In today’s fast-changing job market, staying competitive means continuously learning and evolving. Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies offers stackable learning, a flexible way to advance your career on your terms.
Stackable credentials are designed to break down traditional education into manageable, career-focused learning. With stackable credentials, you can build a personalized path into a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree. Unlike traditional programs, BPS degrees offer the flexibility to tailor your curriculum to fit your goals, schedule, and experience.
Whether you’re looking to switch careers or build new skills, the College of Professional Studies makes it possible and meets you where you are.
Instead of committing to a full degree from the start, students can start small and earn credentials that later stack into a complete degree if it meets the criteria.
Flexibility for Working Professionals: Whether you’re balancing a full-time job, family, or other commitments, Syracuse University’s online learning options allow you to study when and where it works best for you.
Customized and Personalized Learning Paths: Stackable programs let learners tailor their education to match their goals, interests, or job requirements. You can combine credentials across disciplines, like pairing a project management certificate with a cybersecurity administration BPS degree, to create unique skill sets. This personalization makes your profile stand out in competitive job markets.
Career Advancement with In-Demand Skills: Each credential is designed to provide immediate, real-world value. From AI in Business Process Automation to Full Stack Development, these programs focus on high-growth industries, helping you stay competitive in the job market.
With a deep commitment to inclusive, student-centered learning, Holl plays a pivotal role in shaping engaging and accessible online courses that meet the needs of a diverse, global student body. Her work exemplifies the College of Professional Studies’ mission to provide flexible, high-quality education that meets students where they are and helps them thrive.
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I am an instructional designer. I work with faculty (SME – Subject Matter Experts) and a team of colleagues to design and develop courses for online delivery across academic programs at Syracuse University.
In one sentence, how would you describe your department’s mission?
Our mission is to develop student-centered, engaging, rigorous, and inclusive learning opportunities for a diverse and global community of learners.
Why is instructional design an important part of the course development process?
Instructional design organizes course content and brings the course to life for the students.
Instructional designers use frameworks and ideas from learning theories like constructivism, andragogy, and experiential learning to design activities that help students connect concepts, ask questions, and build knowledge in ways that stay with them. When a course is thoughtfully designed, it’s easier for students to stay engaged, know what’s expected, and feel like the learning really matters.
Instructional design plays a vital role in creating meaningful learning environments that support how students learn most effectively.
In what ways does your team go above and beyond to serve online students?
Intentional, inclusive, and supportive course design is how our team goes above and beyond for online students. Students benefit from clear expectations, easy navigation, and engaging content that keeps them connected to their learning.
Every course is built with care, drawing on the deep expertise and creativity of our team to deliver high-quality learning opportunities with multimedia that supports student success. By focusing on best practices and listening and adapting, we make sure each student feels valued and equipped to succeed. We also prioritize authentic and inclusive pedagogy by designing for diverse learning preferences and encouraging adaptive strategies that help students meet complex learning goals.
How do you collaborate with faculty or subject matter experts during the instructional design process?
Planning Together: We meet with faculty throughout the process to talk through course goals, delivery format, timelines, aligning learning objectives with activities and student needs. This helps faculty think through how their content can be structured to support different learning preferences and students from varied backgrounds.
Rethinking Assignments: In collaboration with faculty, we redesign assignments to be more inclusive and flexible, allowing students to create materials that are relevant to their professional goals. We design course content that is relevant, engaging, and structured to support online and non-traditional learners in accessing and understanding material with ease. Our approach emphasizes authentic learning and supports the development of adaptive strategies that help students navigate complex tasks, build confidence, and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
Targeting Student Needs: We work closely with faculty to identify assignments and activities that meet the objectives for the course and also the needs of diverse online learners, including adult students, working professionals, caregivers, military-affiliated learners, and others balancing education with competing responsibilities. Our team offers flexible alternatives to traditional assessments and delivery formats that still meet learning outcomes while providing more choice and accessibility. For example, instead of a timed exam, we might suggest students create a podcast, video, or infographic that demonstrates their mastery of course content in a way that aligns with their professional goals and lived experiences.
