News

Cannabis Career Certificates: Professional Opportunity in a Growing Field

The cannabis industry is booming—and employers are looking for skilled professionals with formal training. That’s why the College of Professional Studies has partnered with Green Flower, the leader in cannabis education, to launch a new suite of Cannabis Career Certificate programs.

Why Choose Cannabis Career Certificates?

These online programs are built for real-world success:

  • Expert-Led Learning: 50+ cannabis industry leaders and subject matter experts.
  • Updated Curriculum: Aligned with current regulations and employer needs.
  • Affordable Pricing: Accessible programs starting at $850.
  • Career Support: Access to Green Flower’s Cannabis Career Resource Center for resume help, interview prep, and employer connections.

Six Career-Focused Cannabis Certificates

Each program is designed to match the most in-demand roles in the cannabis industry:

  1. Cannabis Associate Certificate (8 weeks, $850)
    Gain foundational knowledge in cannabis policy, plant science, and compliance—perfect for entry-level roles.
  2. Cannabis Cultivation Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200)
    Learn best practices for growing cannabis in indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse environments.
  3. Cannabis Product Development Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200)
    Master the process of creating cannabis products, from extraction to edibles, beverages, and topicals.
  4. Cannabis Retail & Sales Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200)
    Build skills for dispensary operations and brand sales success.
  5. Cannabis Compliance Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200)
    Understand regulations and compliance for cultivation, retail, and manufacturing.
  6. Medical Cannabis Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200)
    Prepare for patient-focused roles with training in safe and effective cannabis use.

Career Support That Goes Beyond Education

Every student receives access to:

  • Continuing Education Hub: Resume and interview resources, leadership development, and entrepreneurship tips.
  • Employer Access: Direct links to vetted cannabis companies hiring now.
  • Exclusive LinkedIn Community: Network with peers and industry professionals.

Microcredentials at Syracuse University

Cannabis Career Certificates are part of the Syracuse University College of Professional Studies commitment to flexible, workforce-aligned microcredentials. Like our other microcredential programs, they provide industry-recognized certifications that help professionals gain targeted skills without committing to a full degree—perfect for career changers or those looking to upskill quickly.

Start Your Cannabis Career Today

The first cohort begins January 13, 2026, with new start dates every eight weeks. Request information to get started today.

Syracuse University and Tompkins Cortland Community College Sign Transfer Agreement

Syracuse University and Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) and have announced a new transfer agreement that provides TC3 graduates a direct transfer pathway into online bachelor’s degree programs in the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University. The agreement, which was formally signed into effect by TC3 President Amy Kremenek and College of Professional Studies Dean Michael Frasciello, offers TC3 graduates discounted tuition rate for these undergraduate online degree programs. 

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Take Control of Your Future: 5 Reasons to Earn Your Degree Online

Life doesn’t pause, and neither should your goals. Whether you’re working full-time, finishing up credits, or looking to gain new skills, earning an online degree is a powerful way to move forward without putting everything else on hold.

If you’re not sure about pursuing an online degree, here are five reasons why you should reconsider.

young woman studying and working on her laptop

1. Flexibility

Earning a degree online from the College of Professional Studies ensures maximum flexibility, so that no matter what your current situation is, you can work education into your life. With an online degree program, you have more flexibility to maintain your existing lifestyle.

With a wide range of synchronous and asynchronous online courses, the College of Professional Studies is committed to delivering quality programs to online students. With as much adaptability as possible, online programs make your education something you can blend into your existing reality, rather than something you halt your life to pursue.

2. Alumni Network

Online students often build strong bonds through discussion boards, group projects, and virtual meetups. Those relationships don’t fade; they evolve. Our alumni association ensures that online graduates have the tools to stay connected, collaborate, and contribute.

Our online alumni are invited to participate in events that fit their schedules and interests. Many of these are hosted virtually, making it easy to stay involved no matter where life takes you.

3. Course Variety

From Cybersecurity Administration to Project Management, the College of Professional Studies has a range of degrees that are exclusively available to online students.

By pursuing one of our online degrees, you’re opening your learning pathway up to a world of possibilities.

4. Career Advancement

Online degrees are a great way for working professionals to add to their portfolio of skills and advance their careers. Whether you already have a college degree and are looking to add an online master’s, earning an online degree is an effective way to stay competitive in today’s shifting job market.

With an online degree, you don’t have to put your career on pause to pursue higher education.

5. Learn From a Top University

You don’t have to live near a top university to earn an education at one.

