The academic year 2012-2013 was a very productive one for the Fordham School of Professional and Continuing Studies (PCS). Overall the school saw growth of 5 percent and great success with the post-baccalaureate pre-med/pre-health program, while seeing only a slight increase in bachelor-seeking students. The school’s new marketing and outreach initiatives are showing positive results, with increases in traffic to the website, in prospects, and in applications. PCS plans to raise discretionary revenue to sustain marketing plans both for current and new programs.

The noteworthy success of the pre-med/pre-health post-baccalaureate program, in particular, has encouraged PCS to develop related curricular initiatives in growing areas where there are many professional opportunities. These initiatives include a more robust undergraduate pre-med track, and exploring such new programs as allied health and health care management.

Additionally, PCS has begun to draw on the energy and expertise of its newly created Board of Advisors to establish a vital alumni network. By raising support for more scholarships, PCS should be able to attract and retain students who currently opt for other educational institutions. The first official PCS fundraising event has encouraged other Board of Advisors members to volunteer to host more. Such public events raise the profile of Fordham PCS, especially in Westchester, where many board members reside. PCS is competing in the challenging Westchester market with certificates and programs directed at the community. The expansion of the College at Sixty to the Westchester campus is also a means of raising its visibility.

Moving forward, PCS will expand the post-baccalaureate pre-med/pre-health program and look to develop new undergraduate majors in the area of management health care, as well as increase students’ research activity and competitiveness for external fellowships. PCS will increase its fundraising capabilities, foster collaborative projects with Westchester corporations, and work to strengthen the PCS Faculty Council and internal cross-school relations.

PCS By The Numbers