In an era defined by rapid change and complex challenges, the ability to shape effective public policy reflects a deep commitment to public service. Syracuse University’s online policy studies degree offers a transformative path for students who want to make a meaningful impact in government, nonprofits, and beyond.
Designed for flexibility and relevance, this fully online undergraduate program empowers learners to analyze, design, and implement policies that address real-world issues, from housing and healthcare to education and environmental justice.
Real Research, Real Impact: A Glimpse into the Classroom
What sets this program apart isn’t just the curriculum, it’s the caliber of faculty leading it. Austin Zwick, Ph.D., policy studies program director, recent research published in SAGE Journals asks “Does variation in the size of communities influence the ambition of their smart city plans?”
This kind of work isn’t just academic, it’s actionable. Students in the policy studies program engage with the same tools and frameworks used by professionals in the field, learning how to turn research into results.
Hear directly from Professor Zwick in this video where he shares insights into his research, the evolving landscape of policy studies, and what students can expect from the program. It offers a glimpse into the insightful academic engagement that defines the Syracuse University experience.
What You’ll Learn:
Examine how public policy is implemented.
Develop research and problem-solving skills to create government policies that address current social and economic problems facing the United States.
Explore an expertise in a policy area of your choice that provides a broad range of scholarly and professional perspectives.
Gain an understanding of collecting and synthesizing information in a variety of ways using quantitative research and analysis techniques.
Analyze important political science concepts and the basics of political argumentation and reasoning.
Develop competencies in the application of social science methods to public policy problems.
With six start dates per year and the ability to transfer up to 90 credits, this program is built for learners who want flexibility without compromising academic rigor.
Your Moment to Make a Difference Begins Now
If you’re passionate about solving problems and shaping the future, Syracuse University’s online policy studies degree is your path to making a difference. With expert faculty, cutting-edge research, and a curriculum rooted in impact, you’ll graduate ready to lead with insight and integrity.
At the heart of the College of Professional Studies is a mission rooted in access, inclusion, and unwavering support. With five years of dedicated service, Tekonbla Randy Wright, admissions and academic advisor, has become a cornerstone for students navigating the complexities of higher education. This Q&A offers a glimpse into the journey, the impact, and the philosophy that drives Wright’s work: that success doesn’t always move fast, but it always moves forward.
What is your current role and what does it involve?
In one sentence, how would you describe your department’s mission?
We create educational access for the community while building an inclusive and supportive community for commuter part-time students.
Can you share a student interaction that left a lasting impact on you?
I coached a young lady who graduated high school in 2016. She looked up to me as “father-like” figure. She was a very ambitious and high character young lady. After several years at Syracuse University, she had to drop out after becoming pregnant and having two children. She was struggling to get back in the fold. I reached out to her to check in when she said she wanted to get back to school. I set an appointment with her and got her back in school and even supported her as she was able to get a job on campus.
During our meeting, the student shared how my years of coaching had impacted her personally. She also spoke about my influence in the community, my presence as a father balancing work and life, and the positive example I set for young adults.
After working at Syracuse for almost a year, she was encouraged to apply for a position in the commuter part-time studies department as the learning coordinator and assistant to the director of HEOP. She is now working with me and I’m advising her as she is finishing her degree. She has been a bright and positive energetic person to our office.
How does your team help students succeed in the real world?
We meet students where they’re at. We have a population of non-traditional students that range from 18-75. We are sensitive to their needs and what barriers are in their lives. Supporting them with classes, tutoring, transportation, and ongoing guidance while navigating home and school is a priority to us.
In what ways does your team go above and beyond to serve your students?
One day I was at the grocery store and ran into a student working at a bank that was housed in the store. Our staff had just met about her and not being able to connect with her. Her phone had been off, and she started a new job that went from 9-4 and didn’t think she’d be able to take classes. I made an appointment for her on a Saturday to accommodate her work schedule. After having to jump through a few hoops with technical issues, I met her at her job and during her lunch, we sat down and got her registered for her courses. We have since been able to loan her a laptop to support her for the semester.
What advice would you offer to prospective or current students?