Left to right: Amy Holl and Rochele Royster at the Center for Online and Digital Learning Spotlight 2025.
How do you approach designing online courses to ensure they’re accessible to all learners?
When designing online courses, I prioritize inclusive pedagogy to ensure all learners feel welcomed and supported. This approach is grounded in key principles such as equity, accessibility, representation, flexibility, and empowerment, which guide every aspect of course development, from content creation to interaction and assessment design.
In our courses we ensure we use alt text for images, captioning and transcripts for media, clear and consistent navigation, high-contrast colors and readable fonts, keyboard-accessible interactions, chunked content with clear headings, flexible assignment formats, and accessible documents that work seamlessly with assistive technologies. Using inclusive pedagogy, we actively seek to create learning environments where all students feel valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their backgrounds, identities, or abilities.
As I work on courses, I want the materials to be thoughtful, artful, and impactful. Additionally, I want students to see themselves reflected in the content and feel that their personal perspectives and contributions are acknowledged and valued.
What makes the College of Professional Studies stand out as a leading environment for teaching and learning?
We have the finest committed, caring and passionate team members that are student-centered. The College of Professional Studies stands out as a leading environment for teaching and learning because of its strong commitment to access, inclusion, and innovation.
Under the leadership of Dean Michael Frasciello, the College empowers diverse learners, including part-time and nontraditional students, through flexible, future-focused programs that combine academic excellence with real-world relevance. The College’s student-centered approach includes personalized support, interdisciplinary degrees, and high-quality online and on-campus options designed to meet learners where they are and help them succeed on their own terms.
My Personal Commitment: As a first-generation college graduate and passionate instructional designer, I am deeply committed to creating inclusive, student-centered online learning environments that support the educational needs and aspirations of diverse learners. I look forward to continuing this work in ways that have a meaningful impact on our students.
The rise of online learning allows students to earn their degree from anywhere. At the College of Professional Studies, our online programs empower students with the tools, technology, and support to succeed in a virtual environment.
Here are our top tips for making the most of online learning at Syracuse University.
Even without a fixed class schedule, online courses require commitment and organization. Consider the following strategies to optimize your study routine:
Use a calendar to block out study times, deadlines, and live sessions.
Set weekly goals to stay on track.
Avoid multitasking and focus on one subject or module at a time for deeper learning and better retention.
Remember: Remote students are full members of the Syracuse community. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
With Syracuse University’s resources and support, there’s no better place to take charge of your online learning journey. Start today and succeed from anywhere.
At the College of Professional Studies, supporting international students goes far beyond academics, it’s about fostering belonging, building confidence, and creating a home away from home.
In this Q&A, we sit down with international student advisor, Caleb Schwarz, from the English Language Institute whose passion for global education and student connection shines through every airport pickup, advising session, and community outing.
Read on to discover how Schwarz is helping students turn Syracuse into a second home and shaping futures one connection at a time.
What’s your current role and what does it involve?
I am an international student advisor with the English Language Institute here at the College of Professional Studies. In that role, I provide support for students in various areas as they learn to adapt to life in the United States.
For example, I am currently undergoing training as a Designated School Official (DSO) for the Institute, which means I work with students on visa issuance and compliance. While I am responsible for several backend administrative tasks, my real passion comes from creating long-lasting, meaningful connections with students. Beyond providing cultural orientation and academic advising for them, I seek opportunities for students to get involved in the community and on campus in hopes that one day they will think of Syracuse as a “home away from home.”
How long have you been with the College, and what’s your journey been like?
I’ve been at the College of Professional Studies since late March of 2025.