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies is a leading institution in the field of online learning. By earning an online degree from the College of Professional Studies, students have the opportunity to add additional accolades, skills, and credibility to their resume.

Choose Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies today to unlock your potential. Anytime. Anywhere.

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Empowering Military-Connected Students Through Online Education

Whether you’re serving on active duty, transitioning as a veteran, or supporting a loved one in uniform, Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies is your pathway to a brighter future. We don’t just welcome military-connected students; we design degrees around your success.

Let’s break down how we support each part of the military-connected community:

Active-Duty Service Members: Flexible, Affordable, Mission-Ready

Your schedule is demanding. Your goals are ambitious. We’ve built programs that work with your life, not against it.

  • 100% Tuition Coverage: Syracuse matches the Tuition Assistance (TA) rate for active duty, Reserve, and National Guard students in part-time undergraduate programs.
  • Online Degrees That Fit Your Mission: Choose from career-focused programs like Cybersecurity Administration, AI in Business Process Automation, Project Management, and more.
  • Credit for Military Training: Your Joint Services Transcript (JST) and Professional Military Education (PME) can count toward your degree—saving you time and money.

Veterans: A New Mission, A New Community

Transitioning to civilian life is a journey. At Syracuse, you’ll find a university that honors your service and empowers your next chapter.

  • Maximize Your Benefits: Syracuse University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program to help you make the most of your Post 9/11 GI Bill®.
  • Veteran-Dedicated Support: The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs offers personalized guidance, financial aid help, and a community that understands your experience.
  • Top-Ranked University for Veterans: Syracuse University ranks No. 3 in Best for Veterans for Online Bachelor’s Programs of private universities for three consecutive years, according to U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 Best Online Programs rankings.

Spouses, Dependents & Military-Connected Students: Education That Moves with You

Military families face unique challenges. We make sure your education isn’t one of them. Wherever military life takes you, Syracuse goes with you.

  • Monthly Info Sessions: Explore programs, ask questions, and get expert advice—virtually and conveniently.
  • Online Student Success: Online military-connected students also receive personalized support from advisors who are specially trained to navigate their unique challenges and experiences through the Office of Online Student Success.
  • Military Family Support: Veteran and military-connected student support is critical to academic and personal success.  Whatever your student issue is, Syracuse University has a solution. 

To learn more about military-connected support, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/info-for/veterans-military.

College of Professional Studies Leads the Way for Military-Connected Student Support

For three consecutive years, the College of Professional Studies is leading Syracuse University’s support for veterans and military-connected students. 

As of fall 2025, 19% of all currently serving military students attending Syracuse University are enrolled in College of Professional Studies degree programs. Currently serving military students are service members on active duty, National Guard or reserve status. This leadership is driven by the College of Professional Studies’ innovative and progressive work to standardize the University’s Military Credit Evaluation, which evaluates military technical training and professional military education for academic credit.

“Bachelor of Professional Studies degrees are designed specifically for individuals like currently serving members of the armed forces juggling service obligations and life responsibilities with their educational goals,” says Michael Frasciello, Dean of the College of Professional Studies. “We offer an accessible combination of flexibility, applied and focused career preparation, progressive credit transfer [up to 90 credits], and recognition of military experience and training.”

Currently serving military students admitted to the College of Professional Studies’ BPS programs are being recommended and awarded an average of 30 equivalency credits for their military technical training and professional military education.

Diverse Support for Military-Connected Students:

The College of Professional Studies supports 33% of all military-connected students at Syracuse University, including active duty, veterans, and military dependents.

Under our nationally recognized Military Advising Model, the College of Professional Studies has achieved skyrocketing persistence and graduation rates.

Persistence Rate

  • College of Professional Studies: 93%
  • National Average: 45%

Graduation Rate

  • College of Professional Studies: 70%
  • National Average: 20%

“Our ability to successfully support one-third of the University’s military-connected students is only possible because of our advisors who are specifically trained to understand the unique challenges military-connected students face,” says Liz Green, executive director of the student experience for Online Student Success. “This success starts with a recognition that military-connected students are non-traditional, adult learners with distinct needs.”

The College provides holistic support that proactively addresses academic, administrative, and military service-related challenges, such as deployment interruptions, VA benefits navigation, credit transfer from military training, and work-life-study balance, in an integrated way.

Coupled with its national ranking as the #3 Best Online Bachelors Programs for Veterans among private universities, the College of Professional Studies is in the vanguard of Syracuse University’s commitment to being the Best Place for Veterans.

To learn more about military-connected support, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/info-for/veterans-military.