“The well is never dry.” Everyone moves at their own pace. Don’t let the struggles of life stop your movement towards success. Students may have to take time off and come back for whatever personal reasons, but we will always be available for support and guidance. Our motto for HEOP is, “once HEOP, always HEOP.” You’ll always have a home and access for support if you want it. Move at your own pace. Sometimes slow motion is the best motion to be successful or the get the job done.
What makes the College of Professional Studies stand out as a leading environment for teaching and learning?
We have a strong sense of respect, admiration, and devotion to the students we work with. Having a full-time life away from school, managing many different obstacles and challenges while still striving for educational success and opportunities is admirable. Therefore, our entire staff makes sure we are supporting our students “where they’re at.” Meeting them at the beginning of their journey and making sure someone is with them along the way. The outpouring of support and help from within makes this a well-oiled machine. Also, there is no “I” in this team effort. We see it. We work it. We make it happen!
Your future starts now.
Take the next step in your learning journey and connect with an academic advisor today!
In today’s rapidly changing job market, continuous learning with microcredentials isn’t just an advantage, it’s a necessity. As industries like technology, finance, and digital marketing evolve, professionals must consistently upgrade their skills to stay relevant. Microcredentials for professional growth provide a flexible, targeted, and efficient way to enhance expertise, making lifelong learning career development more accessible than ever. But are microcredentials truly the key to lifelong learning? Let’s explore the role of microcredentials in career development, skills development, and future-proofing your career.
Microcredentials and lifelong learning go hand in hand. These compact, skill-focused certifications are designed for quick and practical learning. Unlike traditional degrees that take years to complete, microcredentials in technology, finance, and marketing can be earned in just a few weeks or months. Many microcredentials are offered online and can be shared on LinkedIn, resumes, and job applications to showcase specialized qualifications to employers.
The Role of Microcredentials in Lifelong Learning Link
Microcredentials for continuous career advancement are reshaping how professionals stay competitive by offering:
For example, industries such as technology, finance, and digital marketing change at a breakneck pace. Microcredentials for professional growth allow professionals to gain timely, relevant skills and stay ahead of market trends, ensuring career longevity and job security.
Additionally, ongoing education is crucial for lifelong learning career development. Microcredentials and lifelong learning offer a structured yet flexible way to build expertise, making them ideal for working professionals who want to upskill without committing to a full degree program. As a result, these certifications help individuals stay competitive in the job market and open doors to new opportunities.
Consequently, with automation and AI reshaping industries, traditional roles are evolving. Future-proof your career with microcredentials by gaining specialized knowledge in emerging fields, helping professionals adapt to changing job requirements and maintain long-term employability.
Additionally, employers recognize the value of microcredentials for continuous career advancement as proof of expertise. Individuals who pursue these certifications demonstrate a commitment to self-improvement, making them more attractive candidates for promotions and higher-paying positions.
Digital learning and career progression go hand in hand with microcredentials after all. Online courses allow professionals to upskill while balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities, ensuring continuous career progression without disrupting daily routines.
The Benefits of Lifelong Learning Through Microcredentials Link
All in all, investing in microcredentials and lifelong learning offers multiple advantages, including:
Cost-effectiveness: Compared to traditional degrees, microcredentials are more affordable and time-efficient.
Specialized knowledge: Focused learning ensures professionals acquire the exact skills they need.
Flexibility: Online options enable learners to balance education with work and personal life.
Employer recognition: Many companies now accept lifelong learning certifications as valid proof of expertise, enhancing career opportunities.
So are you ready to take your career to the next level? Explore microcredential programs with the Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies today and unlock new opportunities for success!
Tuition Incentive Grant Reduces Per-Credit Rate by Nearly 25%, Making a Syracuse University Education More Accessible to Working Adults
The College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University is providing all undergraduate students admitted to and enrolled in its online programs with the Tuition Incentive Grant, effectively reducing the per-credit rate from $750 to $575. This reduction of $175 per credit hour demonstrates the College’s commitment to making quality education more accessible to working adults pursuing their bachelor’s degrees.