My colleagues in the English Language Institute and I have been able to bond over our shared passion for global education and our commitment to making memorable experiences for the students we serve. Programming for new employees coordinated by college leadership has made it easy for me to meet my colleagues in other departments and collaborate on initiatives that create opportunities for students and the College at large. I look forward to what I hope will be a long and rewarding journey here at the College of Professional Studies.
In one sentence, how would you describe your department’s mission?
From my perspective, our mission is to provide a space where students feel comfortable to be themselves, explore their interests, and build their confidence in English to prepare them for a better, brighter future in the world.
An iY-1 student takes a photo with Otto at the May 2024 orientation.
Can you share a student interaction that left a lasting impact on you?
One of my favorite parts of the job is picking international students up from the airport when they arrive for their English studies. The first student I picked up by myself was a very memorable experience for me. It was for a student in the International Year One program, a program where students take classes using a hybrid model for their first 30 credit hours from partner institutions and then transition onto main campus for their second academic year.
While taking the student to the dorm, we talked about his life up to that point and how excited he was to be in the United States to study. During his trip to the U.S., he bought jellybeans based on the Harry Potter series with wacky flavors to try. He offered me one and we laughed when I discovered the jellybean I had chosen was rotten-egg-flavored. I remember still how grateful this student was to see a familiar face pick him up at the airport.
Airport pickups are a way for me to welcome the students. Time permitting, I usually take them to department and grocery stores to buy apartment essentials and food after their long flights. It’s time to connect with them and show them that they are not alone during their time with us. They are now a part of the ELI family!
How does your team help students succeed in the real world?
Our student population is incredibly diverse, but there is one thing that all our students have in common—a desire to improve their English.
In today’s world, English is increasingly more important every day. For community members who already live here in Syracuse, they know this all too well. Many find it difficult to carry out normal daily tasks like going to the grocery store or going to the bank without a good foundation in English. We help our students be able to do things that you may think of as routine or ordinary, but for them, the difference means everything.
Just the other day, in fact, I heard a story about one of our students who has lived in the Syracuse community for some time now and was excited that he was able to order coffee in English by himself with confidence thanks to our classes. What our students learn in the classroom truly does go beyond the classroom.
In what ways does your team go above and beyond to serve your students?
I am incredibly lucky to work with a team of caring and highly motivated individuals. It has been a pleasure to get to know them in both a professional and personal capacity.
My colleagues are always looking for ways to do better by our students and make the time they spend with us special. They take the time to get to know each student personally and volunteer their time and money for programming and excursions. It has been extremely refreshing to be able to work somewhere where student interests are taken as a priority and innovation is valued.
My supervisor Kelsey Gillette has also been a great support for me as I transition. Her dedication and commitment to the ELI and our students is truly inspiring and I am extremely grateful to her for being there for me so that I can be there for the students.
iY-1 students in the classroom at the May 2024 orientation.
What advice would you offer to prospective or current students?
Don’t let your fears get in the way of your own success.
It can feel extremely isolating, and you can feel embarrassed when practicing your English—that’s normal. If you want to improve though, the only way is by practicing. This means putting your ego aside and not being afraid to make mistakes along the way. Don’t forget that what you’re doing is not easy and give yourself grace when things don’t go the way you planned. You can do difficult things.
From your experience, what makes the College of Professional Studies stand out as a leading environment for teaching and learning?
I think that the best part of working at the College of Professional Studies is the incredible team that is here. The people I work with are extremely passionate about what they do and want to create opportunities for non-traditional students to thrive and make a better life for themselves.
As a first-generation college graduate, I understand how important a good education is and the impact it can have on a person’s life. I am proud and inspired to find myself among a group of such dedicated and compassionate individuals and I hope to be doing this kind of work for many years to come.
Learn more about the English Language Institute at eli.syr.edu.
Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies offers five 100% online minors. These online programs add specialized skills to any education path.
In this guide, you will discover each minor, required courses, career benefits, and next steps to apply today. Link
Admission requirements vary for each minor program. Be sure to consult the official program pages for detailed eligibility criteria and application guidelines.
