physical classroom or campus to attend, and he was able to complete classes on his own schedule with the asynchronous format. Through the Coursera mobile app, Mack was even able to access course materials on the go, as well as save content for offline access.
Mack takes full advantage of opportunities to connect with teachers and peers during live elective sessions. By engaging with his faculty, he benefits from the expertise of distinguished scientists and industry leaders who teach his courses. “The professors are just great,” Mack said, adding “they’ve taught me so many things.” He is convinced that the professional contacts he made during his studies will be useful even after his studies.
So far, Mack’s journey in the BLS program has been nothing short of life-changing. They equip themselves with a wide range of skills, from problem solving and communication skills, to leadership and project management strategies. Using the interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum, he built a solid foundation for his future endeavors.
As Mack nears graduation, he advises those considering the program to apply: “I would absolutely encourage anyone who wants to get a degree to come to this program. You will not be disappointed.” Like Mack, other current and former military service members can take control of their student experience and pursue their academic and professional goals with a BLS degree from Georgetown. If you’re ready to embark on a similar journey toward a bachelor’s degree, Georgetown and Coursera are there for you every step of the way.
Learn more about the liberal studies degree at Georgetown University.