The Tuition Incentive Grant is automatically applied to all part-time undergraduate online students in the College of Professional Studies. No additional application or eligibility requirements are needed beyond admission and enrollment. This grant reduces the financial investment required to earn a Syracuse University degree while maintaining work and family responsibilities.
“The Tuition Incentive Grant demonstrates our commitment to expanding opportunities for working professionals to earn their Syracuse University degree,” said Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “We recognize that adult learners are making significant investments in their futures, and this automatic grant helps reduce that investment while maintaining the innovative course design, market-responsive programs and top-tier faculty for which the University is known.”
The grant applies to all part-time, undergraduate, online programs offered through the College of Professional Studies, encompassing degrees in business management, project management, organizational development and leadership, cybersecurity, and healthcare administration. Through a blend of asynchronous and synchronous online course delivery, multiple start dates throughout the year, and dedicated support services, the college ensures that adult learners can successfully integrate their educational pursuits with professional and personal responsibilities.
This tuition reduction addresses the critical need for affordable pathways to degree completion at a time when career advancement increasingly requires bachelor’s degree credentials. The initiative recognizes that many working adults have delayed or interrupted their educational journeys due to financial constraints, and the reduced tuition rate removes a significant barrier to degree completion. By making this investment in affordability, Syracuse University College of Professional Studies demonstrates its understanding that accessible education benefits not only individual students but also strengthens the broader workforce and economy.
Students interested in learning more about the Tuition Incentive Grant and exploring program options should contact the College of Professional Studies admissions office at 315-443-9378 or parttime@syr.edu. Admissions counselors are available to discuss how the grant applies to specific program paths and to help prospective students understand the full range of financial resources available to support their educational goals.
Join us as we celebrate collaboration in online course design and development. Meet and share ideas with other professionals from the schools and colleges of Syracuse University.
Please mark your calendar to join us for a behind-the-scenes look at our online courses. Talk with University faculty who have participated in the course design process. Learn how collaboration with The Center for Online and Digital Learning at Syracuse University adds value to academic programs across campus and to students across the world.
Wed., Oct. 22, 2025
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Bisignano Grand Hall at the D’Aniello National Veterans Resource Center
Jason Curry: BPS 211 Introduction to Professional Studies Link
Spotlighting critical thinking videos for instructional design message creation and student roundtables for course outcomes, with a focus on the application of critical thinking.
Jason Curry has more than 15 years of professional and higher education experience across various roles, including faculty, regulatory compliance, corporate, institutional and programmatic accreditation, distance education, and leadership. Prior to joining Syracuse University, Curry served as a curriculum and student consumer research analyst in the Licensing and Registration Unit at the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. In addition to his regulatory background, Curry was an assistant professor at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky, and an instructor and program administrator for the Bachelor of Science in Workforce Leadership program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Curry also served as the director of education and academic affairs at ATA College. In addition, he has held several contract and full-time instructional design, evaluation, and leadership roles for companies such as Humana, LaserShip, Carley Corporation, TCF Bank, and Sears Holdings Corporation.
Katrin Steele: PPM 610 Project Management Fundamentals Link
Katrin Steele is a professor of practice in the Project Management Program in the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University. She has a 27-year career characterized by diverse roles across biotechnology manufacturing processes, operations quality, and learning and performance. With a strong background as a servant leader and project management expert, she brings extensive practical experience and a commitment to fostering both academic and professional excellence.
Susan Conklin: CRL 313 Strategic Leadership in Professional Studies Link
Spotlighting live session worksheets and applying metacognition to support self-reflection.
Susan Conklin is a professor of organizational development and leadership, as well as an experienced consultant and trainer. She draws on more than 35 years of experience managing people and projects to develop training programs that improve business performance. Her consulting, training, and coaching services focus on personal and interpersonal skill development, leadership, and organizational development. Her clients include public and private corporations and institutions. Conklin holds an MBA from Syracuse University with a concentration in organizational development and marketing. Her corporate experience includes leadership positions with GE and Carrier Corporation, as well as with several small businesses. In addition to her consulting work, Conklin has been teaching management and leadership classes in higher education for more than 20 years.