Master the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and business systems. This minor teaches you how AI is transforming productivity, efficiency, and innovation across every industry.
You’ll learn to
Apply AI tools and techniques to real business scenarios
Analyze how AI impacts organizational efficiency and innovation
Design effective AI solutions that turn complex data into insights
Course overview
AIA 210 – Foundations of Digital Automation
AIA 216– AI Automation Strategies
AIA 316 – AI Semantic Data Storage and Integration
AIA 346 – AI Applications and Solution Delivery
AIA 426 – Applied AI in Business Systems
AIA 430 –Generative AI in Digital Automation
Why choose this minor? AI skills are in massive demand across all sectors. Whether you’re majoring in marketing, finance, healthcare, or engineering, this minor guarantees a competitive edge in the workforce.
Dive deep into how digital technologies are revolutionizing traditional automation processes. This minor covers everything from predictive analytics to IIOT data management.
You’ll learn to
Understand digital automation processes, tools, and techniques
Apply cutting-edge technologies in industrial scenarios
Analyze future trends shaping the automation landscape
Course overview
AIA 210 – Foundations of Digital Automation
AIA 328 – Predictive Analytics for Digital Automation
AIA 330 – Applications and Dashboards in Digital Automation
AIA 340 – Process Reengineering using Digital Automation
AIA 427 – Sensor and IoT Data in Digital Automation
AIA 430 – Generative AI in Digital Automation
Why choose this minor? Manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and tech companies are in immediate need of professionals who understand automation. This minor positions you for roles in operations, technology, and innovation.
Get comprehensive knowledge of one of the fastest-growing industries in America. This interdisciplinary minor covers law, science, business, and cultivation in the cannabis industry.
You’ll learn to
Identify differences between marijuana and hemp products
Navigate legal and regulatory frameworks
Learn the science behind cannabis and its health applications
Understand cultivation, manufacturing, and business operations
Course overview
CAN 301 – Cannabis Business Operations
CAN 310 – Cannabis Start-ups
CAN 315 – Cannabis Law, Policy, and Social Justice
CAN 320 – Cannabis Science and Health
CAN 325 – Cannabis Cultivation
CAN 330 – Cannabis Manufacturing, Processing & Distribution
Why choose this minor? New York’s cannabis legalization is creating thousands of jobs. This minor positions you for careers in healthcare, agriculture, policy, compliance, business operations, or legal sectors within this growing industry.
Build the critical skills that every leader needs. This minor combines theory and practice in organizational leadership, change management, strategic thinking, and professional relationship building.
You’ll learn to
Develop skills to cultivate professional relationships
Cultivate strong conflict resolution skills in the workplace
Apply strategic thinking for professional problem-solving and decision-making
Course Overview
ODL 301 – Analysis and Decision Models for Leaders
ODL 372 – Organizational Leadership
Elective courses (12 credits)
Choose four additional classes from available ODL offerings
Why choose this minor? Leadership skills translate to every career path. Whether you’re heading business, nonprofit work, healthcare, technology, or any other field, this minor prepares you for management and leadership roles.
Learn to lead projects from start to finish. This interdisciplinary minor covers project organization, methodologies, controls, communications, and stakeholder management.
You’ll learn to
Master traditional and emerging project management methods
Launch and successfully complete projects on time and on budget
Manage large-scale, global team-based projects
Required courses
PPM 301 – Foundations of Project Management
PPM 310 – Project Organization and Leadership
PPM 315 – Project Management Methodologies
PPM 320 – Project Controls
PPM 325 – Project Communications and Stakeholder Management
PPM 411 – Project Management Capstone
Why choose this minor? Project management skills are valuable across all industries. From healthcare to financial institutions, experienced project managers are always in demand.
Your major is just the beginning. At Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies, these online minors allow you to stand out in the evolving job market.
Explore our programs today and take the next step in your career journey.