Emily Nolan: ATR 724 Trauma and Art Therapy: Theories and Applications Link
Spotlighting experiential and scenario-based learning in somatic therapy, experiential and constructivist approaches in trauma-informed art therapy, and audio-guided experiential learning for healing and post-traumatic growth.
Emily Goldstein Nolan joined the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Department of Creative Arts Therapy as a non-tenure-track professor of practice in Fall 2020. She founded a nonprofit organization, Bloom Art and Integrated Therapies, Inc., that focuses on providing access to mental health care and art therapy. Bloom partners with many community organizations to provide innovative treatment. Nolan earned a DAT in 2014 from Mount Mary University, an MA in 2005 from the Adler School of Professional Psychology, and a BFA in 1999 from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Dr. Rochele Royster: ATR 823 Thesis or Culminating Project II Link
Spotlighting three podcast interviews that highlight the real-world research, inclusive practices, and diverse expertise of guest speakers to inspire students working on their thesis projects. Course assignments were scaffolded to support students in developing and presenting their thesis research projects.
Rochele Royster, PhD, ATR-BC, is an assistant professor of art therapy in the Department of Creative Arts Therapy at Syracuse University. With more than 20 years of experience integrating art therapy into educational settings, she specializes in trauma-informed classrooms, special education, and community-based practice. Her teaching is grounded in a transdisciplinary approach that explores race, power, and policy in education. Royster’s work bridges art, social justice, and pedagogy, preparing students to use creative methods for systemic change.
Spotlighting trial practice skills in action with a demonstration of direct examination.
Todd A. Berger serves as the director of advocacy programs and the director of the College of Law’s joint JD/LLM program in Advocacy and Litigation. His scholarship focuses on criminal law and procedure, as well as the intersection of trial advocacy and attorney ethics. Berger also serves as the faculty host of the American Bar Association’s Law Student Podcast. Berger earned a BA from George Washington University, a JD from Temple University School of Law, and an LLM in Trial Advocacy from Temple University.
Arien Rozelle: STC 319 Digital Analytics for Strategic Communication Link
Spotlighting the integration of the social media platform Threads and the analytics platform Brandwatch for content repetition, to connect students with one another, and as an opportunity for critical thinking. Spotlighting the use of student Threads submissions as data for a reflection assignment on the topics of confirmation bias, echo chambers, and selective exposure.
Arien Rozelle is an assistant teaching professor in the public relations department. She teaches courses in public relations campaigns, public relations writing, and public relations ethics. She also advises students who compete in the Public Relations Student Society of America’s (PRSSA) Bateman Case Study Competition and led the Newhouse team to place third in the nation in 2025. Rozelle is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America and, in 2024, was named Educator of the Year by the PRSA Rochester Chapter. She is an active member of AEJMC’s Public Relations Division, which awarded her the Top Great Idea for Teaching (GIFT) in 2025. As a public relations practitioner, she founded and operated a boutique PR firm in New York City and is now a consultant to a variety of clients. Rozelle earned a BA in communication from the State University of New York at Fredonia and an MA in public relations and corporate communication from New York University.
Soo-Yeon Hong: STC 348 Principles of DEIA in Communications Link
Spotlighting video variety and reflection journals as strong examples of increasing students’ engagement with course material and their engagement in their own thinking processes.
Soo Yeon Hong teaches introductory graphic design, social media, visual communications theory, and multimedia storytelling courses to undergraduate, graduate, and military students. She brings to the classroom an unusual element of diversity, given her PhD in communications from the Newhouse School, her PR and graphic design expertise gained in her earlier professional career, and her creative writing skills learned from National Book Award– and Pulitzer Prize–winning authors.
Hong holds a PhD in mass communications from the Newhouse School and an MFA in creative writing (fiction) from Boston University, where she was awarded the 2012 Saul Bellow Prize in Fiction. She has taught at Boston University and Virginia Commonwealth University, in addition to Syracuse University, where she also teaches in Communications@Syracuse. Hong was a marketer at LG, a graphic designer at Time and Health magazines, and an editorial assistant to the co-editor of Communications Research journal. She was a semifinalist for the 2014–2015 Provincetown Fine Arts Work Center Fellowship.
